The dynamic of globalisation in financial and economic terms, but also in geopolitical terms, confronts Europeans with a stark choice: live together, share a common destiny and count in the world; or face the prospect of disunity and decline.

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

It is important for the world to understand that the European Union and China are able to solve the problem in a constructive, positive way.

Germany is the biggest economy of Europe and we need Germany on board for the economic reforms of Europe, including, of course, the deepening of the internal market, resisting protectionism, and supporting further economic policy coordination.

By the way, the European Union Member States together - even the euro area Member States together - are by far the biggest contributors to the IMF.

Norway or Switzerland are two marvelous countries, I very much admire, the most advanced countries in the world in fact with great qualities of life.