The first citizens' forum "I want to help shape Europe" took place on 20 April 2013 – and I was there!

Around 100 German citizens were invited by Federal President Joachim Gauck to develop and discuss ideas and perspectives for the future of Europe and the euro and to condense them into possible maxims for action. From the morning until late afternoon, intensive discussions, arguments and consensus were reached at 12 themed tables. The main topics were

• Germany in Europe
• Europe in the world
• Living and working in Europe
• Dialogue and culture in Europe
• Education and research in Europe
• Economy in Europe

By the end of the day, many important and good aspects as well as concrete ideas had emerged, all of which were then incorporated into a chart.

My very personal thanks for this unique event go to the Federal President Joachim Gauck, whom I was able to experience at our table (Germany in Europe) for an hour in direct conversation, as well as the foundation initiative of Stiftung Mercator, the Robert Bosch Foundation and the Schwarzkopf Foundation as leaders of the foundation community, as well as the moderators of the working groups, organisers and helpers!

A great event that moved me deeply and enriched my understanding of how the European institutions work.