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.

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

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

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

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.

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

I hope that my government can help change Italian mentality.