Next Step, the Second Generationenables 8 European festivals to join forces to sustain the artistic renewal of performing arts in Europe by stimulating co-production and the transnational circulation of new work by the European artists of tomorrow.The festivals focus on international artistic production and function as laboratories for new trends in the arts: they take risks and introduce artists to a wide and open-minded audience in an exceptional social space in a limited period of time. They build bridges between a local audience and an international scene. However, the national financial support does not permit these festivals to exploit their full potential as a springboard for emerging European artists. As artists transgress borders–esthetical, geographical, social or political-they contribute substantially to the development of a European cultural space and a European identity. The generation Next Step focuses on has already proved its potential and is ready to explore new directions, a larger scale, or other audiences. However, local conditions can rarely respond to their ambitions: the artistic and financial risks are too high or more financial national support can't be ensured. At this stage Next Step can make a difference, by co-producing, providing important financial footing, and guaranteeing circulation and international visibility.Furthermore, the festivals will offer residencies to (non-)European artists, as an additional means to encourage the renewal of the international arts scene. We extend this reflection to European critics during two international master classes.The running Next Step (2007-2012) already enabled a number of artists to acquire a significant position within the European performing arts, each with his own voice. But still: we are convinced we can have a wider impact. To have a lasting, sustaining effect on a cultural landscape, a longer term is needed. Therefore, we strongly believe in the continuation of this network.