The EU must take on new responsibilities. And these new responsibilities call for intensifying the integration process.

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.

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.

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

I am not a newcomer, you know, so I want to be judged for what I did when I was prime minister last time in Italy and president of the European Commission for more than five years.

Our continents unification is at hand and we must stand to account.

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