In the darkest days of European history, America stood close by us and today we stand close by America. Nothing will ever be the same.

Foreign policy can mean several things, not only foreign policy in the narrow sense. It can cover foreign policy, relations with the developing world, and enlargement as well.

It is becoming more widely acknowledged that it is better to have a good constitution than not having a perfect one.

So when you are faced with a decision on the euro, it is not surprising that many people are confused. They still try to squeeze the euro debate into the old language. But deep down it is a matter of deciding where one's future lies. It is a matter of political will and courage.

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

Italy is divided between us and them, rich and poor, north and south, young and old, employed and unemployed.

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.