Reference to the territory and total disregard for the nationality of the companies is of course the best guarantee that competition assessment remain just that and doesn't get affected by trade or other considerations.

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

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.

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

I know that speaking with parties, which I do, but not very often, is seen by many as a contamination.

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

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