In this interview excerpt, Enrique Barón Crespo, Member (1986–2009) and President (1989–1992) of the European Parliament, looks back on the key stages in his career at the European Parliament, identifying the people that most influenced him and the challenges facing the institution. He also discusses the impact of various historical events during this period, including the fall of the Berlin Wall, the end of the Cold War and the Treaty of Maastricht.