The European Parliament elected Jean-Claude Juncker as President of the European Commission with 422 votes of the 751 in favor. The newly elected President said the EU will not enlarge over the next five years as it needs to make a pause and to strengthen what has been done in the 28 Member States, IPN reports, quoting Mediafax.

“During my presidency at the Commission, the initiated negotiations will continue, especially with the Western Balkans that need a clear European perspective,” stated Jean-Claude Juncker.

He called for intensifying the efforts to cooperate, associate and establish partnerships with the countries from the Eastern neighborhood, such as Ukraine and Moldova. He also pleaded for a more powerful Europe on the international arena.

On July 16, EU leaders are set to discuss the creation of the new EU Commission that will take office on November 1 and to nominate a new EU foreign policy chief, to replace Britain’s Catherine Ashton. The candidates for this post are Italian Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini and Bulgarian Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid Kristalina Gheorghieva.