Call for videos – Your Call to Europe

This call closed on 24/03/2024.

Background

Have you ever questioned why the European Union (EU) is not pushing for universal access to welfare? Why do the actions for youth empowerment and employment remain so limited in scope? Shouldn’t the EU be involved to ensure the quality of public services everywhere in Europe? Can we have initiatives at the European level to ensure housing for all and affordable access to student housing? Why keep corporate tax so low instead of pushing for tax justice? 

Here comes your unique opportunity to make your call to Social Europe heard at the heart of European policymaking in Brussels: 

On the 30^th of April 2024, the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), in collaboration with Eyes on Europe, organises the ‘Call to Europe’ conference in Brussels during the Belgian EU Presidency. Under the motto ‘Call to Europe – The Future is Social’, this year’s edition focuses on securing well-being and quality of life in Europe. It touches upon issues including health, public services, employment, Europe’s living standards, and the cost-of-living crisis. 

Submit ONE policy idea, pitch it to S&D Members of the European Parliament and policymakers and join us in shaping tomorrow’s Social Europe!

To submit your video, please use this form: https://forms.office.com/e/7AxmCTXHNu

The deadline has been extended until 24 March 2024.

Eligibility Criteria

• Individuals living in Europe;
• English-speaking;
• Affinity for progressive values.

Submission Guidelines

What is your call to Social Europe? Focus on one key idea you would like to see the progressives tackle during the next legislature and submit your pitch as a short video via this form, paying attention to the following guidelines: 

• Length: 1-2 minutes;
• Video format: horizontal format, centred position to the camera; no quality requirements (phone recordings are welcome but make sure you have good lighting); 
• Content: Start your video with ‘My call to Social Europe is…’ and elaborate on one key idea on well-being and quality-of-life-related policies in Europe (more information and inspiration below);
• Style: We are looking for structured, concrete, bold and innovative solutions that you would like to see implemented at the EU level driven by your personal experiences (no technical knowledge required).

Prize

The 4 best videos will get the following reward: 

• A European platform to disseminate your idea;
• A trip to Brussels, with travel and accommodation expenses covered for 2 nights in the capital of Europe between the 29th of April and the 1st of May 2024 to attend the ‘Call to Europe’ conference and present your idea to MEPs and policymakers;
• Participation in a Training on Public Speaking during your stay in Brussels, as we can all improve on our skills.

Next Steps

06/03 – 24/03:                   Submit Your Call to Europe via this form:
https://forms.office.com/e/7AxmCTXHNu

24/03 – 25/03:                    Selection process 

25/03:                                   Informing the winners 

30/04:                                  Public Speaking Workshop in Brussels @ FEPS HQ

                                              ‘Call to Europe’ Conference – Pitch Day 

Selection committee

• Lina Gálvez Munoz, MEP, S&D Group and FEPS Vice President
• David Rinaldi, Director of Studies and Policy, FEPS
• Ahinara Bascuñana López, Head of Communication, FEPS
• Student representative from Eyes on Europe

Contact Information

For inquiries or assistance, please contact Vanessa Zwisele, FEPS Project Officer (vanessa.zwisele@feps-europe.eu) or Euléane Omez, FEPS Project Management Coordinator (euleane.omez@feps-europe.eu)

Looking for inspiration? 

• Which topics can I talk about?
  • What is the first issue that comes to your mind when thinking of social justice and transformation?
  • Where do you think the EU should invest to improve social affairs?
  • The next edition of the Progressive Post will feature a dossier on Social Europe (available early March here). 
• Can I talk about something that already exists?
  • You can expand on a national initiative to the EU level (f.e.: the European Job Guarantee Coalition)
  • Try to see beyond what is already included in the EU programmes. 
• How will the final video recorded on the 30th of April look like?
  • Example from FEPS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLotl1M2de_ILsWd6vL_3Xe4y5Lol8fzQ0

Terms and Conditions 

1. By submitting your video, you agree to grant us permission to use and share your content for promotional purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, sharing on FEPS’ website, social media channels, and other promotional materials.
2. FEPS is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and our privacy policy. By submitting your video, you acknowledge and consent to the processing of your personal data for the purposes outlined in this call for submissions. Your personal data will only be used for the administration of the ‘Call to Europe’ conference and will not be shared with third parties without your explicit consent.
3. Participants must comply with all submission guidelines to be considered for the ‘Call to Europe’ conference.
4. The decision of the selection process is final. The selection committee is committed to decide on the winners based on the criteria outlined in this call. 
5. With your submission, you confirm your availability to attend the event in person in Brussels on 30 April 2024. FEPS will cover travel and accommodation expenses of the selected pitch presenters for the conference.

Disclaimer

We are striving to be inclusive, and we hope to be able to accommodate your capacity to reply to our call. So please contact us if something prevents you from doing so (non-English speakers, disabilities, security reasons…).