Insights, Innovation & Impact

Sveiki, readers! 🇱🇹 This week’s newsletter is brought to you by Rugilė Imbrasaitė , our dedicated project coordinator from Lithuania, now based in The Hague, Netherlands! 🌍✨ 

Let Rugilė guide you through this week’s Zeitgeist News. Get ready to dive in and enjoy the journey! 

💙 Help us Rebuild Valencia! 🤝 

Following the devastating floods in Valencia, Espai Valencià Bèlgica —a nonprofit and the official Valencian Center Abroad (CEVEX) in Belgium—is rallying support for reconstruction after the recent catastrophic floods.  

Why Support? 💪 

Valencia needs us now. By joining EVB’s cause, you’re not just donating; you’re helping people who lost their livelihoods and who were affected by the floods the most. Every bit counts, and together, we can make a difference. 

Additional Ways to Help: 

🩸 Spanish Red Cross: Help flood victims – Donate here 

🤲 Cáritas Valencia: Aid those in need – Support here 

🌍 Oxfam Intermón: Support vulnerable communities – Contribute here 

EU Leaders on X: Time to Go or Time to Stay? 🧐 

At the 2024 edition of the #EUinfluencer event, Jon Worth sparked a compelling debate on whether EU leaders should reconsider their presence on X. ️ 

🔍 Here’s the gist: 

👉 Regulate, Don’t Ban: Platforms like TikTok have responded positively to EU rules, while X has been slower to follow suit. A ban might be far off, but ensuring X’s compliance with the DSA is essential. 

👉 Ethics & Action: Should EU leaders continue to use a platform under controversial management? Worth suggests that EU Commissioners could lead by example, showing that alternative platforms can be effective for outreach. 

Watch here for more 👇🏻

Where Are the MEPs?🌍📲  

This summer, our team conducted an in-depth study of the MEP's digital presence post-EU elections. Here are some highlights from our Senior Strategic Advisor, Marsela Ivanova :

📢 X is still here, with 611 MEPs actively using it as their primary platform. Recent events, like Thierry Breton’s public resignation on X, highlight its political reach  

🌍📲 Facebook and Instagram follow closely, with 546 and 533 MEPs respectively engaging broader audiences, while LinkedIn registered 397 MEP users. 

🌐 TikTok and Threads are gaining traction with younger voters in France and Italy but aren’t yet mainstream for MEPs.  

Watch below for more 👇🏻

Is Instagram the Key to Engaging Young Audiences? 🤔  

At this year's #EUinfluencer 2024 event, Sevim Aktas shared how Instagram has become her go-to tool for connecting with young professionals and students.  

Curious why? Sevim reveals 2 main insights.⤵️   

GPT Store’s Impact on Digital Communications🚀💬 

With the dawn of the GPT Store, digital communications are set to transform. Here's Rugilė’s take on: 

1. Accessibility for All 🌍  

The GPT Store will allow for advanced tools to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical background. This empowerment can enhance skill sets and bring new voices into the digital space.  

2. An Innovation Hub 🛠️    

It could also become the go-to space for groundbreaking communication tools, fostering AI-powered collaboration as the new standard. Remote teams worldwide can work seamlessly, driving up their productivity and creativity.  

3. Breaking Language Barriers 🌐    

With improved translation capabilities, GPT tools could enable smoother cross-language interactions, making it easier to connect globally. Imagine working with anyone, anywhere—no language limitations!  

#ZNLive with Emőke Péter Tomorrow – Episode 400! 

Join us tomorrow at 2 pm for our 400th episode! Our hosts Philip Weiss and Marsela Ivanova will chat with Emőke Péter , an award-winning Public Affairs leader and Group Head of Public & Regulatory Affairs at Worldline ! She’ll share her insights on digital trends, the role of public affairs in shaping policy, and what the future holds for digital transformation in Europe. 💸💡  

Don’t miss it! 👇

#ClientNews

Advancing Tire Sustainability Through Innovation 

The Tire Industry Project has launched an exciting Open Call for Projects to advance sustainability in the tire industry! This initiative invites project proposals that focus on environmental and human health, circularity, and cleaner production. It’s an incredible opportunity for researchers, academics, and innovators worldwide to contribute to meaningful, industry-wide impact. 

We provided design expertise to create a clear and engaging webpage for the Open Call, making it easier than ever for innovators to get involved. 

Want to learn more or submit a proposal? Dive into the details here! 

Introducing the LinkedIn Page for Diageo EU!  🚀 

We’re excited to launch the Diageo EU LinkedIn page! As a global leader in premium drinks, Diageo EU will use this space to share insights on sustainable growth, EU policy, and innovation. This new platform is dedicated to sparking meaningful conversations with policymakers, communities, and partners across Europe.  

Follow Diageo EU to join the dialogue and stay updated on how they're shaping a more sustainable future. 

