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What is Europe’s World and why should people read it?
It is a 188-page English-language independent policy journal being launched by Friends of Europe on October 4. To be published three times yearly, it is the only pan-European Journal that offers policymakers and opinion-formers across Europe a platform for presenting ideas and forging consensus on key issues. Thanks to the network we have created of 45 think tanks across Europe, its pages reflect the diversity of national policy debates in EU states, particularly in the newcomer and candidate countries. Until now, there has been no Europe-wide forum for ideas and discussion on international relations to match the reach and authority of such US-based journals as Foreign Affairs or Foreign Policy. The success of Europe’s World will depend on its writers, and because it is not an academic publication it will be bringing a journalistic taste for controversy to the usually more staid world of policy analysis.
Aren’t there already more than enough policy journals and discussion papers?
At national level, maybe, but not with a Europe-wide focus. I think you’ll find that Europe’s World is more provocative and controversial than the academic international relations journals, and also more accessible to general readers, thanks to tight editing. It is also searching in its analysis of the thorniest problems that confront Europe’s politicians and policymakers, as well as revealing about different national preoccupations and attitudes to EU policy issues.
Who will be your readers?
The aim of Europe’s World is to be a debating platform for people in the forefront of policy thinking in Europe. Both authors and readers are drawn from the diverse ranks of those in Europe with ideas to contribute: political leaders, policy thinkers, business leaders, NGO activists and journalists. The journal has absolutely no national or political bias and I think the launch issue demonstrates that it offers a balanced but critical range of articles.
Won’t it be difficult for Europe’s World to make an impact right from the start?
Because the journal will be hitting the desks of policymakers, analysts, media commentators and opinion-formers right across Europe, it is a genuinely EU-wide forum for ideas and new thinking. The people are going to receive it include:
- Members of national parliaments
- Senior editors and columnists
- EU officials and delegations
- Diplomats and top civil servants
- Business leaders and industry organisations
- Think tanks and universities
- NGOs and civil society representatives
Will there be an online version of the publication?
The printed, hard copy version of Europe’s World has a print run of 20,000, and is being sold with a cover price of €10 in all good newsagents and bookshops in Brussels and across Europe. But that represents only 10% of our readership. A further 180,000 readers in all walks of life who share an interest in European policy issues will be receiving, free of charge, the electronic version of Europe’s World. This contains all the editorial and advertising contents of the journal. We are able to reach such a large readership thanks not only to our own large Friends of Europe database but also those of 45 partner think tanks.
Do you see Europe’s World playing a role in the new information and communication strategy of Mrs. Wallström?
No.
Will all articles be in English or can contributions also be sent in other languages? Are you thinking about a French or German version if Europe’s World becomes a success?
For the time being we have no plans for French or Spanish versions. Although in a few exceptional cases we accept articles in other languages than English, we’ve found that both authors and readers are prepared to use English as a common working language.
