If the euro becomes a factor promoting Europe's drifting apart, then the foundation of the European project is destroyed.

There was in Italy a hidden demand for a boring government which would try to tell the truth in non-political jargon.

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

I hope that my government can help change Italian mentality.

There is no government in Europe where ministers go through that kind of confirmation process, which in fact is modeled on the way the U.S. cabinet members are confirmed.

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