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

I'm not suffering from withdrawal symptoms. I would say that I have a balanced state of mind.

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

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.

Now people are criticizing Europe, the European Commission, Juncker and the whole lot because the distribution of refugees didn't succeed immediately. But you also have to recognize that close to 20,000 refugees have already been redistributed. There are only a few member states that do not want to take part.

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

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