The European Union is currently facing multiple and existential challenges which could jeopardize the EU political project. On the one hand, mounting scepticism fueled by growing nationalism and extremism, and on the other hand, a multitude of concurrent crises coupled with a decrease of vocal pro-European forces are posing unprecedented challenges to the EU.
Together with the EU project, our values of democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights are at stake. In such a very uncertain global political context—and critical for the EU—a new wave of political engagement crossing our continent is needed the most.
Founded in the aftermath of the Brexit referendum and ahead of the numerous and critical national elections, in particular the elections in France, the #PulseofEurope aims at providing a counter-narrative to the great number of terribly loud populist voices threatening to dismantle the EU. It strives to attain this objective by gathering as many people as possible in Europe, who stand for Europe and are able to support pro-European forces after the elections.
The #PulseofEurope is a cross-party citizens’ initiative that does not pursue any political party’s aims. It welcomes diversity and wishes to convey a positive message about and for Europe. In collaboration with youth organizations it organizes weekly events in about 60 European cities. Co-founder of the Pulse of Europe Belgium is a College of Europe alumna, Mrs Utta TUTTLIES*, but many other alumni are involved as well.
In Brussels, the event takes place every Sunday at 14:00 at Place de la Monnaie.
Message to College of Europe students and alumni:
While disaster in the Netherlands was ultimately avoided, there is still a long way to go. Elections in France are just a step away and we all understand how critical they are for the future of the EU!
In this context, we, as College of Europe students and alumni, have a genuine interest and a great role to play in standing for the EU. Let's convince others to get involved too!
More info here: Website - Facebook page - Twitter - Interview of Utta TUTTLIES
(*) Mrs Utta TUTTLIES is a College of Europe alumna (Leonardo da Vinci Promotion 1998-1999) and co-founder of the initiative. She is Head of the Press and Communications Unit in the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament. However, her involvement in the initiative is exclusively on a personal level.