Germany will continue to play a central - perhaps even a more important - role in the European Union. I think that we will all miss the pragmatic approach of the British, however, particularly in those long nights of negotiation.

I don't think Spain will need any kind of external support.

I don't think in national categories. For me it [policy] is about concepts and substance.

I wouldn't like Greece to stay recession. I do think that everything has to be undertaken to reconnect with growth.