The idea

Over 75 years ago the European project was initiated with the Schuman declaration. In a world of conflict, his idea of cooperating across borders for preserving peace and economic stability are still standing the test of time. We should on this day not celebrate our European Institutions, but the effort to unite a continent of 44 countries and 1 billion citizens.

This unity, while demanded by a record number of citizens, will not happen, if we don’t talk about it. Whether on social or classic media, we are used to hearing more about what happens in the United States than on our own continent. Think about it: If Europe is a footnote in the news in the US, shouldn't it be front and center here? Otherwise, how can we ever really feel European and consider Europe our home?

This is a challenge, because national borders also mean national news. But how about for one day, we remove those borders and create a united European media space? For one day, let's put the spotlight on Europe: what's happening here and why. What happens in member states and how it affects us? Which personalities influence our continent and in what way? What are daily struggles, successes, failures, ideas. Our diversity is our strength and an endless source of content. If the US is Fast Food, Europe is 27 Michelin dishes. Let's talk about it. For one day. On May 9th.

The pitch

If you are a news outlet, on May 9th, focus your reporting on Europe first and foremost. For one day, give Europe the visibility it would get if we were already living in the United Europe.

The benefits

Pedro Sánchez or Donald Trump? Andrius Kubilius or Pete Hegseth? Maybe readers and viewers will even appreciate normalcy over sensationalism and original reporting from closer to home over slop from beyond. May 9th could be your day to find out if advertisers would support more reporting from Europe and what your readers and viewers think about the idea.

If you want to go a step further, remember how sought after the EU starter pack coins from all EU member states are? A coordinated May 9th edition from newspapers across the continent will certainly sell out quickly - even just as a collectible.

The challenge

On May 9th, publish a special European edition. It can include any of the following:

  1. Publish a column or broadcast a segment about the future of Europe.
  2. Publish a common editorial with one or two other European outlets.
  3. Publish at least one long-read interview with a European personality (civil society activist, thinker, politician, historian, etc.).
  4. Publish one translated piece from another European outlet about their own specific country (eg a paper from Spain publishes a piece from a Polish weekly about local domestic politics).
  5. Dedicate specific sections (culture, economy, sport etc.) to another country with an original angle.
  6. Change your logo on the frontpage, newspaper etc to include the European flag

Spread the idea #May9ForEuropeanNews

If you are here and like the idea, tag a newspaper you know and share the message on social media with hashtag #May9ForEuropeanNews.