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

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

We must go beyond being reactive and defensive. As Europeans we must regain our self-confidence and realize our own strengths.

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.

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

My Kashubian family, like the Jews, are people who were born and live in border areas and were suspected by the Nazis and by the Communists of being disloyal.

My government is in no sense anti-Russian.