If we say leaders are incompetent, we are going to fuel extremist, populist, xenophobic and ultra-nationalist parties.

My mother wanted me to be a professor, because I have several people in my family who are professors at university.

Let us not forget that the European Community started as a project for peace after the terrible Second World War. And today people take for granted the freedom to travel, to study, to work abroad. And the citizens of one country have almost exactly the same rights as another country.

I believe that Europe without Britain at the heart will be less reform-driven, less open, less international Europe.

Decisions taken by the most democratic institutions in the world are very often wrong.

A new state, if it wants to join the European Union, has to apply to become a member of the European Union like any state.

I'll put it frankly - Britain has more influence in China than Norway or Switzerland, with all respect for the other countries.

I am a very committed European.

In the age of globalization pooled sovereignty means more power, not less.

Climate action is central for the future of our planet.

I say to my friends, 'Don't just listen to the vuvuzelas look at who scores the goals.' And this is the important thing.

Financial transaction tax raises problems of competition.

Responding to the challenge of climate change is the ultimate political test for our generation...Our package not only responds to this challenge, but...is an opportunity that should create thousands of new businesses and millions of jobs in Europe.

I have full confidence in the IMF. It is a very strong international institution.

What people call serendipity sometimes is just having your eyes open.