When I see the cultural diversity that exists today, I feel that we must defend it, and we need Europe, because otherwise we are going to live in a society with a single model, the Anglo-American model.

France has a very important relationship with Germany. But that does not mean that we agree about everything or that two of our universities or companies are not going to compete.

Prohibiting a visible religious sign, which isn't a manifestation of militancy, would look like a fight against religions.

But the Republic has its rules and it must not tolerate any abuse of them.

Let them be reassured, it has never been one of our intentions to ban religion in society, but solely to protect the national education system from any conspicuous display of religious affiliation.

Europe started out with six countries; three small countries and three large countries.

We would like UN resolutions to be enforced, including on Iraq.