If cooperation among governments were the superior concept for progress in Europe, I'd be onboard immediately. But the problem is that cooperation isn't working.

I still hope that the American system of checks and balances will ultimately prevent this man, Donald Trump, with his erratic political style, from jeopardizing our European security architecture.

It's not attractive at the moment to vouch for the European idea. I still do it, because I believe nothing would be better for our continent.

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

The quota idea is a good one, but there are two problems with it. The first is clear: A quota system would also require all European countries to be prepared to take refugees. And secondly: What happens when the quota has been filled? Would we then simply tell those who are threatened, sorry but we have to send you back?

I would never attack somebody only because they belong to a different party.

You can be sure that I won't experiment with right-wing terms.