Jose Manuel Barroso Quotes

In the age of globalization pooled sovereignty means more power, not less.

Decisions taken by the most democratic institutions in the world are very often wrong.

I believe that Europe without Britain at the heart will be less reform-driven, less open, less international Europe.

The E.U. is founded on the Treaties which apply only to the Member States who have agreed and ratified them.

At least in Europe, we consider the right to privacy a fundamental right and it is a very serious matter.

I'll put it frankly - Britain has more influence in China than Norway or Switzerland, with all respect for the other countries.

Climate action is central for the future of our planet.

Responding to the challenge of climate change is the ultimate political test for our generation...Our package not only responds to this challenge, but...is an opportunity that should create thousands of new businesses and millions of jobs in Europe.

What people call serendipity sometimes is just having your eyes open.

My mother wanted me to be a professor, because I have several people in my family who are professors at university.

By the way, the European Union Member States together - even the euro area Member States together - are by far the biggest contributors to the IMF.

I think diversity can also be a resource, an asset, especially in a world that is becoming globalized, to deal with difference, to deal with variety, to deal with complexity.

If we say leaders are incompetent, we are going to fuel extremist, populist, xenophobic and ultra-nationalist parties.

Even when governments take the right steps to reform, these can be negatively impacted by events outside their control.

I have full confidence in the IMF. It is a very strong international institution.

Let us not forget that the European Community started as a project for peace after the terrible Second World War. And today people take for granted the freedom to travel, to study, to work abroad. And the citizens of one country have almost exactly the same rights as another country.

Smart, sustainable, inclusive growth is the key to job-creation and the future prosperity of Europe.

The Eurogroup decisions are always taken unanimously.

Governments are not always right.

I don't know why my son was born conservative.

Norway or Switzerland are two marvelous countries, I very much admire, the most advanced countries in the world in fact with great qualities of life.

Norwegian legislation is more in conformity with the rules of the European Union than most member states.

Internal protectionism in Europe would be deadly, really a disaster for European economies.

I am a very committed European.

Financial transaction tax raises problems of competition.

I say to my friends, 'Don't just listen to the vuvuzelas; look at who scores the goals.' And this is the important thing.

For investor confidence, it is important that there is certainty about the future of Ireland in E.U.

There is no stability without solidarity and no solidarity without stability.

The euro area must not be treated as an "opt out" from the European Union.

Growth based on debt is unsustainable, artificial.

A new state, if it wants to join the European Union, has to apply to become a member of the European Union like any state.