Alumna Yvonne NASSHOVEN (Copernicus Promotion, 2006-2007) recently launched the blog "In Common". This blog, in German and English for the time being, wishes to pick up on current debates and Europeanize them. The rationale behind this is that we are all talking about similar topics and challenges, no matter where in Europe we live, but don't realize this because of a lack of media, common language etc.
We probably all have already discussed, on many occasions, the need for a European public sphere. Therefore this blog intends to make a contribution to this idea. However, Yvonne NASSHOVEN will not be able to create this discussion all by herself.
The posts already available on the website will give you an idea of what she is striving for: discussions on what unites us and the European spirit. This is in contrast to other blogs and media which present facts about the newest European legislation.
Now, how can you contribute?
Over the next couple of weeks, Yvonne NASSHOVEN will be looking at values in Europe: human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law and respect for human and minority rights, pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail, to mention only the foundation of Article 2. The debate in Europe should provide enough food for thought at the moment! Thus one possibility is to write a small post about what these values mean to you. You can pick a specific topic (for example 'equality') or write about the topic in general. The text can be brief and focused, but it is better to include some perspective on the discussion in the country you are coming from.
Another possibility is for you to send Yvonne a small text on what Europe generally means to you. In both cases she will then get in touch with you and discuss together how to best feature your contribution on the blog.
Any ideas and suggestions as well as questions are of course welcome. You can contact her by email.
Congratulations and good luck to Yvonne NASSHOVEN with her ambitious initiative.