Imagine that situation where you spend a lot of money to throw a big party, with an open bar, a lot of food and a DJ, but nobody shows up. That was the nightmare of the European Union (EU), that spent almost 400 thousand euros to make a “prom” party in the metaverse, but only 6 people participated.
In an initiative to bring young people to the global gatewaythe European Commission spent a mere 387 thousand euros, about 2.1 million reais, on an online virtual reality platform.
The goal of the metaverse project was according to the EU promote the European Union by a “virtual gala party”🇧🇷 The committee therefore wanted to explain it to young people not politicizedthe role of Europe, its influence in the world and the need for continental authorities.
The guests were TikTok and Instagram personalities, and despite the popularity of social media influencers, the trailer of the event already predicted the embarrassment: only 44 likes on the publication.
“Are you ready to party?” asked the invitation to the Tuesday night event, which woefully received fewer than 50 likes despite the profile having more than 500,000 followers on Facebook and Twitter.
Discover the new #GlobalGateway digital platform – https://t.co/DHAdsfwbA1
Our shared digital space is the perfect place to meet new people and reflect on global issues to make a difference to our shared future. #Who we are pic.twitter.com/IAA01vIYbo
— International EU Partnerships 🇪🇺 (@EU_Partnerships) October 13, 2022
No one shows up to a BRL 2 million party in the metaverse
The party was planned as part of a series of events that visitors must be allowed “engage with each other and explore the long-term benefits of the EU’s global investments in the four campaign themes: digital connectivity, education, health and climate change”.
But during the party, only 6 people attended the ‘gala’ event, and attendees were still complaining about the party on social media.
“I’m here at the ‘gala’ party at the BRL 2.1m metaverse of the EU foreign aid department (designed to attract non-politically engaged 18-35 year olds – see story below). About five other people who showed up, I’m alone.” – said one user on Twitter.
I’m here at the ‘gala’ concert in the €387,000 metaverse of the EU’s foreign aid department (designed to attract non-politically engaged 18-35 year olds – see story below). After initial baffled conversations with the five or so other people who showed up, I’m alone. https://t.co/ChIHeXasQP pic.twitter.com/kZWIVlKmhL
—Vince Chadwick (@vchadw) November 29, 2022
Other users who attended the party said it was weather “depressing and embarrassing” and named the event “digital junk”.
Following the embarrassment, officials from the EU’s External Action Service are now facing questions from diplomats about the “communication strategy” of the event.
What is Global Gateway?
The Global Gateway is an initiative of the European Commission, the independent executive arm of the EU, which started on 1 December 2021.
In the own words of the European Commission is the Global Gateway “…the new European strategy to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport and strengthen health, education and research systems around the world.”
The initiative expects to spend around €300 billion on development by 2027 green and digital infrastructure around the world.
With zero surprises, the organization already faced with criticism due to lack of transparency and on how it intends to achieve those ambitions.
In any case, if the EU wants young people to start talking about the Global Gateway, it will probably have to find another way to reach them.
Source: Live Coins
Roy Brown is a renowned economist and author at The Nation View. He has a deep understanding of the global economy and its intricacies. He writes about a wide range of economic topics, including monetary policy, fiscal policy, international trade, and labor markets.
