The good thing about the European Union is that the joint project ultimately benefits all Member States and not just a few.

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

I believe neither the French nor the Dutch really rejected the constitutional treaty.

I don't think Spain will need any kind of external support.

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

You can consider this carved in stone: I rule out becoming Herman Van Rompuy's successor.

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