Initiative for a strong Europe

The “Ich will Europa” (I want Europe) initiative aims to highlight Europe’s advantages and successes, as well as to stimulate the debate about its future. “Ich will Europa” is an initiative of the “Committed Europeans”, a group of eleven German foundations which work for a strong Europe. The main players are Stiftung Mercator and the Robert Bosch Foundation. Federal President Joachim Gauck is patron of the initiative, which is supported by many prominent figures.

Supporters of the initiative are convinced that Europe must not be reduced to the current crisis; instead, they want to highlight Europe’s achievements, from economic and monetary union, peacekeeping, the promotion of culture and education and climate and consumer protection to the consolidation of human and employees’ rights. Europe’s citizens are to be called upon to consider what Europe means for them and what benefits the European project brings them. Many ambassadors for Europe

That’s why people are adding their voices to “Ich will Europa” – both ordinary citizens and famous ambassadors for Europe including former Federal Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, footballer Philipp Lahm, musician David Garrett and Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle.

For more information please go to the initiative’s website (in German):

www.ich-will-europa.de