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.

If governments let themselves be fully bound by the decisions of their parliaments without protecting their own freedom to act, a breakup of Europe would be a more probable outcome than deeper integration.

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

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

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.