All across Europe, 7,000 people have been participating in the Europe Talks project, discussing a wide range of topics from Brexit to immigration. This project has become even more significant following the recent attempted murder of the Slovakian Prime Minister, with the country’s President calling it an attack on democracy. With the help of My Country Talks and various newspapers, participants from countries like Wales, Poland, and Italy have been able to connect with strangers over WhatsApp, phone calls, email, and Zoom. The project is coming to a close, giving individuals one last chance to sign up and have a video call with someone from another European country.
David Thomas, a Welsh paramedic, and Karl Wilhelm Fricke, a retired German social worker, found common ground in their conversation, discussing topics like healthcare, climate change, and Brexit. Despite their differences, the two men enjoyed their chat and are planning to stay in touch. Geoff Branner, from Oxfordshire, and Anna Skorko, from Poland, discovered many similarities in their lives despite living in different countries. They bonded over stories from their careers and family life, making plans to continue their conversations in the future.
Luca Ruggiero from Italy and Laurence Rossignol from France engaged in a conversation about diverse topics like immigration, work politics, and differing viewpoints. They appreciated the opportunity to discuss complex subjects and hope that by understanding each other’s perspectives, they can combat extremism. Frankie Barnes, a retired crime scene officer from Brighton, enjoyed an engaging discussion with Stefano Benvegnu, an office worker from Italy, about war, immigration, and climate change. The pair found it valuable to hear each other’s viewpoints on pressing issues in their countries.
The participants in Europe Talks have been able to connect with individuals from different countries and backgrounds, opening up conversations on a wide range of topics. The project has provided a platform for people to share their viewpoints, learn from each other, and gain a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives. These personal connections have the potential to foster greater empathy and understanding between European citizens, contributing to a more united and cooperative Europe. By engaging in meaningful conversations with strangers from other countries, participants have been able to learn, grow, and build new friendships. The Europe Talks project highlights the power of dialogue and connection in bridging divides and promoting mutual respect and understanding.
