The Europeans

The Europeans is a multi-award-winning independent podcast and media collective founded in 2017. It is dedicated to demystifying the political and cultural forces of the continent through a "fun and lively" lens that bridges the gap between the often dry "Brussels bubble" and the lived experiences of citizens. Born in the wake of Brexit, the publication positions itself as a "Brexit-free zone," prioritizing pan-European storytelling over national silos to challenge the idea that European affairs are inherently boring or irrelevant. The publication is recognized for its "breezy and intimate" narrative style, bridging rigorous journalism with the warmth of a conversation between friends. It is particularly known for its flagship "Good Week/Bad Week" segments and its high-impact investigative miniseries, such as "Who Does It Best?", which uses cross-border field reporting to compare how different nations solve universal social problems like the housing crisis and childcare. By moving away from "wonkish" institutional reporting, The Europeans provides its international audience with a digestible and celebratory look at the continent’s messy politics and vibrant culture. The Europeans maintains a decentralized, community-powered business model that serves as a case study in listener-funded media. It is primarily sustained by a dedicated Patreon membership base, supplemented by targeted crowdfunding campaigns on platforms like 4fund.com and strategic philanthropic grants from bodies like the European Cultural Foundation and the European Commission (Spinelli Prize). This financial independence ensures that its journalists remain autonomous, allowing the outlet to investigate sensitive geopolitical realities - from the rise of the far-right in Hungary to climate justice cases in Switzerland - without the constraints of corporate advertising or political interference. Operating as a cross-border collective with core hubs in Paris, Amsterdam, and Warsaw, The Europeans has grown into a vital platform for ethical, independent journalism. It serves as a creative bridge across borders, fostering informed debate and providing a critical but optimistic lens on the "battle for a shared identity" and democratic resilience across Europe and beyond.