We don't want a mediocre, defensive Europe that tries to bury its head in the sand to avoid the realities of the 21st century.

There's a tendency in many politicians to become inward-looking, more protectionist, more nationalistic and more defensive, in the bad sense of the word.

Internal protectionism in Europe would be deadly, really a disaster for European economies.

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.

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

I have full confidence in the IMF. It is a very strong international institution.