Anyone who believes that the eternal question of war and peace in Europe is no longer there risks being deeply mistaken.

My father was a steel worker and Martin's [Schulz] grandfather was a miner in Saarland. In these occupations, there is a particular awareness of solidarity. That creates links that aren't present in other relationships.

It is not acceptable that European Union countries are divided into those who give and those who take.

I am a champion of trans-Atlantic relations and I do not believe there is any other option available to us than working closely together with America - including Canada. There is no other alliance option, but the same is true for the U.S.

Decisions can only be reached in Europe if France and Germany agree.

In the highest government office, you have to be ready to bow out at any time, otherwise you are not a free individual anymore.

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