The initiative
The European debt crisis is not only a crisis of the European financial system, but also a crisis of the European idea. Europe entails a number of important benefits for Germany, and the “I want Europe” initiative intends to draw attention to these benefits, to what has already been achieved, to the considerable successes and to the future of Europe.
“I want Europe” is an initiative of the Engaged Europeans – a group of eleven German foundations committed to a strong Europe: Allianz Kulturstiftung, Bertelsmann Stiftung, BMW Stiftung Herbert Quandt, Robert Bosch Stiftung, Hertie Foundation, Ernst Schering Foundation, Schwarzkopf Foundation "Young Europe", Genshagen Foundation, Stiftung Mercator, VolkwagenStiftung, Stiftung Zukunft Berlin. The participating foundations work individually and jointly on a broad range of projects aimed at deepening European integration. Stiftung Mercator and Robert Bosch Stiftung founded and have overall responsibility for “I want Europe”. German Federal President Joachim Gauck is its patron.
Everyone involved in the initiative believes strongly that Europe must not be reduced to the current crisis. Germany has always been and indeed still is one of the biggest beneficiaries of European political and economic union, and since its earliest years has also been one of the main architects of this union that many people have come to take for granted. The achievements of Europe are diverse – from the advantages of economic and monetary union, peace-keeping, promotion of culture and education, climate and consumer protection to the strengthening of human and workers’ rights – and have a concrete impact on our everyday lives. A strong Europe gives Germany a bigger voice in the world. However, only if our citizens consider carefully what Europe means for them, how Europe affects their lives and which benefits it has for them each day can the European project come to life. This is also the only way for us to jointly overcome major challenges such as the euro crisis.
“I want Europe” thus gives ordinary people the chance to have their say. By committing themselves to Europe and thinking about Europe, they provide food for thought and open up the European debate. To ensure the necessary visibility, the campaign will begin with declarations of commitment from five members of the public and more than 30 household names from the areas of politics, sport, culture and society. Prominent ambassadors include former German chancellor Helmut Schmidt, Philipp Lahm, Dieter Zetsche, Tom Enders, Ina Müller, David Garrett, Hans Joachim Schellnhuber and Katrin Bauerfeind. Thanks to the support of major publishing houses and media companies, they will appear in adverts, on the Internet and in TV ads. Campaign themes will be explored in more detail at www.ich-will-europa.de, with channels such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube disseminating content and providing a forum for exchange.
