Albert, 25, from Spain is studying Journalism at the University of Barcelona UAB. He is interested in International Journalism and specially the European Union.

New Media – New Europe?

Portrayal of a crossover

At a critical point of its history, Europe stands at a crossover: many say we need more Europe and at the same time euroscepticism is at its highest. Media should jump in and be careful with its portrayal of the European Union. Politics might be a bit messy right now, but at an administrative level Europe has brought many good things to the average citizen. In a crisis-shaken Spain, a country that urges for further reform in Europe, national media tend to portray the European decision making process as slow and occasionally sloppy. They feel that little is being made to solve the current difficulties. Many nationals feel that Spain is a little voice in a big and loud singing chorus. Nevertheless, Spanish media express few anti-European opinions. There are no strong eurosceptic nationalist parties, like we find in countries such as Greece and the UK. Despite being pro-Europe, many Spanish citizens are increasingly feeling isolated of the decision making process. According to the Eurobarometer, the positive image of the EU has fallen from 63percent in 2004 to 22 percent in 2012.

But media, indissociable of its watchdog role, is also about creating a collective storytelling of our society. Euroscepticism is both caused by the economic difficulties and the failure to communicate a truly European feeling and identity. In this globalised era, identity is a of different sensibilities. We are citizens of our city, but also of the world. European falls as an important intermediate state. Media can help this identity thrive.

Also the European Parliament is a little known friend to the Spanish people. The directives put into discussion in this institution can affect the lives of citizens significantly. Many people know their legal representatives in their national parliaments but fail to recognise their counterparts in European Parliament. Citizens should be reminded of crucial policies that the administrative body of the EU implements around its area such as the Common Agricultural Policy or the Television Without Frontiers directive.

Moreover, one must be aware of the reasons the Union was implemented in the first place. Europe is a pacified continent, but it hasn’t been this way throughout its history. There was a time when borders meant everything and expanding them at the expense of the blood of its citizens was common practice. Also different nations claimed resource rich regions like the Sudetes or Alsace Lorraine.

The Union helped put all these warmongering to rest. Young Europeans may not know it and the media is a key element to explain the political transcendence of a united Europe.
It’s even more important now that the continent is at a critical crossover. The consolidation process is the key to restoring confidence with the citizens, but ironically the Union’s unpopularity with some of its citizens puts the continental integration into jeopardy. Media should jump in and explain the many good things the Union has brought with fairness and the right degree of interpretation. Those are the things that make this collective storytelling that is the press worth reading.