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.

A lot of the American press at the time was saying 'just watch what happens when Bertelsmann tries to buy EMI, that will be a moment of truth that will show the Commission's true colors.' Well, that deal never happened either.

Not all Greeks are ready to do whatever is necessary to stay in the euro.

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

I believe that reforms will not really take hold if they do not gradually come into the culture of the people.

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.

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