He holds the distinction of being the only continuous member of the European Parliament since his first direct election in 1979. He studied law, political science and history at the universities of Bonn and Geneva as well at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva.

As the former President of the European Parliament, how do you evaluate the foreign policy of the European Union after the establishment of the new European External Action Services (EEAS)?
First of all, the Lisbon Treaty, which provides the basis for the external services agency, is a very important treaty because it gives full democracy and parliamentarism to the European Union (EU). So the Lisbon Treaty is a great step forward for European democracy and integration. As far as the EEAS is concerned, this is a means and an instrument for a better representation of the EU in the world; but the EEAS makes it even more necessary that we define within the EU a common and strong European foreign and security policy.

How does Germany look at the inclusion of Turkey in the European Union? Is that a realistic option or something we will never get to see?
Turkey is a very important country and a very important partner ~ and a friend. We want to have very close relations with Turkey. But the membership of Turkey in the European Union is another question. I personally think that politically, culturally, financially and geographically it would be too big a challenge to give Turkey a full European Union membership. We in Germany would rather prefer to have a privileged partnership, instead of a full membership. This privileged partnership means we have a close cooperation with Turkey in many fields. For example, in the fields of international relations, in foreign policy, in financial and economic questions and by promoting the dialogue between different cultures. Therefore, we should identify political areas where we can have an intensive dialogue with extensive relations.

The newly-elected President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr Christian Wulff, remarked in his first statements that “Islam is part of Germany”. Do you agree with him and is that the sentiment prevalent in most of Germany?
I would rather prefer to say that the followers of the religion of Islam are part of Germany. We have to respect all religions and in this regard, the religion of Islam is also part of Germany. But Christianity has been in Germany for more than 1,000 years. Nonetheless, people who believe in Islam are a part of Germany. And I think German citizens feel the same about the four million Muslims currently living in Germany. The great challenge is to integrate them into German society because we are not in favour of parallel societies. Our values ~ based on the German Constitution ~ have to be applied to all citizens living in Germany.

How do the EU and Germany look at the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan? Broadly speaking, do you think we are witnessing a “Talibanisation” in this part of the world?
The “Talibanisation” of Afghanistan and Pakistan is certainly a matter of great concern. We are in favour of a democratic society, and a society under the Taliban will not be a democratic society; women are oppressed, girls cannot go to school ~ to give just a few examples ~ so we are in favour of an open and democratic society in Afghanistan and in Pakistan, and we promote this. But democratic development, the promotion of democracy, has to come from within for the two countries ~ that is the main task they have to accomplish.

How do the EU and Germany view the rise of China? Do you see the world moving to a bi-polar structure with the USA and China as the major players?
There are two aspects. On one hand, China is a strong and powerful country while on the other hand, China is not a democracy and the people are oppressed there. But once China develops into a democracy, it will be a different China. We want to see a strong China based on democracy, based on liberty and based on the rule of law, which will partner with other democracies in the world like India and the EU. It will be totally wrong not to criticise China with regard to its human rights situation. We need a double strategy with China: co-operation on the one hand but also criticism, insofar as the human rights situation is concerned. And with this double strategy, we will serve our values and interests. I have no doubt that a time will come, like in the Middle East today, when the people of China will live in a democracy with liberty and human dignity.

In October 2010, both Germany and India were elected as non-permanent members of the UNSC for 2011 and 2012. With regard to the reform of the UNSC, do you think the EU should get a permanent seat on the UNSC?
I am in favour of the membership of India in the UNSC. As far as Europe is concerned, I would like to see a seat for the European Union in the Security Council. I am realistic enough to recognise that this will not happen soon but it must be the EU’s ambition to get a seat in the Security Council. The Lisbon Treaty makes it possible for the EU to be a member of international organisations.

There are some who fear a German domination of the European Union, given the size of Germany’s economy. Do you think this is a valid concern?
I would not speak of a German domination; I would rather prefer to say that its is Germany’s responsibility to be a strong partner to develop the European Union further in the right way. To make the EU economically robust, to make it internationally strong and to make sure that the values that we share in the EU with respect to human dignity, human rights and rule of law are visible and protected. And Germany promotes this strongly.

Could you throw some light on the Indo-German relationship and the role played by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) in this regard?
India was one of the first countries where the KAS introduced its programmes more than 40 years ago. From the early stages, it has been the endeavour of the KAS to promote a greater understanding between Europe and India, to widen and deepen the people to people links between Germany, India and Europe, to further contribute to the strengthening of strategic partnerships.

Chancellor Merkel is likely to visit India later this year. How do you think this will help in strengthening the bilateral relationship, especially in light of her party’s recent losses in the regional elections?
Angela Merkel enjoys a strong position as Chancellor. We have had regional elections and it is always the case that the dispensation that holds power at the national level loses some seats at the regional level but her position as a strong Chancellor is not questioned. Indo-German relations are strong, this is my impression and something that I have shared in all discussions I have had here in India. Further, the visit of Chancellor Merkel will further strengthen bilateral relations. Her visit to India is an example of the stable relationship between India and Germany.

Interview: Simran Sodhi in The Statesman [India], March 5, 2011