In times of profound transformation, when old political models struggle to adapt and social trust is tested, it is often young people who carry the boldest visions for change. They are not simply future leaders—they are current stakeholders in Europe’s democracy, economy, and civic life. Yet their ability to shape decisions at the institutional level often remains limited, filtered, or delayed.
This is where the European Youth Event (EYE) finds its unique value: by creating a space where the energy, insight, and urgency of young citizens meet the structures of power in real time. Far from being a ceremonial gathering, the EYE invites thousands of young people from across Europe to Strasbourg, placing them face to face with Members of the European Parliament, EU officials, and peers from every corner of the continent. It is a stage where Europe listens—and sometimes, begins to act.
At United Citizens of Europe, we believe youth engagement is not an optional feature of democracy, but one of its foundational pillars. It’s why we dedicate space, resources, and voice to young activists, thinkers, and changemakers—and why we recently hosted MEP Benedetta Scuderi on our podcast. In that conversation, Scuderi—a trailblazing young parliamentarian—spoke of the urgent need to dismantle barriers that still prevent youth from entering the political sphere, and of the role that organised platforms like EYE can play in amplifying youth agency. “We’re often told to wait our turn,” she reminded us, “but Europe can’t afford to keep postponing the future.”
A Generation Eager to Engage—Yet Facing Real Challenges
Young people across Europe today represent one of the most educated and interconnected generations in history. Their digital fluency, transnational awareness, and social engagement have the potential to redefine the future of democracy and sustainability in Europe. However, these aspirations are often undermined by persistent structural challenges that hinder full participation and inclusion.
According to the European Commission’s latest Youth Report, approximately 11.4% of young people aged 15–29 in the EU are not in employment, education or training (NEET), with the rate reaching over 20% in some regions. Youth unemployment, though declining, remains above pre-2008 levels in certain member states. Simultaneously, issues such as housing precarity, mental health deterioration, and limited access to quality civic education further compound the challenges faced by this demographic.
Trust in institutions remains fragile. The EU Youth Dialogue has consistently shown that young people often feel excluded from formal decision-making, citing a lack of accessible information, insufficient feedback mechanisms, and underrepresentation in political offices. These concerns were echoed during the 6th EU Youth Dialogue cycle, which led to the articulation of the 11 European Youth Goals, chief among them being “Connecting EU with Youth”—a recognition of the democratic disconnect that persists between young citizens and EU governance structures.
Moreover, global phenomena such as the climate crisis, geopolitical instability, and the digital transition add new layers of uncertainty and pressure. The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected young people, not only economically but psychologically, with spikes in anxiety, depression, and social isolation widely reported across Europe.
Despite these barriers, young Europeans continue to demonstrate a strong will to contribute. Youth turnout in the 2019 European elections saw a notable increase—up to 42% among 18–24 year-olds, marking a reversal of previous downward trends. This signals a renewed desire for influence, and a readiness to take part in the shaping of Europe’s future.
In this context, initiatives like the European Youth Event are not only timely but essential. They provide structured, supportive, and high-impact opportunities for young people to develop competencies, build networks, and influence EU policy. They also offer the institutional recognition needed to reinforce a generation that is not just eager to engage—but fundamentally capable of reshaping Europe.
What is the European Youth Event?
The European Youth Event (EYE) is a flagship initiative of the European Parliament that brings together thousands of young people from across the European Union and beyond to participate in democratic life at the very heart of the EU institutions. Held biennially in Strasbourg since its inception in 2014, the event transforms the European Parliament into a dynamic space of civic engagement, intercultural dialogue, and policy innovation. The most recent edition, EYE2025, took place on 13 and 14 June, welcoming over 10,000 participants aged 16 to 30.
The event is not merely a conference, but a multifaceted participatory platform. It combines high-level political dialogue with informal exchanges, performances, workshops, and capacity-building sessions. Activities are organised across thematic tracks that align with EU priorities—such as democracy, sustainability, inclusion, digital transformation, and global cooperation.
