In this interview excerpt, Willy Claes, Belgian Foreign Minister from 1992 to 1994, describes his memories of the discussions on the appointment of a new President of the European Commission at the Corfu Summit in June 1994. Jacques Santer, Luxembourg Prime Minister from 1984 to 1995, was ultimately appointed President of the European Commission and served in this role from 1995 to 1999.

In this interview excerpt, Willy Claes, Belgian Minister for Economic Affairs from 1973 to 1974, from 1977 to 1982 and from 1988 to 1992 and Foreign Minister from 1992 to 1994, explains that he believes it is not by chance that several Belgian politicians have played and continue to play a considerable role in European integration. He also holds the view that small countries will play an important role in the future process of European development.