Let me say this on a personal note. Without the United States of America, I would in all probably not be able to stand here before you today.

No bank should be allowed to become so big that it can blackmail governments.

I fortunately know very many people, and there are many, many more that I don't know and many politicians who stand up for the same values of democracy of liberal societies, of open societies of respect for the dignity of man.

Implementing parts of European constitution and leaving out others - without knowing where we're going - isn't an option. That would be detrimental to the overall balance, which is why we must embark on another comprehensive discussion of the issue once again. I would like to see Europe retain the idea of a constitution in the end, and I plan to campaign on its behalf.

Neither the chains of dictatorship nor the fetters of oppression can keep down the forces of freedom for long.

In Europe it is particularly important that we build good relations to everyone who holds political responsibility because Europe can only be build together.

The markets want to force us to do certain things. That we won't do. Politicians have to make sure that we're unassailable, that we can make policy for the people.