Gerhard Schroder Quotations

Whatever the details of union may be, there's no doubt we need more policy coordination in Europe.

We must take care that globalization does not become something people become afraid of.

We want to change the way we help unemployed people find jobs. We want to be faster and more goal oriented.

A market that's as open as possible is the precondition for a successful economy, and a successful economy is the precondition to being able to pay for social security.

I can't let important policy decisions hinge on the fact that an election is coming up every 90 days.

Germany is in favor of integration precisely because we don't want dominance.

A common currency imposes on us a duty to cooperate more on policy.

Any debate among politicians about monetary policy is counterproductive.

Naturally we are aware of the strength of our economy and naturally we don't want to downplay it.

Next, we will create a modern immigration law.

There's no conflict between the social-welfare state and open markets.

We made a decision that monetary policy will be made by an independent European Central Bank.

We really believe our national interests are identical with European interests.

I am not the German Tony Blair. Nor am I the German Bill Clinton. I am Gerhard Schroeder, chancellor of Germany, responsible for Germany. I don't want to be a copy of anyone.

The question of feasibility, the question of cost, the question of including partners elsewhere in the world, the question of the effect of this project on arms agreements - all these issues are in discussion.

As far as missile defense is concerned, a very thorough consultation process is underway.

As far as my relationship with President Putin is concerned, it's fine.

If I correctly understand the goal of American policy, one wishes Russia to be a partner.

Indeed, the creators of the euro envisioned it as an instrument to promote political union.

My impression is that American policy speaks not of antagonism but rather partnership.

One effect could be that the huge atomic arsenal created in the cold war could be reduced significantly.

We are seeing significant growth in foreign investment in Germany.

We want to encourage those who are able to work, no question.

The euro will raise the citizens' awareness of their belonging to one Europe more than any other integration step to date.

Germany is very free-trade oriented.

They have it wrong in asking if Schroeder favors Britain over France, or France over Britain. Schroeder favors Germany. That is what we all have to understand.

It makes more sense to find out where the middle- and long-term common ground lies.

This is one of the gravest crises Europe has ever experienced... An agreement failed because of the completely stubborn attitudes of the UK and the Netherlands.

This question about Iraq has gotten personal.

It was with horror that I learned of the abominable terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington in which so many innocent people have lost their lives. My government staunchly condemns these acts of terrorism. The German people are at the side of the United States of America in this difficult hour. I wish to express my deep-felt condolences and complete solidarity to you and the American people. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.

Any degree of unemployment worries me.

Take the military option off the table - we have already seen it doesn't work.

Our future begins on January 1 1999. The euro is Europe's key to the 21st century. The era of solo national fiscal and economic policy is over.

The euro is a sickly premature infant, the result of an over-hasty monetary union.