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.

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

I notice with a certain sense of regret that far too many Europeans are returning to a regional and national mindset.

The Greek nation has to be respected. I am not in the camp of those who openly want to humiliate Greece.

Angela Merkel did the right thing. Her decision and the extraordinary willingness of the German people to take in refugees conveyed an image of Germany that is still having positive repercussions today. Unfortunately, people in Germany are no longer seeing that.

I don't think in national categories. For me it [policy] is about concepts and substance.

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.