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

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

My aspiration is not to be loved. It is that my government be respected and credible.

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.

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.

It is very unusual for a country to ask guys who are not politicians to come and run the country.

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