European policy is always an interplay of rationality and emotion.

Referendums have always posed a threat when it comes to EU policy, because EU policy is complicated. They're an opportunity for those from all political camps who like to oversimplify things.

The EU is an unique project that replaced war with peace, hate with solidarity. Overwhelming emotion for awarding of Nobel prize to EU

For many people, politics in Brussels and Strasbourg might as well be happening on another planet.

But if you constantly insist only on your own interpretation, it isn't long before it seems patronizing.

I'm not a populist. But I try to present complicated issues in such a way that people know where I stand.

Before we talk about further accessions, we have to consolidate the European Union internally. People are increasingly losing faith in the EU's effectiveness.

I am a man of parliament, a man of the people. I am not a representative of the executives.

A joint European army is a very far-reaching proposal and it would be difficult to implement. Such initiatives are nevertheless needed.

The problem with us EU politicians is that we approach everything with cool rationality, and then wonder why we don't win people over emotionally.

I believe that the majority of people in Europe want to demonstrate solidarity with the refugees.

Revenge! The stupidest motive on earth, just an attempt to change history.

One day we will realize that big hearts will bring us more peace than big weapons.

Painting quickly is a calculated act to block out rational thought.

I'll tell you what can make bacon better... nothing.

If I'm going to lose, I'd rather lose on my own accord.

When I am trying to write I turn on music so I can hear what is keeping me from hearing.

Human beings have to create hope. They have to. You have to have something you hold onto as being a possibility. Otherwise, why go on?

As long as I am this or that, I am not all things.

There is a vast difference between failure and temporary defeat.

The library was the place I went to find out what there was to know. It was absolutely essential.