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

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

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

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

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

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.

Italy needed structural reforms to become more competitive.