After 30 years in Brussels, I can tell you: The relationship between the Commission and the Parliament has probably never been as good as it is now.

When the going gets tough, you have to lie.

When it becomes serious, you have to lie.

I'm ready to be insulted as being insufficiently democratic, but I want to be serious ... I am for secret, dark debates.

I believe neither the French nor the Dutch really rejected the constitutional treaty.

I notice with a certain sense of regret that far too many Europeans are returning to a regional and national mindset.

Decisions can only be reached in Europe if France and Germany agree.

It is not acceptable that European Union countries are divided into those who give and those who take.

I am chilled by the realization of how similar circumstances in Europe in 2013 are to those of 100 years ago.

It is not more Europe or less Europe that we need. We need a better Europe.

I am for secret, dark debates.

Patience is the only way you can endure the gray periods.

I wanted to fix things, obviously. You know it’s like… the planets are out of alignment when we’re fighting.

It is a rule of nature that taking a day off on the farm sets a person back at least a week.

There is no pure, disinterested, theory-free observation.

Christianity made us think there's one heaven.

Most investors would be better off in an index fund.

Don't be late. Learn your lines. Be good to people. Treat people nice.

I can only go places because I know that I can go away from them, if that makes sense. I like the gypsy lifestyle that filming affords.

Happiness is a talent like any other. It's another art form. Some people are good at it, some people aren't.

I couldn't care less about what anybody else has to say.