Here we have the Schengen agreement, and the truth is that for years we trusted each other and set border controls on the outer borders of the European Union. And as was the case with the economic and monetary union, with this step, regarding the management of the Schengen area, we did not go all the way in terms of political solutions.
— Angela Merkel
There are achievements of European integration that cannot be haggled over: for example the principle of free movement and the principle of non-discrimination.
For me, it is always important that I go through all the possible options for a decision.
Hatred, racism, and extremism have no place in this country.
Russia has nothing: no successful politics or economy.
We Germans have a special responsibility to be alert, sensitive, and aware of what we did during the Nazi era and about lasting damage caused in other countries. I've got tremendous sympathy for that.
I've spoken several times with Prime Minister Erdogan about relations between Turkey and Israel. I'm pleased that, following President Obama's visit to Israel, talks between Israel and Turkey are again taking place and hope that relations between them will further improve in the interest of both countries.
Germany has become a country that many people abroad associate with hope.
IT companies in Bangalore are a reliable engine of development for India.
We know that our life of freedom is stronger than terror.
There is no doubt the NATO-Russia Act should remain valid.
The majority of decisions in Europe are done by unanimity. That's why it is important to be to have good relations with all parts.
I am for our not having any discrimination in tax legislation.
For me, personally, marriage is a man and a woman living together.
At this time - we're in a dramatic crisis - euro bonds are precisely the wrong answer. They lead us into a debt union, not a stability union. Each country has to take its own steps to reduce its debt.
It will not be possible to solve the current crisis with euro bonds.
Nobody in Europe will be abandoned. Nobody in Europe will be excluded. Europe only succeeds if we work together.
Free access to the single market will be granted to a country which accepts the four fundamental freedoms of movement of people, goods, services, and capital.
Especially in a very secular world, we should always stress what is common in the Christian religion.
Germany wants peaceful coexistence of Muslims and members of other religions.
Former president Wulff said Islam belongs to Germany. That is true. I also hold this opinion.
I never felt the GDR was my home country.
We've stated very clearly that no negotiating chapters between the European Union and Turkey will be concluded before the Ankara Protocol is complied with: that's to say before Turkey grants all E.U. member states, including Cyprus, access to its ports.
For those who share my view that the Jews as a people have a right to self-determination, Zionism as a national movement of the Jewish people is the embodiment of this very right, which its opponents want to deny.
There are 1600 German companies active in India, and some of them are more than 100 years old. Our companies value India as a location for manufacturing and as a market.
More reforms will give more impetus to German industries to invest in India. German companies want to be treated on par with Indian companies, and creation of an equitable market is crucial for investments.
It's my damn duty and obligation to do everything possible for Europe to find a united path.
The European Army is our long-term goal. But first we have to strengthen the European Defence Union.
During the course of 1989, more and more East Germans lost their fears of the state's repression and chicanery and went out on the streets. There was no turning back then. It is thanks to their courage the Wall was opened.
I'm someone who is very supportive of us eliminating all discrimination.
Spying among friends is never acceptable.
I see nothing that points to a recession in Germany. But I see considerable long-term tasks ahead of us that have to do with markets regaining confidence in Europe and that have a lot to do with reducing debt.
Eurobonds are absolutely wrong. In order to bring about common interest rates, you need similar competitiveness levels, similar budget situations. You don't get them by collectivizing debts.
So Europe needs to be competitive and we also need to be competitive if we wish to remain an interesting economic partner for the United States. This has to be done on the basis of strength, of competitiveness.
If you wish to have free access to the single market, then you have to accept the fundamental rights as well as obligation that come from it.
I've learned that even the word 'jubilee' used in connection with the Reformation can give rise to discussions.
We are a country based on democracy, tolerance, and openness to the world.
Whenever I was able to work with Hillary Clinton, it was a great pleasure.
We believe that from both a German and a Polish perspective, it is desirable for Great Britain to remain in the European Union.
I've often made critical comments about settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank and in east Jerusalem, and my position hasn't changed. At the same time, it's equally important to me that the two sides, both Israel and the Palestinians, work towards a durable peace settlement: that's to say a viable two-state solution.
Germany stands in the fight against terrorism at France's side, united with many, many others. I am convinced that, despite all the difficulties, we shall win this fight.
India needs jobs, Germany needs people, and collaboration is crucial to meet the demographic needs of both countries.
Let us answer the terrorists by living our values with courage.
There are many conflicting interests in Europe.
You can much better have an influence on the debate when you sit at the bargaining table and you can give input.
Multiculturalism leads to parallel societies and therefore remains a 'life lie.'
I am for registered civil partnerships.
When it comes to human dignity, we cannot make compromises.
The markets want to force us to do certain things. That we won't do. Politicians have to make sure that we're unassailable, that we can make policy for the people.
The euro is our common fate, and Europe is our common future.