What distinguishes the EYE is its co-creation model. Sessions are proposed and delivered not only by EU institutions, but by youth organisations, civil society actors, grassroots networks, and even individuals. The entire event is designed to be inclusive, accessible, multilingual, and youth-driven, providing young Europeans with an authentic opportunity to shape the debates that affect them directly.
At the end of each edition, a Youth Ideas Report is compiled and submitted to all Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). This document contains proposals, recommendations, and reflections from participants, offering tangible input into EU policy processes. In this way, EYE acts as a bridge between bottom-up civic innovation and top-down political decision-making.
Over the years, the EYE has grown into more than a one-off event. It now exists in synergy with initiatives such as the EU Youth Dialogue, the European Year of Youth (2022) legacy, and the Conference on the Future of Europe, reflecting a long-term commitment to embedding youth perspectives in institutional discourse.
Volunteering at the EYE: Empowering Youth Through Civic Engagement
One of the most rewarding ways to experience the European Youth Event is by joining its team of dedicated volunteers. Each edition of the EYE brings together approximately 300 young volunteers who play a vital role in ensuring the smooth and inclusive delivery of the event. From supporting logistics and participant coordination to assisting with communications and sustainability initiatives, volunteers are the driving force behind the scenes of this landmark European gathering.
Who Can Volunteer?
The volunteer programme is open to young people aged 18 to 30 from across Europe. Applicants are expected to have a minimum B2 level in English and at least a B1 level in French. Those who are not fluent in French can request to join the buddy system, which pairs volunteers with bilingual teammates to ensure seamless collaboration.
Selected volunteers must be available for at least 12 hours of service over the course of the event and participate in four mandatory training sessions, delivered both online and on-site in Strasbourg.
What Are the Benefits?
Volunteering at the EYE is not only a civic contribution—it’s also a valuable learning and networking opportunity. All selected volunteers receive:
- Travel reimbursement of up to €250, depending on distance
- Free accommodation in Strasbourg (either hotel or homestay)
- Daily meals and refreshments during shifts
- An official EYE volunteer T-shirt
- A certificate of participation signed by the European Parliament
- Invitations to exclusive volunteer events, including a welcome cocktail and closing party.
Beyond the logistical support, volunteers gain hands-on experience in event organisation, develop transversal skills, and become part of a diverse and motivated international team working toward a common goal: making European democracy more accessible, inclusive, and youth-driven.
When to Apply
The call for volunteers typically opens in early January for international participants, with a deadline around 31 January. Applicants residing in or near Strasbourg may apply until 31 March. Selection is based on motivation, language skills, availability, and commitment to the values of inclusion and sustainability.
What are EYE2025 thematic priorities?
The 2025 edition of the European Youth Event was structured around a broad and timely set of thematic areas that reflect both the policy priorities of the European Union and the concerns of today’s youth. From climate justice and digital governance to youth mental health and democratic resilience, the programme tackled some of the most pressing issues of our time through interactive formats and cross-sectoral dialogue.
Young participants engaged in sessions exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of work, the risks of disinformation on electoral integrity, and the challenges of housing and employment in the context of the green and digital transitions. At the same time, the programme highlighted the need for international solidarity, particularly through sessions focused on EU enlargement, youth mobility, and cooperation with neighbouring regions.
This thematic breadth was not incidental; it reflected a deliberate effort to position young people not only as beneficiaries of policy but as informed contributors and co-creators of Europe’s future. The selection and design of the programme were co-developed with youth organisations, NGOs, and institutional partners, ensuring both relevance and representation. The EYE agenda reflects Europe’s most urgent youth concerns:
- Climate and Environmental Justice
- Digital and AI Governance
- Mental Health and Well-being
- Housing, Employment, and Just Transition
- Freedom of Speech and Disinformation
- Democracy and EU Enlargement
The programme is co-created with youth organisations, civil society actors, and young participants, ensuring diverse and inclusive voices shape the discussion.
