EC chief Juncker wants to follow in footsteps of his hero

Although the possibility of any exit from the euro has basically been left behind, both socially and economically, the European Union is still very sick. Several core economies such as France and Italy may slip into their third recession in six years.

Starting his first week running the colossal but challenges-ridden EU machinery, the new European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker, who turns 60 next month, and who governed the tiny city country of Luxembourg for 18 years, must quickly come to grips with the breathtaking complexities of the bloc.

In seeking a cure-all therapy for the enlarging bloc, Juncker has chosen to identify himself with the European political gurus who played decisive roles in forging the EU.