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

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

Germany will continue to play a central - perhaps even a more important - role in the European Union. I think that we will all miss the pragmatic approach of the British, however, particularly in those long nights of negotiation.

From the very beginning Europe has been not only a success story but also a story of success achieved by learning.

I am chilled by the realization of how similar circumstances in Europe in 2013 are to those of 100 years ago.

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

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.