Financial service providers act as the lubricating oil in the economy. They link consumers who want to invest their savings for a good return with companies who want to borrow on best terms for expansion.

Since creation of the E.U. a half century ago, Europe has enjoyed the longest period of peace in its history.

U.S. companies earn more from their investments in the EU than in the rest of the world combined.

The time horizon may be too long for sole reliance on market solutions - but perhaps the inventiveness of the financial services industry will prove me wrong that point!

The E.U. has moved to combat global terrorism by instituting common European arrest and evidence warrants and creating a joint situation center to pool and analyze intelligence.

The European Union is the world's most successful invention for advancing peace.

That's where my job comes in. Getting the E.U. and U.S. to agree.