As far as missile defense is concerned, a very thorough consultation process is underway.

The question of feasibility, the question of cost, the question of including partners elsewhere in the world, the question of the effect of this project on arms agreements – all these issues are in discussion.

Any debate among politicians about monetary policy is counterproductive.

As far as my relationship with President Putin is concerned, it’s fine.

We are seeing significant growth in foreign investment in Germany.

We made a decision that monetary policy will be made by an independent European Central Bank.

Germany is very free-trade oriented.

If I correctly understand the goal of American policy, one wishes Russia to be a partner.

A market that’s as open as possible is the precondition for a successful economy, and a successful economy is the precondition to being able to pay for social security.

This question about Iraq has gotten personal.

Naturally we are aware of the strength of our economy and naturally we don’t want to downplay it.

Indeed, the creators of the euro envisioned it as an instrument to promote political union.

We want to encourage those who are able to work, no question.

Germany is in favor of integration precisely because we don’t want dominance.

As far as missile defense is concerned, a very thorough consultation process is underway.

We want to change the way we help unemployed people find jobs. We want to be faster and more goal oriented.

One effect could be that the huge atomic arsenal created in the cold war could be reduced significantly.

A common currency imposes on us a duty to cooperate more on policy.

My impression is that American policy speaks not of antagonism but rather partnership.

Next, we will create a modern immigration law.

We really believe our national interests are identical with European interests.

There’s no conflict between the social-welfare state and open markets.

Any degree of unemployment worries me.

Whatever the details of union may be, there’s no doubt we need more policy coordination in Europe.