1 This is the introduction to a special issue of EuroScientist on “The Social Value of European Research on Media Accessibility” jointly edited by Pilar Orero and myself. Cite as: G. M. Greco (2019), Fostering Unity in Diversity: The Social Value of European Research on Media Accessibility, EuroScientist, 13 May 2019, https://www.euroscientist.com/fostering-unity-in-diversity-the- social-value-of-european-research-on-media-accessibility/ Fostering Unity in Diversity: the Social Value of European Research on Media Accessibility Gian Maria Greco TransMedia Catalonia, Autonomous University of Barcelona (Spain) GALMA, University of Vigo (Spain) In 2000, the European Union adopted “in varietate concordia” (united in diversity) as its motto. According to the official webpage, the expression “signifies how Europeans have come together, in the form of the EU, to work for peace and prosperity, while at the same time being enriched by the continent's many different cultures, traditions and languages.” The strength of the European project lies precisely in the aim of creating a community by embracing the diversity of its members. Unity in diversity means promoting the value of the vast human variety expressed by all its citizens, whether they be children, women, migrants, linguistic minorities, persons with disabilities, or the elderly. It entails fostering reciprocal understanding, inclusion and equitable opportunities for all. The Shifts of Accessibility When it comes to promoting inclusion and equitable opportunities, a term has been increasingly popping up on the screen, shining and blinking in bold letters: accessibility. Accessibility calls for leaving none behind in any aspect of life, for the loss of even a single individual is a loss of society as a whole. Traditionally, accessibility has been addressed by adopting so-called particularist, maker-centred and reactive approaches. It means that, for a long time: (a) accessibility has been interpreted as related exclusively to some specific group, often persons with disabilities (b) that maker’s knowledge was considered sufficient to successfully tackle accessibility problems (c) and that accessibility concerns were considered as an add-on, that is, as an afterthought once the main product or service were already created.