I believe it is wrong to give Moscow a rebate on Ukraine sanctions because of Syria.

Before we talk about further accessions, we have to consolidate the European Union internally. People are increasingly losing faith in the EU's effectiveness.

[Helmut] Kohl said Europe must return to being a community committed to stability and the rule of law.

We must now, in the 21st century, protect democracy, one which rests on fundamental rights for all, regardless of skin color, gender, race or religion. Nothing less than that is at stake.

I believe that dignified work is a value in itself.

We won't get any growth in Greece by just imposing cuts. What I would prefer is a special economic zone for Greece.

If we want to defeat Islamic State, we first have to arrive at a cease-fire agreement in Syria. Once that has been achieved, an anti-IS coalition can be assembled, including Russia, Saudi Arabia and Iran. That, however, will be significantly more difficult in the wake of Turkey's downing of the Russian plane.