It is true that no member state can be required to make payments to others. But if countries want to offer voluntary assistance, as in the Greek case, this isn't only allowed, but it's also in Germany's interest. We all benefit by ensuring the stability of the euro zone.

Europe has grown through crises. Each crisis also presents opportunities, and Europe has emerged stronger from each one. That is the way history unfolds. Europe is sometimes slow, and it reacts sluggishly, but it is capable of finding solutions.

Those who constantly qualify everything and have no opinions of their own are ultimately just as incapable of tolerance.

If the Schengen system (of border-free travel) is destroyed, Europe will be seriously endangered politically and economically. That is why we Europeans have to invest billions in Turkey, Libya, Jordan and other countries in the region as quickly as possible everybody as much as they can.

It has been clear for some time now that we have to do more for domestic and external security. I am prepared for that.

We in Europe need to discuss how we can improve the community. That is the correct order.

I suggested that countries with tighter finances think about such a [fuel] tax. We don't have the time at the moment for months of discussion.