We must also take this opportunity to learn from the situation [of Brexit], just as we learned from the refugee and debt crises.

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

I'm not deaf and the Commission isn't operating in a parallel world of legal texts.

Since populists never miss an opportunity to create a lot of noise about anti-Europe stance. However, the repercussions of the British referendum could quickly put a stop to such crass rabble-rousing, as it should soon become clear that the UK was better off inside the EU - economically, socially and in foreign policy terms.

It's important to recognize that we in Europe will either succeed together or fail together.

In politics, there are different categories of friendship. My friendship with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, for example .

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.