Whatever the details of union may be, there's no doubt we need more policy coordination in Europe.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Europe has a lot of strength. We need to pool that strength, and I am very much in favour of that - more of a deeper political union.
I have specifically argued that we need to change our relationship with the European Union by fundamentally reforming not just our relationship but the European Union itself.
What we need is a common goal for more Europe.
I think that we must come together progressively, with the British, the Germans, the Spanish, the Italians and with the new members of the European Union, we must make an effort to forge closer links.
There have been major disagreements within the European Union.
Europe needs an engine, and the Franco-German motor has provided that when the two nations have converged on important topics during critical periods. But that partnership shouldn't be a directorate for other EU members.
A two-speed Europe will not be a strong Europe. The idea of making decisions and policies in a narrow circle, disregarding smaller EU members, will make it hard to engage them to commit to a common policy, which will weaken the union.
We work well together with the United Kingdom - particularly, perhaps, when we talk about new rules for the European Union.
Because with courage and conviction I believe we can deliver a more flexible, adaptable and open European Union in which the interests and ambitions of all its members can be met.
Europe must act quickly where it's needed and must, once and for all, let member states handle what is their exclusive domain.