Like many initiatives before us, the founding
of our organisation grew out of reflections on
the realities of the world we live in. We are
a group of individuals who have long worked
across Europe and the Global South, as
diplomats, researchers, journalists, and in
other professional capacities.
Our shared experience has led us to believe
that there are many legitimate perspectives
on the major issues of our era, some of which
are insufficiently represented in public
debate and the media. Unfortunately, cultural
and political conflicts are often shaped by
fixed narratives that reflect the assumptions
and sensibilities of a particular moment in
time.
History itself illustrates this clearly. For
example, the historical consciousness
underpinning political attitudes can differ
significantly even between neighbouring
countries, let alone between more distant
regions. Likewise, public struggles over
“truth” increasingly rely on statistics and
other forms of evidence that are shaped not
only by methodology, but also by differing
priorities, interpretations, and interests.
At the same time, many people share the sense
that democratic institutions, political
systems, and the European Union are facing
growing fatigue. In times of polarisation and
shifting global power structures, comparative
analysis as well as better forms of
communication and exchange are needed to
enable pragmatic yet carefully considered
solutions.
What, then, do we seek to contribute?
We believe that cross-border analysis and
exchange can offer important benefits:
fostering empathy and mutual understanding
across European perspectives, broadening the
spectrum of debate, and helping to prevent
reflexive antagonism in national discussions.
Democracy must be lived both within European
societies and between them. For this, bridges
are needed.
