The Italian economy is certainly the weakest of the big European countries.

European government is a clear expression I still use, you need time, but step by step, as in the Austrian case, the European Commission takes a political decision and behaves like a growing government.

No one wants to lose their job, or cede the power they've acquired.

We are involved in a constitution-building process of historic importance. The Convention should mark a new stage in European integration.

Are we all clear that we want to build something that can aspire to be a world power - not just a trading bloc, but a political entity?

I am sure the euro will oblige us to introduce a new set of economic policy instruments. It is politically impossible to propose that now. But some day there will be a crisis and new instruments will be created.

I don't want to pass a punitive law, or use politics as a vendetta.