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.

It's important to show that, while authorizing the demonstrations and promoting diversity of opinion, the Republic can't allow itself to be undermined from within.

The United States, for a French citizen, is a friend, an ally, to whom we owe, along with most Europeans, our freedom.

A country like France now does two-thirds of its trade within the euro zone.

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.

I believe that transatlantic relations are very important and that President Bush's visit to Brussels, in a few days, will have a major impact on that.

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