I have the most profound respect for the Department of Justice and the FTC. We in Europe are a younger and I would say junior institution to the historical antitrust experience of the US.

As to the question of elected or not elected, each member of the European Commission has been appointed jointly by the governments of the 15 member states, and undergone individual scrutiny and a vote of confidence from the European Parliament.

My aspiration is not to be loved. It is that my government be respected and credible.

Italy even in the future will not need aid from the European Financial Stability Fund.

The Italian economy has been held back for decades.

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

It is rather unusual for Italy to be at the forefront of pro-market initiatives.