On Sunday 9 April, Europeístas was present at the weekly meeting of Pulse of Europe at Berlin Gendarmenmarkt. In a great atmosphere, people from different parts of Europe shared their personal experiences and their view on the European Union before hundreds that had gathered there, all with a common goal: to transmit a positive image of Europe. Always present behind the stage, a message built from several people, each holding one letter: “Français, restez avec nous” (French, stay with us). Our colleague Rocío Santos had the chance to speak with Dr. Kristoff Ritlewski, co-founder of this movement and asked him about the secret behind their success, their goals and the future of Pulse of Europe. We hope you enjoy the interview.
Interview mit Kristoff Ritlewski, Mit-Initiator der Bewegung Pulse of Europe
Europeístas: How do you suceed in gathering so many people every Sunday? Do you have any kind of help from the local authorities or is it organised just by using social networks? How is it actually achieved?
Pulse: We actually started with a circle of close friends and the social network contacts that everyone nowadays has, such as Facebook. We got maybe 50 people for the first meeting and then we said, for the next one, we should at least bring one more each. Apparently everyone did and we doubled. From time to time it grew more an more and, of course, one the press told about us, more people were attracted to these weekly appointments.
Europeístas: What does Pulse of Europe want to achieve? What is your goal?
Pulse: The main objective is to transmit a positive image of Europe and attract the attention of the politicians, so not only the ones that wish to divide and complain are heard. We want to be a force that brings together people who believe in a united Europe and we want to give them the chance to express it on the street and be heard.
Europeístas: How long do you plan to go on with the innitiative?
Pulse: The first deadline would be the French presidential election, so we´ll go on until the end of May. How it further goes, we still have to think about it. Of course, there is also the German general election in September, which is very important, even if there is no political party involved with a real chance to reach positions of power and destroy Europe. However, we believe that it is still important to show this strength on the street and step forward for a united Europe.
We thank Dr. Kristoff Ritlewski for his replies.
Interview and article by Rocío Santos – contacto@europeistas.com