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

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.

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.

The strategic partnership between the European Union and the United States is rooted in our shared values of freedom, human rights, democracy and a belief in the market economy.

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