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

For my generation, the monetary union has always been about forging peace.

I have always considered it to be a minor miracle that after the war, people in Europe's border regions were able to forget everything and, in accordance with the slogan "Never Again War," develop a program that still works today.

With their charm and legendary sense of humor, the British directly or indirectly paved the way for a large number of European compromises.

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

The problem is: When two governments or institutions in Europe hold differing opinions, it is immediately a crisis.

The position of EU commissioner for economic and monetary affairs could be combined with the office of Euro Group chairman. That job would be a great challenge for anyone who assumed it. On the one hand, he would have to make proposals. On the other hand, he would have to negotiate compromises with his European counterparts.