Toespraak Duitse federale president Gauck over Europese integratie (en) - Hoofdinhoud

"More Europe requires more courage from everyone! What Europe needs now are not doubters but standard-bearers, not ditherers but people who are prepared to knuckle down, not those who simply go with the flow but active players" said Joachim Gauck in his speech about the European integration project, the current crises and the prospects for the future held in Berlin at Schloss Bellevue on 22 February 2013.

When highlighting the need to better to know each other in the European family and to build up a better Europe, he explicitly mentioned opportunities offered by the EU educational programmes such as Erasmus, Leonardo da Vinci i and the European Voluntary Service.

"First, do not be indifferent! (…) Second, do not be lazy! (…) Third, recognize your ability to make a contribution! A better Europe will not emerge if we always believe that others should shoulder the responsibility. There are so many possibilities. Anyone who wants to initiate or prevent something can take advantage of the European Citizens’ Initiative. Anyone who wants to found or build something can apply for a grant. And anyone who wants to do good and get to know their neighbours can apply to join the European Voluntary Service. Everyone can find a good reason to say: Yes, I want Europe!"

http://www.bundespraesident.de/SharedDocs/Reden/EN/JoachimGauck/Reden/2013/130222-Europe.html