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

There have been major disagreements within the European Union.

I think that we must come together progressively, with the British, the Germans, the Spanish, the Italians and with the new members of the European Union, we must make an effort to forge closer links.

What's very important is that we build a space that matters in the world, one that operates according to democratic rules, and that small and large countries enjoy a good relationship.

The Republic is open and tolerant but also knows how and when to be firm and make its values respected.

The Europe we are in the process of building is the Europe of the 21st century; it's not the Europe of the 20th century.

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