Quote

I am keenly aware that the wealth and power of the European nations are the result not only of their having ships and powerful guns, strong fortresses and formidable troops but also because their people can fully employ their talents, their land can be fully utilized, their natural resources can be fully tapped, and their goods can freely flow.

Europe should stick to an open economy, to competition and we should refuse protectionism. It will not save one single job in the long run to protect non-competitive industries.

The euro must be defended, or uncertainty about the European Union will be widespread.

Above all it is important to point out that we can only maintain our prosperity in Europe if we belong to the most innovative regions in the world.

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.

There are many conflicting interests in Europe.

You need a debate and a vote on the principles: Do you want more Europe or less Europe? Do you believe we are more efficient with defense and security with Europe, or not? Do you believe we are more efficient for our companies with or without Europe? Those are the questions we have to discuss and push our people to vote on it.

China needs a powerful Europe, but Europe can only be strong if each and every one of its members attains rapid economic development.

Well, I have concerns about the effectiveness of Europe to compete.