And I have the impression that this debate in the United Kingdom has made significant progress over the past two years. Of course, it is ultimately only the British themselves who can decide how they wish to shape their relations with Europe and European integration.
Even so, I do not wish to conceal the fact that I have a great deal of sympathy with the idea of the United Kingdom playing a crucial role in the future development of Europe and of it bringing not only its great traditions but also its criticism and economic performance to bear in a constructive role in Europe and, hopefully, one day also into monetary union.