EYE2025 (European Youth Event): 9,000 young people engaged in EU democracy | News | European Parliament

From Friday 13 to Saturday 14 June, 450 in-person activities took place at the EYE, in the form of panels, interactive workshops, quizzes, tours, networking opportunities, and artistic performances. An estimated 1,000 people followed talks livestreamed from the hemicycle.

These activities were organised together with other EU institutions, international organisations, civil society and youth organisations, and the young people themselves. Part of the programme took place outdoors in the EYE Village, coordinated by the European Youth Forum.

Around 40 MEPs engaged with young people in activities to expand their understanding of the EU and the work of decision-makers.

Parliament Vice-President Sabine Verheyen (EPP, DE) opened the EYE2025, Vice-President Nicolae Ştefănuță (Greens/EFA, RO) was involved in a session dedicated to the next long-term budget, and Vice-President Pina Picierno (S&D, IT) delivered the closing speech.

Quotes

“The European Parliament strongly believes in the incredible strength, creativity, and passion that young people bring to our society. Engaging with youth is not just important, it is essential for the future and legitimacy of European democracy. When we listen to young voices, we do not just hear ideas – we feel energy, we see innovation, and we embrace the diversity that makes Europe so rich,” Vice-president Pina Picierno said during the closing ceremony.

Vice-president Sabine Verheyen added: “We need to guarantee that young people’s views are reflected in EU policy-making, and that these policies are future-proof. Since the end of the European Year of Youth in 2022, the EYE team has been working on the possibility of implementing a “youth check” in Parliament committees. This means that a number of young people would be selected to attend committee meetings and provide input on legislative files. Other EU institutions have also been working to implement this concept, which would help ensure the voices of young citizens are effectively integrated into the Parliament’s work.”