I am a champion of trans-Atlantic relations and I do not believe there is any other option available to us than working closely together with America - including Canada. There is no other alliance option, but the same is true for the U.S.

I note that many British MEPs belonging to the UK Independence Party (UKIP) have used all their time in Parliament to work against the institution of which they are members. I would not presume to advise them on what they should or should not do. However, since the UK could not leave the EU fast enough as far as they were concerned, I can imagine that they will not stay any longer than they have to.

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

Anyone who believes that the eternal question of war and peace in Europe is no longer there risks being deeply mistaken.

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.

I am for secret, dark debates.

I'm always quite amazed that people in Europe become unnerved when two institutions or two people have different views.