Here in Brussels, we did everything to accommodate David Cameron's concerns. My collaborators and I personally spent countless days and nights negotiating an agreement that was fair toward the United Kingdom and toward the other 27 Member States. I was then very surprised to see that this settlement played no role whatsoever in the campaign in the United Kingdom. At the same time it is hardly surprising.

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

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

We can't completely rely on the aberrations of history to explain today's European necessities. Future-related issues are no less pressing.

The way some German politicians have lashed out at Greece when the country fell into the crisis has left deep wounds there. I was just as shocked by the banners of protesters in Athens that showed the German chancellor in a Nazi uniform.

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

I am for it - not to make a threat, but to make clear that decisions that have been made are applicable law, even if you have voted against it. At issue here is European solidarity, which cannot be a one-way street. The traffic has to move in both directions.