Ladies and Gentlemen,
Whenever we speak about enhancing economic competition in the European Union,
the United Kingdom is a natural ally.
This is one reason - but by far not the only reason -
why I wish for Great Britain to remain a strong, active part in the European Union.
First and foremost it is the decision of Britain itself
to decide what role it wants to play in Europe.
To deal with that decision will then be a matter concerning all EU partners.
This is why at the European Council we will task President Tusk to take charge of this process.
I do not expect there to be deep substantial debate about concrete British requests at next week's Council already.
But when time for a substantial discussion has come,
I make the case that we should be dealing seriously with the British requests.
This is not in contradiction to the fact that fundamental principles of European integration,
such as free movement and non-discrimination, are not up for discussion.
It is by the way not the first time that a member state wants clarification about its role in the European Union.
A look back into the history of European integration
shows that good and amicable solutions have always been found at the end.
This was the case in 1992 for Denmark, as well as in 2008 for Ireland.
And I am confident that we will be able to achieve it this time too.
