I would describe that [friendship with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras] as a utilitarian friendship. At the time, his country was facing the prospect of leaving the euro zone and many Greeks felt abandoned by Europe. In such a situation, it seemed appropriate to me to present myself as a friend to Greece. It had to do with the country's dignity.

It is not more Europe or less Europe that we need. We need a better Europe.

The person who is ahead in the end will have the advantage.

One can't allow blind loyalty to a friendship to lead one away from acting in the public interest. If Martin [Schulz] were to propose something that was totally absurd, our friendship would not prevent me from doing the opposite.

My friendship with Martin [Schulz], by contrast, is completely different in that it goes far beyond politics.

I am in favor of the European institutions being led for the next two-and-a-half years as they have been thus far. We need stability.

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