You can't deepen the European Union against the wishes of the European countries.

From the very beginning Europe has been not only a success story but also a story of success achieved by learning.

I urge everyone to be patient and reasonable and I warn against shooting from the hip in the truest sense of the term. Pressure and dialogue are needed.

I am chilled by the realization of how similar circumstances in Europe in 2013 are to those of 100 years ago.

Greeks have to know that they are not alone ... Those who are fighting for the survivor of Greece inside the Euro area are deeply harmed by the impression floating around in the Greek public opinion that Greece is a victim. Greece is a member of the EU and the euro. I want Greece to be a constructive member of the Union because the EU is also benefiting from Greece.

I'm always quite amazed that people in Europe become unnerved when two institutions or two people have different views.

I said in my inaugural address that I am not the Council's secretary, nor am I the Parliament's lackey. That can sometimes lead to conflicts, which are defused through dialogue.