EU or Europe? For many people there is no difference between the two. This actually undermines the European Identity and in result the EU Project. By interviews with cultural institutions, as opinion makers in the EU and European public spheres, this project aims to create public awareness about the European identity as necessary for the success of the democracy of the EU. As the EU is criticized so is Europe, but in or out Europe is not a choice. Protect our European idea to stabilize the EU.

The research will be in Eastern Europe, the output online.

My idea addresses democracy in Europe by creating a new positive discourse in our public sphere. As Europe is not a question of in or out, we also shouldn't treat it like that. Young Europeans should take the stage and change the discourse in the European media and the cultural sector.

With a network of cultural opinion makers that will encourage each other to be critical on the use of terms and the way we discuss Europe and the EU, we'll create a positive discourse on Europe. In progressive media and debates Europe won't be criticized on problems of the EU.

First I start by addressing young Europeans journalistic platforms and use their experience, platform and network to start. From may till october the organization will travel along the EU border and interview European opinion makers. This will generate attention for the aim of the project. The last process is to substantially change the way we talk about Europe and the EU in the public sphere. It is innovative as it builds on young European networks and bottom-up change.

During the Dutch presidency of the EU I noticed that cultural actors often aren't aware that they substitute Europe for the EU. But Europe is not an institute, thus not bureaucratic. I want Europeans to understand that Europe is not an option but always here, even when the EU won't be.

Cultural Opinion makers on the national debates on Europe and the EU and therefore the European public Sphere. The audience will be mostly young Europeans but hopefully also traditional media.

How I can let my idea grow into a real organization with substantial partners who can help during the research and interview part of the project.