The market appeared to be celebrating the onset of economic recovery in Germany, though the evidence for this is tenuous, to say the least.

Volkswagen has been playing hardball in recent months. This is good news, as Europe needs a buoyant Germany, which in turns needs a buoyant Volkswagen.

One of the problems here both for France and for Germany, is that they are both quite dependant on exports as a source of growth.

Germany will be the benchmark for the World Cup. I can say without a doubt the level of cooperation is without comparison.

The large German banks now seem to be more interested in competing with Anglo-Saxon banks in international markets than in nurturing their long-standing domestic lending business.

My job, specifically at the outset, is to deal with that group of presidents one-by-one and collectively -working and helping within their countries to make sure that the recommendations are implemented.