Juncker urges EU to battle 'small-minded nationalism'

EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker called on Europe Thursday to fight "small-minded nationalism... while there is still time", with just eight months to go before European parliamentary elections where far-right and populist parties could make strong gains.

"We must stand up," Juncker said in a speech in Vienna to mark the centenary of the founding of the Republic of Austria.

"The danger looming from the right can easily gain ground when mindless populism and small-minded nationalism are paving the way," Juncker said, recalling the rise of Nazism during the 1930s.

"We must stop it while there is still time," he said.

Juncker insisted it was not his intention to insult anybody, "particularly not the EU sceptics, whom I understand.

"There are plenty of people who aren't opposed to Europe in principle, but who have legitimate questions about it," he said.

It was necessary to hold debates and discussions and to exchange views with people, rather than ignore their concerns.

"We must remember that democracy in its noblest sense requires fight, rebellion and commitment," Juncker said.