“We won't get any growth in Greece by just imposing cuts. What I would prefer is a special economic zone for Greece.” GrowthCuttingEconomicSpecialZoneGreeceImposing Author:Martin Schulz
“Businesses will only invest in Greece if three conditions are fulfilled. First, there must be a clear commitment to the euro. No businesses will invest if they have to fear that Greece will leave the euro zone at some point. Second, the Greek government must be prepared to work together with European institutions in order to restructure the country.” IfsFirstsCountryGovernmentTogetherOrderThreeClearConditionsCommitmentInstitutionsPreparedGreekZoneWorking TogetherFulfilledBe PreparedGreeceEuroRestructure Author:Martin Schulz
“There you see how absurd the reactions of the so-called markets are. For a long time, Italy was run by one of the most unprofessional politicians anywhere. But there wasn't much pressure in terms of speculation. Now, in Mario Monti, Italy has the kind of leader you usually only get in Hollywood movies, a distinguished professor who won't even accept a cook at his residence, the Palazzo Chigi. Instead Monti's wife cooks their pasta herself - and this is the man the markets don't trust.” MenKindLongRunningTermLeaderAcceptingWifeHe ManPoliticianLong TimeHollywoodPressureReactionsAbsurdCooksProfessorsSpeculationDistinguishedDon't TrustPastaResidenceHollywood MoviesMario Author:Martin Schulz
“Italy is one of the eight major industrial nations. What will happen if a G-8 country within the European Union goes bankrupt? Does anyone think Germany wouldn't be affected? Italy is one of our key markets.” IfsThinkingDoeCountryHappensNationsKeysMajorsUnionsEightGermanyAffectedEuropean Union Author:Martin Schulz
“The ESM, the European Stability Mechanism, is not funded by Germany alone. Twenty-seven percent of the bailout package comes from Germany. Italy and France together cover a total of 38 percent. That's reality. It makes no sense to say that everyone wants to get at Germany's money.” WantRealityTogetherPercentTwentiesSevenFranceGermanyStabilityMechanismPackagesBailouts Author:Martin Schulz
“The vast majority of people support the idea of an enlightened, modern union of countries demonstrating solidarity. Film director Wim Wenders recently summed up the problem to me very well. He said the idea of Europe has become an administration, and now people think that the administration is the idea. But that doesn't mean we should give up on the idea - it means we should change the administration.” PeopleThinkingGivingShouldWellsMeanSaidIdeasCountryProblemFilmSupportModernDirectorsGiving UpEuropeMajorityUnionsAdministrationEnlightenedSolidarityDemonstratingFilm Directors Author:Martin Schulz
“When working abroad you work pretty hard, but with time off, this is the greatest job in the world. You drive. You explore Memphis, or wherever you've landed, or go and see Dr John, or the Californian landscape. And, yes, I've had a few good meals.” WorldHardJobsLandscapeMealsDrsTime OffMemphisGood MealsCalifornians Author:Toby Jones
“You have to let the people vote when it comes to a new constitution.” PeopleVoteConstitution Author:Martin Schulz
“I find it surprising, however, that many German politicians generally oppose referendums, but then when it's an EU matter, they immediately scream for a plebiscite.” MatterPoliticianScreamSurprisingReferendums Author:Martin Schulz
“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.” PoliticalOpportunityPolicyThreatComplicatedCampsReferendums Author:Martin Schulz