Naturally we are aware of the strength of our economy and naturally we don't want to downplay it.

Germany is very free-trade oriented.

It was with horror that I learned of the abominable terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington in which so many innocent people have lost their lives. My government staunchly condemns these acts of terrorism. The German people are at the side of the United States of America in this difficult hour. I wish to express my deep-felt condolences and complete solidarity to you and the American people. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.

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.

We want to change the way we help unemployed people find jobs. We want to be faster and more goal oriented.

Germany is in favor of integration precisely because we don't want dominance.

There's no conflict between the social-welfare state and open markets.