Vice-President of the European Commission Viviane Reding has insisted that "the only way for a country to keep its culture and language is to be in the EU".

Speaking at the Citizens' Dialogue in London on 10 February 2014, she said the EU should be "a union of peoples, more than just a market".

The Citizens' Dialogue is a series of events taking place in the lead-up to May's European Parliament elections, held jointly by Commissioners and national ministers.

Ms Reding held the debate alongside the UK's Europe minister, David Lidington, who said that the EU should be a "union of 28 different member states".

Referring to the issue of identity, he said that the EU flag was "flown freely" in newer countries, and less so in countries such as the UK.

He counselled that "flag-flying should be done from a genuine sense of pride, rather than being imposed by government".

There was agreement between Mr Lidington and Ms Reding over the need to complete the single market, especially, according to the minister, in transport, energy and services.

However, Mr Lidington said there needed to be more of a focus of eliminating regulation on small businesses.