groups, but also of members of the same political group, as we have seen today.
I say all of this thinking of the future, since there are two aspects that I believe to be absolutely essential. First of all, respect for the Treaties. As you know, the Commission is the guardian of the Treaties, which means that I have had to respect them. I am very much in favour of the Commission’s institutional position, not through institutional egotism, but because more than ever we really need a strong Commission in order to move the European project forward. I am therefore prepared to work with you in an honest, transparent and open way; I am ready for this positive complicity with the European Parliament, but I must tell you that that will not be done to the detriment of the Commission. I could not accept that, because we in Europe all need an independent, credible and strong Commission, in accordance with the Treaties. It is very important that I make this clear to you, so that all of us are aware of our responsibilities. That is why I have taken account of the will of the Member States, while always respecting the Treaties, naturally. I must also say that some of you have cooperated more than others. It is true that certain Member States have shown greater understanding of the concerns that I have expressed than others. I believe this should be pointed out, because I believe it is important to learn every possible lesson from this experience, for the future of the Commission and the proper functioning of our institutions.
With regard to the issue of conflicts of interests, I will say this. First of all, I have taken account of the conclusions of the committee that held the hearing with Mrs Kroes. I must read to you the conclusions of that committee. I shall read them in English because I have the original in English. The committee has confirmed that Mrs Kroes had, and I quote: 

'... the required personal and professional capacity to assume the high office she has been proposed for, and that her actions and commitments