#ConnectEU – Mastodon instead of X (Twitter)

X (Twitter) is no longer a neutral space for communication.
What becomes visible there is determined by a single US billionaire through algorithmic control. These mechanisms can shift debates, amplify disinformation, and influence political sentiment—outside of European oversight. Those who remain on X strengthen this system with their reach and attention.

This is not a technical issue, but a political one.
Elon Musk openly supports EU-hostile actors and questions the European order that underpins our economic security, democratic participation, and the rule of law.

There is an alternative.
Mastodon is technically superior, decentralized, free from manipulative algorithms, and developed in Europe. Control over the information space is once again in the hands of the people.

Become part of the #ConnectEU community

ConnectEU is a European community on Mastodon. It connects people from different countries without algorithmic manipulation.

Set up Mastodon in 5 easy steps

Setting it up only takes a few minutes.

✅ Step 1: Create a Mastodon account

We recommend the large, stable entry-level instance: http://mastodon.social

Important:
Even if you sign up on mastodon.social, you can follow people on Mastodon worldwide. Mastodon is a shared network, not a closed platform.

📱 Step 2: Install a Mastodon app on Android (Moshidon)

For your smartphone, we recommend Moshidon, a modern and very powerful Mastodon app. Alternatively, you can also use Tusky.

👤 Step 3: Set up your profile briefly (recommended)

  • Upload a profile picture

  • Write a short description (bio)

  • Optional: Add a link to your website or project

👉 A completed profile increases the likelihood that others will follow you.

Step 4: Install community and starter packs (crucial!)

What is a starter pack?

A starter pack is a curated collection of Mastodon accounts. With just a few clicks, you can follow many relevant people and media outlets at once and become connected immediately.

Become part of the ConnectEU community

Anyone who posts once on Mastodon using the hashtag #ConnectEUStarterPack will be included in the ConnectEU Community Starter Pack and become part of the unofficial community. Before doing so, you should go to Preferences → Privacy and Reach and enable the option “Feature profile and posts in discovery algorithms Recommended”. Otherwise, you cannot be added to the starter pack. You are also welcome to post a short introduction, for example about your topics and language.

Install a starter pack – how it works

  1. Click on the starter pack link
  2. Log in with your own Mastodon instance
  3. Click “Follow all” or follow the accounts as a group
  4. Done – you are connected

Available starter packs

🌍 ConnectEU – Connecting the European community
https://fedidevs.com/s/ODE5/

🇩🇪 Getting started in the German-speaking region (news & press)
https://fedidevs.com/s/ODE1/

Note

Starter packs bundle accounts, not algorithms.

🧭 Step 5: Follow hashtags (very important)

Mastodon works differently from X (Twitter):

  • ❌ no manipulative algorithm

  • ❌ no “For You” timeline

  • ✅ you decide for yourself what you see

This means:
👉 you must actively follow people and hashtags

How to do it:

1. Enter a hashtag in the search

2. Click on the hashtag

3. Click “Follow” / “Subscribe”.

We recommend following these hashtags:

The Allianz für Europäische Sicherheit e.V. is a German registered association. With professional expertise and civic commitment, we advocate for the security of Europe. Our work is actively shaped by our members. Our activities cover internal and external security policy as well as economic resilience.

Become a member
Here you can access our online application form

->Online application form