Mission Statement

The European is an opinion magazine. We debate important political and cultural issues within the framework of journalistic news analysis.

We are discursive, analytical and reflective. Absolute truths cannot exist within a pluralistic, democratic and secular society. Discourses are shaped by those who present and defend their ideas truthfully and persuasively. That discursive streak is an integral part of European intellectual and cultural history. The name The European stands as a reminder of that tradition.

Contemporary European civilization is based on the intellectual heritage of Greek philosophy, on Roman politics and legal codes, on the teachings of Christianity, the humanist philosophy, modern parliamentary and scientific movements, the ideals of the Enlightenment and the lessons that the peoples of Europe have learned from the experience of destructive wars and from the horrors of the Holocaust.

Freedom of speech is the basis for free societies. Without it, freedom of the press and free scientific discourse are meaningless. The European staunchly defends the right of everyone to freely express his or her views.

Honest debates require popular engagement. The emergence of the internet as a global arena for the exchange of ideas and innovation has expanded the opportunities for participation like no previous form of media. We are tasked with the re-assessment and critical examination of our ideals, convictions, utopian dreams and societal models. The European aims to debate responses to fundamental questions together with our authors and readers. Their participation is critical. Debates are not one-way streets, they function because people share their thoughts and express their opinions. We ask our readers to embrace that opportunity: Write us, criticize us, offer alternative analyses - and ultimately aid in the process of identifying the pressing problems of our time, and to find comprehensive solutions to the challenges we face.

The European has no particular political leaning. Politicians from all parties - from the Socialist Left to the Social Democrats, the Green Party, the Free Liberals and the Christian Conservatives - have contributed their opinions. Debate requires the acceptance of dissenting opinions as importance contributions to the overall discourse. The discursive approach tasks us with finding argumentative responses to the ideas of others rather than dismissing then as unfounded or irrelevant.

The European has three revenue sources: Advertisements, events and consulting. Editorial staff and consultants are operated completely independent. Contractual agreements about event organizing or consulting services have no impact on journalistic coverage and editorial decisions. The shareholders of the magazine represent only themselves; secondary entities hold no shares. Political parties, publishing houses, religious organizations, unions or interest groups have no investment in The European. The magazine is independent.

The European seeks answers to the challenges faced by journalists around the globe. Patterns of media consumptions and communication have undergone significant changes in recent years. As an online magazine, we believe in the potential of the internet and in the future of quality journalism. We aim to explore new formats and push the journalistic agenda in cooperation with news organizations worldwide. Exciting times lie ahead. Today's pioneers will be the voices of tomorrow.