#ZNLive with James Kanter #Episode 399 

Inside Out: The Future of EU Communications 🎙 

In our latest episode of #ZNLive, our CEO Philip Weiss and Account Manager Evilenia Tsimpoura engaged in a thought-provoking conversation with James Kanter , journalist and host of the popular podcast EU Scream. 

Key takeaways: 

🌐 Politics and Technology are Ever Closer: The rise of tech companies has transformed how we engage with political content, with a growing concern that important government checks and balances are being overstepped through the tech industry’s influence. 

🎙️ Podcasts are the New Norm: While podcasts are flourishing in the U.S. and the U.K., engaging the European public remains a challenge. Recognizing and rephrasing the dry and technocratic nature of EU affairs communications is crucial in order to have an impact outside Brussels. 

🤖 The Dilemma of Synthetic Media: As AI-generated content becomes more common, we must question its impact on authentic voices in journalism. Are we risking a future where people prefer getting their news from AI, rather than actual people? 

Did you miss #ZNLive Last Friday? You can watch the whole episode here!

In Focus

Email Marketing—It's Not Just Spam !🚀 

Our Marketing Manager, Gaia Gambaro recently shared some valuable tips on how to make your email marketing strategy go #OneStepAhead. Head over to Gaia’s post for her pro tips. 

Will the New EU Commission Find the Right Balance for Europe? ⚖️ 

The upcoming 2024-2029 College of Commissioners is stepping into one of its first balancing acts yet. As President Ursula von der Leyen leads a team (pending its approval in the European Parliament) of diverse voices—from Teresa Peñalva Ribera on climate to Henna Virkkunen on tech—the Commission must juggle competing priorities to shape Europe’s future. 

Here’s a glimpse into the top challenges Europe’s new leadership faces, backed by our in-depth research 👇 

• 🌾 Food Security vs. Sustainability: Balancing short-term food needs with long-term green goals as farmers and NGOs voice concerns over the EU’s Common Agriculture Policy changes. 

• 🤖 AI Regulation: Europe aims to lead in ethical AI with a new regulatory framework, but industry giants and the US are pushing back on restrictions. 

• ⚖️ Biofuels Debate: Crop-based biofuels are under fire as critics argue they affect food supplies and biodiversity during a time of crisis. 

Are you curious about more policy and communications topics that will make policymakers in Brussels and beyond stay awake at night? 

Download our free Post-EU Elections Toolkit and start getting your voice heard while staying #OneStepAhead! 

Catch Radiant Vermin Before It’s Gone! 🎭 

Radiant Vermin – A wickedly funny play by British playwright Philip Ridley, now live in Brussels! Follow Jill and Ollie, a young couple who, in their quest for the perfect home, uncover a darkly humorous way to get what they want. 

Show Details: 

• 📅 Now running until: Saturday, November 23 

• 📍 Location: The Bridge Theatre, Brussels 

🎟 Get your tickets now at thebridge.brussels – don’t miss out! 

🎄It’s timeeee… to Wrap Up 2024 with a Winning Strategy! 🎶 

As Mariah Carey’s holiday tunes fill the air, we’re ready to help you close out the year in style. With services designed to celebrate your company’s wins, engage your audience, and boost your brand, here’s how we’ll make your season memorable:  

✨ Engaging Annual Reports: Breathe life into numbers with interactive, visually compelling reports that captivate and inform.  

🎁 Thoughtful Employee Gifts: Elevate the season of giving with custom gifts that show appreciation and leave your team smiling.  

🎉 Unforgettable Event Activations: Bring the party to life with immersive experiences and celebrations for bonding and client appreciation.  

🎬 Year-End Videos: Capture your company’s 2024 highlights with videos that inspire and set the tone for next year.  

Ready to explore what’s possible? Download our free eBook here👇

Digital News and Trends 

How X Shaped Trump's Path to Victory? 

Donald Trump’s presidential victory in the US shines a spotlight on Elon Musk and the role of his platform, X, in shaping the electoral campaign. Musk’s commitment to ‘free speech’ on X allowed Trump’s message to reach millions without the typical media filters, sparking discussion on whether his support tipped the scales. With advertisers possibly coming back to X and Trump’s administration favoring relaxed AI regulations that could benefit Musk's company xAI, Musk’s influence is already making waves. 

Is Musk's reach extending beyond technology to influence the future of politics? Follow along to see how this unfolds. 

Meet the #ZNetwork 

Rugilė Imbrasaitė is a Project Coordinator based in the Hague, with a bachelor's from the Hague University of Applied Sciences and is originally from Panevėžys, Lithuania. During her free time, she hosts events for the GGI community – Girl Gone International given her talent in organization. When she is not throwing up some events, she usually listens to podcasts, such as to the Crime Junkie or The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett. 

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