We should remind our American friends of their own motto: United we stand. Divided, we fall.

Many militant conflicts began with war-like words. The blame game is currently more popular in the EU than football. But maybe there is also a good side to this. We now talk more honestly and emotionally with each other. Not in the soulless Euro-lingo of earlier times.

Over the years, the European Union and the United States have worked together to ensure peace and prosperity for our citizens and for people around the world.

I spent an important part of my life participating in conflicts. But for me, conflict was not the main principle.

Im plain incapable of getting angry with Angela Merkel and likewise.

Today, it is more important than ever to strengthen transatlantic relations. Only by co-operating closely can the EU and the US continue to make a difference when dealing with unprecedented challenges such as Daesh, the threats to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, climate change and migration.

I got into politics a little bit by chance, as a person from the first generation of the Solidarity movement.