Different Voices

Date: 25/05/2000

• “If the country taking over the presidency puts this subject on the agenda, it will see the Europeans split immediately into at least three groups - the supporters, the very hostile and those who are not quite convinced.” French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine explaining why his country would focus on EU institutional reform during its term at the Union's helm and would not launch a debate on the federalist vision outlined by his German counterpart last week.
• “I will not promote myself. I will promote the EBRD. I believe in the team. Nothing can be done by one man.” French treasury director Jean Lemierre, speaking after his appointment as new president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development was confirmed last weekend.
• “I had not expected the euro to sag so much.” European Central bank President Wim Duisenberg admitting he had not anticipated the recent fall in the currency's value, but insisting its stability was more important than its level.