Jose Manuel Barroso Quotes

Norwegian legislation is more in conformity with the rules of the European Union than most member states.

By the way, the European Union Member States together - even the euro area Member States together - are by far the biggest contributors to the IMF.

There is no stability without solidarity and no solidarity without stability.

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

Decisions taken by the most democratic institutions in the world are very often wrong.

The E.U. is founded on the Treaties which apply only to the Member States who have agreed and ratified them.

Climate action is central for the future of our planet.

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

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

A new state, if it wants to join the European Union, has to apply to become a member of the European Union like any state.

Smart, sustainable, inclusive growth is the key to job-creation and the future prosperity of Europe.

Governments are not always right.

The euro area must not be treated as an "opt out" from the European Union.

I say to my friends, 'Don't just listen to the vuvuzelas; look at who scores the goals.' And this is the important thing.

I'll put it frankly - Britain has more influence in China than Norway or Switzerland, with all respect for the other countries.

At least in Europe, we consider the right to privacy a fundamental right and it is a very serious matter.

I think diversity can also be a resource, an asset, especially in a world that is becoming globalized, to deal with difference, to deal with variety, to deal with complexity.

I am a very committed European.

Norway or Switzerland are two marvelous countries, I very much admire, the most advanced countries in the world in fact with great qualities of life.

I don't know why my son was born conservative.

Even when governments take the right steps to reform, these can be negatively impacted by events outside their control.

For investor confidence, it is important that there is certainty about the future of Ireland in E.U.

The Eurogroup decisions are always taken unanimously.

What people call serendipity sometimes is just having your eyes open.

My mother wanted me to be a professor, because I have several people in my family who are professors at university.

Growth based on debt is unsustainable, artificial.

Financial transaction tax raises problems of competition.

I believe that Europe without Britain at the heart will be less reform-driven, less open, less international Europe.

If we say leaders are incompetent, we are going to fuel extremist, populist, xenophobic and ultra-nationalist parties.