I am in favor of the European institutions being led for the next two-and-a-half years as they have been thus far. We need stability.

I have another explanation [of Brexit]: In its 43 years of EU membership, Britain has never been able to decide whether it wants to fully or only partially belong to the EU.

After 30 years in Brussels, I can tell you: The relationship between the Commission and the Parliament has probably never been as good as it is now.

I am chilled by the realization of how similar circumstances in Europe in 2013 are to those of 100 years ago.