Europe is gearing up for the upcoming European elections from June 6-9, with 27 countries participating to elect 720 MEPs for the European Parliament. To encourage people to vote and support freedom of expression, Euronews has collaborated with Europeans Without Borders and Cartooning for Peace to animate the work of ten renowned European cartoonists. This campaign aims to raise public awareness amidst increasing criticism of the EU, threats to European democracies, and the importance of combating abstention.
The animated series, produced by IDSIDE studio, showcases the works of talented press cartoonists like Cristina from Portugal, Kak from France, and lectrr from Belgium. Founded in 2006 by Nobel Peace Prize winner Kofi Annan and press cartoonist Plantu, Cartooning for Peace plays a pivotal role in promoting freedom of expression through cartoons. The initiative is supported by the Hippocrène Foundation, the Naumann Foundation, and the European Cultural Foundation.
The stakes are high for the European elections, with issues such as the climate crisis, threats of war, and the overall future of a democratic Europe at the forefront. Through the animated series, viewers will get a glimpse of the diverse perspectives and creativity of the cartoonists, urging them to engage in the democratic process by casting their vote. The campaign runs from May 20 to June 9, leading up to the election days.
Among the featured cartoonists are Joep Bertrams from The Netherlands, Kap from Spain, and Landschulz from Germany, each contributing unique insights and viewpoints to the animated series. By amplifying their voices and creativity, this campaign seeks to spark conversations and prompt action among European citizens. The goal is to foster a sense of unity in support of a democratic, plural, and vibrant Europe.
As the threat of abstention looms over the European elections, it is crucial for every individual to share these cartoons and actively participate in this collective mobilization. By engaging with the animated content and spreading the message, viewers can contribute to a more informed and active electorate. The power of art and visual storytelling is harnessed in this campaign to inspire individuals to exercise their democratic rights and shape the future of Europe.
