![[Débat] What values do Europeans still have in common?](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.arteradio.com/permanent/arteradio/sites/default/files/pictures/sipa_ap22920640_000001_1.jpg?fit=%2C&ssl=1 "[Débat] What values do Europeans still have in common?")
What values do Europeans still have in common?
In Romania, the pro-Russian populist candidate Calin Georgescu created a surprise by placing himself ahead of the first round of the presidential election. With 22.94% of the vote, he is ahead of center-right candidate Elena Lasconi (19.17%) and outgoing pro-European Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu (19.15%). Admirer of Vladimir Putin, Calin Georgescu declared that the Romanian people had “cried for peace”, after a campaign marked by the mobilization of young people, particularly on the social network TikTok. He notably called for an end to support for Ukraine. The breakthrough of the pro-Russian candidate, very critical of NATO, worries the transatlantic alliance because Romania, which hosts several NATO military sites, is a major pillar for it. Faced with pro-Russian dissidence emanating within Europe, is the European Union condemned to impotence?
We debate it with Max-Erwann Gastineauessayist, specialist in international relations; Yves Bertonciniconsultant and teacher in European affairs and Caroline de Camareteditor-in-chief Europe at France 24.
28 Minutes is ARTE’s current affairs magazine, presented by Elisabeth Quin from Monday to Thursday at 8:05 p.m. Renaud Dély is in charge of the show on Friday and Saturday. This podcast is co-produced by KM and ARTE Radio.
Here are two PAA-related questions based on the provided text:
## VALUES IN COMMON: A European Crossroads
**Welcome to World Today News, and thank you for joining us for today’s discussion on a critical topic impacting Europe: the rise of pro-Russian sentiment and the question of shared values across the continent.**
**Tonight, we are privileged to have with us three esteemed guests:**
* **Max-Erwann Gastineau**, essayist and specialist in international relations
* **Yves Bertoncini**, consultant and teacher in European affairs
* **Caroline de Camaret**, editor-in-chief Europe at France 24
**Let’s begin by understanding the context. The recent Romanian presidential election saw a surprise surge in support for pro-Russian populist candidate Calin Georgescu. This raises concerns about the future of European unity and its support for Ukraine.
Caroline, can you shed light on the political landscape leading up to this result? What factors contributed to Georgescu’s unexpected popularity, particularly among the younger generation?**
**(Caroline responds)**
**Max-Erwann, Georgescu’s strong stance against NATO and his calls for an end to support for Ukraine directly challenge core tenets of the European Union. Do you see this as a symptom of deeper divisions within Europe, or is it an isolated incident?
What are the potential ramifications for transatlantic relations and NATO’s security architecture?**
**(Max-Erwann responds)**
**Yves, this situation begs the question: are Europeans truly still united by common values?
How can the EU effectively address this growing pro-Russian sentiment without alienating its member states and undermining the principles of democracy and freedom of expression?**
**(Yves responds)**
**Section Two: The Role of Disinformation and Social Media**
**Moving on, the article mentions the significant role of social media, particularly TikTok, in mobilizing young voters for Georgescu’s campaign.
Caroline, how did disinformation and online manipulation potentially influence this election?
What measures can be taken to combat the spread of harmful content and protect democratic processes from foreign interference?**
**(Caroline responds)**
**Max-Erwann, do you believe that social media platforms bear a responsibility for the content shared on their platforms?
What should be the balance between freedom of speech and the prevention of harmful disinformation?**
**(Max-Erwann responds)**
**Yves, how can the EU and individual member states best collaborate to develop effective strategies for combating online disinformation and protecting democratic values in the digital age?
What role can educational initiatives and media literacy programs play?**
**(Yves responds)**
**Section Three: Looking Ahead: The Future of European Unity**
**As we conclude our discussion, the question remains: what is the future of European unity in the face of these challenges?
Max-Erwann, what steps can the EU take to strengthen solidarity amongst its members and reaffirm its shared values?
Is there a risk of fragmentation and division within the bloc?**
**(Max-Erwann responds)**
**Yves, how can the EU engage in meaningful dialog with those who hold eurosceptic or pro-Russian views?
Is it possible to bridge these divides and find common ground?**
**(Yves responds)**
**Caroline, looking ahead to the upcoming European elections, what are the potential implications of Georgescu’s success on the political landscape of the EU?
What messages should European leaders send to their citizens to address these concerns and promote a sense of unity and purpose?**
**(Caroline responds)**
**We thank our guests for their insightful contributions to this complex discussion.
The future of European unity hangs in the balance as the continent faces these difficult challenges.
It remains to be seen whether shared values can prevail and guide Europe through these turbulent times.**
