But anyone who believes that the eternal issue of war and peace in Europe has been permanently laid to rest could be making a monumental error. The demons haven't been banished; they are merely sleeping, as the wars in Bosnia and Kosovo have shown us.

In Europe, even more so than in national politics, we have to follow the principle laid down by Martin Luther: Use language that the people will understand, but don't just tell them what they want to hear.

The use of EU summits to frame political victories or defeats is an annoying habit.

There can be no doubt that, with the United Kingdom, we will lose a very market-oriented voice.

With hindsight, it is always easy to blame everyone else.

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.

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