"Wind is back in Europe's sails" – said the Commission's President in his State of the European Union speech addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg arguing for a more united and effective EU that is based on freedom, equality and the rule of law. Aside from a reinforced banking union, social standards and a joint defence union he underlined the importance of respecting the rule of law and, in particular, the rulings of the European Court of Justice. "The rule of law is not optional in the European Union. It is a must," he added.