He's extremely keen and eager to see the conflict resolved. All the European Union has been asking for some sort of resumption of supplies to happen.

I think it's extremely unlikely that the European Union will fracture with nations dropping off the edge.

We don't want protectionism at the heart of the European Union.

I interpret your question as applying more to financial stability in the euro area than to the euro itself. I do not think there has been a crisis. The euro is the single currency of 330 million people and enjoys a high degree of confidence among investors and savers because it has delivered price stability remarkably well over the last 11½ years. What we had was a situation in which a number of countries had not respected the Stability and Growth Pact. These countries have now engaged in policies of fiscal retrenchment that were overdue. They have to implement vigorously these policies which are decisive for the preservation and consolidation of financial stability in Europe.

What we have to ask is that Arab leaders and Arabs themselves, who see the importance of having good relations with Europe and the Western world, come out and speak clearly about the importance of not letting the situation deteriorate to the point that the only one who suffers is moderate Islam.

We believe we should wait and see the composition of a new government and the policies of a new government before deciding what relationship to have with the new government.