Italy needed structural reforms to become more competitive.

If Spain goes under, Italy will come under even more scrutiny.

I am certain that most Germans have instinctive liking for Italy, just as Italians admire Germans for their many qualities.

I believe that in Europe, we have a collective leadership.

Europe has to avoid old prejudices and new ones. That means north versus south, rich versus poor.

Growth in any individual European country has to be the result of policies for growth pursued in that country consistent with budgetary discipline.

I know that speaking with parties, which I do, but not very often, is seen by many as a contamination.