I wouldn't like Greece to stay recession. I do think that everything has to be undertaken to reconnect with growth.

I completely agree with Helmut Kohl. I am not an advocate of the "United States of Europe," nor am I an integration fanatic.

We can't completely rely on the aberrations of history to explain today's European necessities. Future-related issues are no less pressing.

One shouldn't pursue the wrong policies just because one is afraid of not being reelected. Those who intend to govern have to take responsibility for their countries and for Europe as a whole. This means, if need be, that they have to pursue the right policies, even if many voters think they are the wrong ones.

We do not attract Russian money to Luxembourg with high interest rates.

Anyone who believes that the eternal question of war and peace in Europe is no longer there risks being deeply mistaken.

I prefer to concentrate on my task of leading Europe to the success that our citizens expect. We have to look forwards now because what is at stake is what makes Europe Europe.