Poles must understand history but we must also overcome it if it is obstructing our contemporary goals.

My government is in no sense anti-Russian.

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.

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

If we believe that the EU is only a fair-weather event we will be doomed. The EU cannot be an answer only to the tragedies of the past but also to the problems of the future. We must understand that the geopolitical holidays are over. It's time to go back to school where there will be only hard exams to take.

Nothing would be better today if Europe were divided or smaller. Today we have to say loud and clear that the crises, which have affected Europe cannot serve as a pretext for its disintegration. A mini-Europe would be the worst response to the maxi problems we have to face.

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.