Mr Selmayr, every day you fight for the European Union as Head of Cabinet of European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. Why is Europe in difficulties?

Europe should never be taken for granted. You only have to remind yourself of Europe’s history which has been painful so often. The peaceful unification of our continent is an unprecedented achievement of civilisation and the great blessing of the post-war generation. However, it always requires the political will of the member states which are the basis of our European Union and the democratic approval of the citizens. This approval can be undermined - especially when crises from outside hit Europe and weaken decision-makers in the national capitals.

How fragile is the commitment to Europe?

The financial crisis that began in the United States had considerable economic and social consequences and led to government crises and changes of government in several member states. War and terror in Syria and poverty in Africa triggered a movement of refugees towards Europe. The terror attacks by fighters of the so-called Islamic state in several major European cities shook the sense of security of many Europeans. In such crises many people expect Europe to respond as fast and as decisively as if it were a nation state. However Europe is not a state and has only limited competences.