Seven independent TV stations from European capital cities have launched a unique partnership, called the GIDEON Project. These news broadcasters want to start exchanging 30 video portraits of expat Europeans in their cities. GIDEON is a pilot project and it is the first step to an extended network of collaborating news stations in the major cities of the European Union.

By invitation of the European Commission, the seven TV stations had a press meeting in Brussels last week. Here they undersigned the ambitious plans to help introducing European citizens to one another. The GIDEON Project supports the effort to fight the dreaded lack of cohesion in the EU, by focussing on metropolitan broadcasters, subtitling, multimedia, and a distinct bottom up approach.

By employing existing independent news broadcasters from capital cities, connected by a facilitating hub, initiator Peter Hoogendijk believes that both the Union and its citizens are served best.

"The European project is still mainly in the heads of the politicians, but it needs to be in the hearts of the Europeans too. We should introduce each other in our backyards, and invite one another at our kitchen tables. Have a look, see what we do, learn from our mistakes and solutions."

Hoogendijk believes that local news stations are best equipped for this project. They are on linear TV, online and on social media, they know their own backyard best, and as journalistic professionals they can address European topics 'bottom up'. They have a relevant message for their fellow Europeans.

The first format is called 'City Swap', it will be a series of portraits of European expatriates. It is an example of a relevant, smart and interesting exchange, according to the eight participants. Other formats are being prepared.

Now that these eight broadcasters have joined forces, the next step will be a fundraising campaign. "It is a very inexpensive pilot," Robert Esselinckx, editor in chief of TV Brussel says, "and it is interesting for the European institutions, as well as the eight capitals, and also commercial partners to support this project. We are enthusiastic and very hopeful. The first steps have been taken already."