In the area of macroeconomic policies, I think we'll see more centralization, like in the budgetary sphere.

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

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

The Italian economy has been held back for decades.

I hope that my government can help change Italian mentality.

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

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.