For German Social Democracy, Europe is vital to the national interest.

The ESM, the European Stability Mechanism, is not funded by Germany alone. Twenty-seven percent of the bailout package comes from Germany. Italy and France together cover a total of 38 percent. That's reality. It makes no sense to say that everyone wants to get at Germany's money.

At the time, Jean-Claude [Juncker] was already an important man in Brussels. I was a young representative in the European Parliament. We talked for a long time and from that point on, our connection became increasingly deep. But our working-class origins are at least as important to our bond.

The EU is a community of values, not military buildups.

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

My worry is that Donald Trump may inspire copycats, also in Europe. That's why I hope Hillary Clinton wins.

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.