Many who have voted for the AfD, or who intend to do so, aren't doing so because they are dyed-in-the-wool enemies of democracy. Rather, they are desperate.

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.

Change is not a four letter word...but often your reaction to it is!

In business you must give something back.

The artist need not know very much, best of all let him work instinctively and paint as naturally as he breathes or walks.

The great poet draws his creations only from out of his own reality.

Suffice to say, many women find their first appearance on a comedy panel show to be their last. Second chances seem to be given less often to the female of the species.

Be certain that you easily clear the minimum standards for service as a missionary and that you are continually raising the bar.

There are many lights in the shadows and many shadows in the lights; lots of talents in the shades, lots of incompetents in the luminosities

The writer's function is to prevent myths turning into allegories.

Creativity is the ability to identify self-imposed constraints, remove them, and explore the consequences of their removal.

I used to think success would be sustainability. Not being behind the eight ball.