A market that's as open as possible is the precondition for a successful economy, and a successful economy is the precondition to being able to pay for social security.

Any debate among politicians about monetary policy is counterproductive.

We want to encourage those who are able to work, no question.

Whatever the details of union may be, there's no doubt we need more policy coordination in Europe.

Our future begins on January 1 1999. The euro is Europe's key to the 21st century. The era of solo national fiscal and economic policy is over.

Germany is very free-trade oriented.

The euro will raise the citizens' awareness of their belonging to one Europe more than any other integration step to date.