[[Speaking Monday in Zurich, Portman called specifically on Japan and the European Union to come up with improved offers for reducing agricultural support programs.] The U.S. is willing to take some pain, ... But those who subsidize more need to reduce more.

We have a very long legal system with the European Union, and we're English speaking.

The U.S. trade embargo on Cuba is almost completely ineffective, as many other countries, including the European Union, do not honor it.

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.

There is a need for the European Union to use all potential we have on defense cooperation.