Proposals on EU reform for Britain are fair: Juncker

The proposal on reforming Britain's relationship with the European Union is fair and must be supported by the European Parliament, Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker says.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker speaks during a debate on the UKs upcoming in-or-out EU referendum, at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, on February 3, 2016. Source: Getty Images

A proposal to help persuade Britain to remain in the European Union is likely to be agreed by EU leaders, the Netherlands, which holds the EU rotating presidency, said on Wednesday.

       

"It is in our common interest to quickly respond to the United Kingdom's concerns," Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders told then European Parliament in Strasbourg.

       

He said the proposal released on Tuesday "paves the way for an agreement in the European Council. I am sure a solution can be found."

The proposal is fair and must be supported by the European Parliament, Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told the assembly.

       

"I have always said I want the UK to remain a member of the European Union on the basis of a fair deal. The settlement that has been proposed is fair for the UK and fair for the other 27 members," Juncker said.

      

"It is also fair for the European Parliament ... the parliament must be fully signed up to the new settlements." 

      

The European Council of 28 EU leaders meets in Brussels on Feb. 18-19.