Europe needs an image! A call in arms by German filmmaker Wim Wenders. In presenting itself as an economic power, Europe fails to take advantage of its emotional potential. This is the age of the image, but European stories no longer play a significant role in our cinemas.
A Soul for Europe
A Soul for Europe is a civil society initiative that employs a novel, future-oriented model for cooperation between civil society and policy-makers. From bases in Amsterdam, Belgrade, Berlin, Brussels, Porto and Tbilisi, the “A Soul for Europe” Initiative is building an international network of European cities and regions, the cultural sector and business as well as European policy-makers.
"Why did you allow a whole generation to get bored of Europe?!" - Wim Wenders
"Culture is not a space devoid of politics. Culture is our way of living as humans. Indeed, it is the essence of what politics is all about." - Richard von Weizsäcker
Mission Statement
There is a need to clarify the relationship between European institutions and the citizens. We believe that it is possible to create a Europe of the Europeans, rather than just a Europe of institutions and regulations. It is our responsibility to take a hand in Europe’s political mechanisms. This process should be a bottom-up rather than a top-down process driven by civil society from all sectors.
Building Europe means integrating national histories, value systems, world views and fostering intercultural dialogue. We believe that the power of culture must be harnessed for the European integration more efficiently. All fields of policy beyond the cultural sector, from social to foreign affairs, must develop a cultural component. We do not lobby for the financial support of the cultural sector, but rather we see culture as essential for the full development of Europe’s potentials.
Berlin Conference
The biennial Berlin Conference serves as a civil-society platform. 500 individuals from different sectors define and initiate common steps to strengthen the cultural component of European development.
Forum X
Forum X - A series of conferences held across Europe to develop new forms of cooperation between civil society and top-ranking political decision-makers.
Mobilizing Culture for Regional Development
Mobilizing Culture for Regional Development - Liaising between decision-makers at national and European level and cultural networks in Europe with a view to utilizing their European added value to improve structural development and regional policy.
Cities and Regions
Cities and Regions - Europe’s cities and regions share a direct responsibility for Europe beyond their local and regional activities. Together with international partners, the Initiative has developed a set of guidelines on how to adopt a European mandate for their region.
Discourses on Europe
Discourses on Europe - Representatives of European arts and culture debate with the Presidents of the European Parliament and the European Commission about Europe, its aims, opportunities and risks.
European Club Nights
European Club Nights - Europe-wide multimedia events on the strengths and challenges of identity and community.
Further information:
www.asoulforeurope.eu
Images and Videos
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The President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso: “The EU has reached a stage of its history where its cultural dimension can no longer be ignored... Europe is not only about markets, it is also about values and culture. If the economy is a necessity for our lives, culture is really what makes our life worth living."
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"Today’s twentysomethings are eager to change the world", believes Farid Tabarki, director of CoolPolitics Research Amsterdam. "But they won’t manage unless they can develop and apply their own tools. Coolpolitics' answer to this is a series of debates at pop festivals between artists and politicians which are broadcasted on MTV. Thousands of young people attend such debates. And that doesn't even include MTV's viewers."