Gamifying Nationalism: The AfD and the Politics of Emotional Belonging
Welcome to TikTok Nationalism: a flawless face, a beat drop, and the caption “Germany for the Germans.” Alice Weidel’s speech remixed with synthwave, AI avatars, and shadowy migrant clips. Politics has left parliament for the infinite scroll, where propaganda wears lip gloss and vibes. The AfD doesn’t campaign—it performs. Ultrantionalism becomes aesthetic, identity over ideology. As Marcus Bösch calls it: slopaganda—low-res, emotional, made to go viral. In this gamified nationalism, belief is optional. Just hit share.
Korea Goes Global: Why Europe Can’t Get Enough of Hallyu
Hallyu — the Korean Wave — is taking Europe by storm, not just through music and K-dramas, but also thanks to the skyrocketing popularity of Korean beauty products. As South Korea and the EU deepen their economic ties, new opportunities are opening up for business and consumer markets across the continent.
Beyond Borders: How Erasmus+ is Reshaping Lives in the Western Balkans
What happens when young people from the Western Balkans step beyond their borders — not just to study, but to grow? Through Erasmus+, students and professors from Kosovo, North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have found more than academic opportunities; they’ve found transformation. Vanesa left Tetovo during the pandemic and found a second home in Italy, where the Arbëreshë told her, “Our blood is one and the same.” Luka, from Bosnia, arrived in Bologna with a background in sports and construction but returned with a deeper understanding of culture and self. For Professor Bardhok Bashota of Kosovo, Erasmus+ wasn’t just a professional milestone — it was a mission. Teaching across Europe, he introduced others to his homeland, the youngest country in Europe, calling Erasmus+ “the only way to ‘touch’ international developments with your own hands.” In a region where international experience is often out of reach, Erasmus+ has become more than a program. It’s a lifeline — to knowledge, identity, and a shared European future.
Heat, Floods, and Fire: Europe’s Climate Crisis Hits Hundreds of Thousands
In 2024, extreme weather events impacted over 400,000 Europeans, with record heat, floods, and wildfires highlighting the urgent need for climate action.
Mediterranean in Trouble: Is disaster approaching?
The Mediterranean Sea - known for its beauty, biodiversity, and vital role in the region’s economy - is facing a serious threat: a growing shortage of freshwater.
Fake Jerseys, Real Crime: How the EU Is Tackling Sports Counterfeits
Sport is about passion, fair play, and unity - but not everyone plays by the rules. Just before the final of Spain’s famous Copa del Rey football tournament, authorities intercepted a massive shipment of fake sports gear. The EU and Spanish police teamed up to stop counterfeiters from cashing in on fans' enthusiasm.
Greening Europe: From Smarter Design to a Full Circle Economy
The EU is pushing harder to make its economy more circular. This time, the focus is on stopping companies from just throwing away unsold stuff and making energy labels on products even better.
Win a trip to Athens!
DEADLINE EXTENDED! You can be among the 8 young journalists and content creators from the PulseZ community to attend the Gen-E 2025 Youth Entrepreneurship Festival this summer in Athens!