Chancellor Merkel supports "I want Europe" campaign
The media campaign "I want Europe" ("Ich will Europa"), financed by several major German foundations, encourages the public to reflect on the advantages of a united Europe. "With all the controversy over how to deal with the current crisis, it is important not to forget that Europe is not just a matter of reason, but above all a matter of the heart", Chancellor Angela Merkel announced at the start of the campaign in Berlin on Thursday.
Chancellor Merkel stressed that "No member state of the European Union can cope with the tasks of the globalised world alone. We need each other."
The political scientist and former SPD candidate for the office of Federal President, Gesine Schwan, suggested to regard Europe not only from an economic perspective, but also to take into account the cultural aspects of a united Europe. The scientist identified a "negative Zeitgeist" which the campaign could help to rectify.
The media campaign "I want Europe", under the patronage of Federal President Joachim Gauck, is supported by numerous German celebrities and citizens who have shared their commitment to Europe. Many media companies are supporting the campaign by showing or printing the adverts for free. The best-known faces of the campaign are former Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, former Federal President Roman Herzog, the football player Philipp Lahm and violinist David Garrett.
Website of the campaign:
www.ich-will-europa.de
