Merkel, Obama, the pope and others: thoughts on EU summit

(BRUSSELS) - What European Union leaders, and other world figures, said ahead of the pivotal summit for the euro's survival:

EUROZONE LEADERS

German Chancellor Angela Merkel:

"It is important for me that the euro regains its credibility, that the (EU) treaties are changed in such a way that we head towards a stability union."

On concerns about treaty change voiced by Britain and other non-euro nations: "I think that those countries that are not in the euro have a fundamental interest in the eurozone working closer together towards a fiscal and stability union."

French President Nicolas Sarkozy:

"Never has Europe been so necessary and never has it been in so much danger... Never has the risk of Europe's explosion been so great."

"We must act straight away. The longer we wait to take this decision, the more it will cost and the less effective it will be..."

"If we don't have an agreement on Friday, we will not have a second chance."

Finnish Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen:

"We are in favour of stricter rules but treaty change is not the only way to get stricter rules. But hopefully we can achieve a good solution. If there is a necessity to change the treaty, we are in favour of it, it's not a problem for Finland. But we'll see. It will be a very, very tough meeting. I don't know how long it will take."

NON-EURO EU LEADERS

British Prime Minister David Cameron

"I will be doing my best for Britain and I hope that if we get a good deal that will be good for Britain. But if I can't get what I want, I will have no hesitation in vetoing a treaty at 27 because I am not going to go to Brussels and not stand up for our country."

Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt:

"I have no support for a treaty change in Sweden as of now."

"We are of course willing to discuss different measures but I think the core of the problems we have in Europe is economic. They need to be dealt with now and in that capacity a treaty change could be too time-consuming," he added.

"Tonight both markets and millions of Europeans are looking for leadership to see the solution to this deep crisis."

Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt:

"It is very important that we keep the 27 together."

"This is what has worked in other times of crisis for Europe and that is what we are hoping will work now as well."

Denmark is "open to treaty change if that is seen as part of the solution."

WORLD FIGURES

US President Barack Obama:

"I think they (EU leaders) now recognise the urgency of doing something serious and bold. The question is whether they can muster the political will to get it done."

"Europe is wealthy enough that there's no reason why they can't solve this problem. This is Europe with some of the wealthiest countries on Earth, collectively one of the largest markets on Earth, if not the largest."

"If we see Europe tank, that obviously could have a big impact on our ability to generate the jobs that we need here in the United States."

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev:

"We are very disturbed by this issue because it affects the situation in the whole world and our country too."

"The euro problem is taking place in countries that are not similar in terms of economic development."

Pope Benedict XVI

At a ceremony marking the immaculate conception, he appealed to the Virgin Mary for support "above all at this time that is so difficult for Italy, for Europe and different parts of the world."

"May Mary help us see a light through the layers of fog that appear to be shrouding reality."