Can young people save Europe? Our conversation with MEP Benedetta Scuderi
As part of our ongoing commitment to youth engagement, United Citizens of Europe recently hosted MEP Benedetta Scuderi on our podcast to discuss the role of young people in shaping—and saving—Europe.
Scuderi, an Italian Member of the European Parliament from the Greens/EFA group and former coordinator of the Young European Greens, spoke candidly about her political journey from activism to Strasbourg, her commitment to climate justice, social equity and gender rights, and the urgent need for real representation of youth within EU institutions.
“We talk about young people, but we rarely talk with them—or better, we rarely elect them. We need to empower youth to run, to lead, and to shape the policies that define their lives.”
— MEP Benedetta Scuderi, United Citizens of Europe Podcast
She also highlighted how structural barriers—like unpaid internships, precarious housing, and exclusion from decision-making—limit youth participation, and urged EU institutions to “lower the barriers to entry and raise the voices of the next generation.”
Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or unitedcitizensofeurope.eu/podcast.
Inclusive and Sustainable by Design
One of the defining features of EYE2025 was its commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, not merely as aspirations but as operational standards. The event was certified under ISO 20121, an international benchmark for sustainable event management, underscoring its dedication to reducing environmental impact and promoting responsible resource use.
This translated into practical actions across the event: low-impact mobility solutions, waste minimisation, and the provision of plant-based meals to reduce carbon emissions. In parallel, accessibility was treated as a priority, with services and structures in place to support the participation of young people with disabilities and those from marginalised backgrounds. Initiatives such as the buddy system ensured that language and physical barriers did not become obstacles to participation.
By embedding these principles into every layer of the event, EYE2025 demonstrated that sustainability and inclusiveness are not add-ons, but essential criteria for any democratic exercise that seeks to reflect the diversity and complexity of European youth today.
Why EYE2025 Matters—for Europe and for United Citizens of Europe
In the evolving landscape of European democracy, the European Youth Event (EYE) stands out as a powerful and necessary response to the growing demand for meaningful youth participation. It is more than just a gathering of young people—it is a tangible expression of a Europe that listens, includes, and evolves alongside its youngest citizens.
For the European Union, the EYE offers a platform where institutional dialogue meets grassroots energy. It translates democratic ideals into practice by allowing young people to engage directly with Members of the European Parliament, policymakers, and civil society leaders. The outcome is not only the symbolic empowerment of youth but also the generation of concrete policy ideas through the Youth Ideas Report, which is formally submitted to the European Parliament. This makes the EYE a rare example of participatory democracy with real potential for institutional influence.
For United Citizens of Europe, the significance of EYE lies in its alignment with our mission to build a more democratic, inclusive, and participatory Europe. It embodies many of the values we strive to promote: transnational cooperation, environmental responsibility, civic engagement, and intergenerational justice. The event fosters a sense of belonging, of shared purpose, and of European identity—all essential elements for sustaining the European project in an era marked by scepticism and fragmentation.
References
- Council of the European Union. Explanatory Note – 11th Cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue: Connecting EU with Youth. Brussels, 2025.
[PDF file accessed from explanatory-note-11th-cycle-eu-youth-dialogue-fina.pdf] - European Commission. The Situation of Young People in the European Union – 2022 Report. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2022.
DOI: 10.2766/897327 - European Parliament. EYE2025 Programme. Strasbourg: European Parliament, Directorate-General for Communication, 2025.
[PDF file accessed from eye2025-programme-en-v4.2.pdf] - European Parliament. EYE2025 Volunteers – Website FAQ v07. Strasbourg: European Parliament, Directorate-General for Communication, 2025.
[PDF file accessed from eye2025-volunteers-website-faq-v07-en.pdf] - European Union. European Youth Strategy 2019–2027. Brussels: European Commission, Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, 2018.
Available at: https://europa.eu/youth/strategy_en - United Citizens of Europe. Podcast Episode: Interview with MEP Benedetta Scuderi – “Youth Can Save Europe”. 2025.
Available at: https://unitedcitizensofeurope.eu/podcast