Architects of the EYE

Last updated on Tuesday, 09/12/2025

At the European Youth Event (EYE) in Strasbourg, I stepped behind the curtain. For two days, as thousands of young people filled the Parliament and Village, I followed the unseen workers who turned the crowded program into a living experience.

It was a festival of ideas and energy. But none of it would have worked without the people you rarely see: the volunteers showing the way, the vendors at their stalls, the guards at the gates, the sound engineers adjusting every detail, and the fixers solving problems before they spread. I spoke with them, listened to their stories, and saw the event through their eyes. This photo essay is for them—the ones who turn a crowded programme into a living experience, and an empty square into a place where Europe takes shape.

🎙️ Interview 1: Volunteer at the European Youth Event

Q: What are you doing here? I’m a volunteer at the European Youth Event. We’re guiding people through the Parliament and giving them instructions during workshops.

Q: What’s your favourite part? Meeting people from all over Europe and beyond, from Australia, India, everywhere. Our volunteer team has about 300 people, and it’s great to be part of it.

Q: Best moment so far? The first evening in the EYE Village. The first concert, the atmosphere—it all came to life. That’s when it really felt like the event had started.

🎙️ Interview 2: Lito-Security Staff / Former Police Officer

Q: Can I ask you, what's your job here? I’m working in security.

Q: Do you like it? Yes, I do.

Q: What’s the best part about working in security? Actually, I was a police officer, so this is my job since I was young, pretty much as you know.

Q: What inspires you in this work? t’s really about the culture of security, being there for the good of the people. Our job is to make sure everyone feels safe so they can enjoy the event. That’s what drives me: protecting others so they can focus on having a positive experience.

Q: Do you have some good moments from this event? Many young people came here to join in and have fun at this kind of event.

Q: Is it more stressful when it’s a big event like this? I talked with a colleague of mine. I think everyone here is very, very professional, so there is no problem.

Q: What do you like the most about the EYE or the EU in general? The young people - they are the future. Thank you.

🎙️ Interview 3: Behind the Scenes at the Parliament Media & Logistics Team

Q: What is your job here at the EYE?

I’m a director here at the European Parliament. These facilities are part of DG COMM (Communication - European Commission) - specifically, we’re the VoxBox studios. We produce videos, podcasts, and live streams for Members of the European Parliament and for media outlets. It can be debates, interviews, or different kinds of content.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your work?

We have a really great team here, which makes all the difference. And during events like the EYE, the atmosphere is totally different - very dynamic. You're surrounded by young people with fresh energy and new ideas, and we get to help share their voices. That’s inspiring.

Q: How does this event compare to a typical workday?

The guests are completely different. Usually, the Parliament gets older delegations, formal visits. Now it’s filled with young people, and that brings an entirely new energy. It changes everything - in a good way.

Q: Do you have a favourite moment from this edition of the EYE?

I just started this morning, but we already had a special visit from the mayor of Strasbourg. That was a really cool moment for us and kicked things off on a high note.

Q: Is your team international?

Absolutely. We have people from Italy, Spain, Lithuania, and even Brazil. It’s super diverse, and that adds to the collaborative spirit. Events like the EYE are where that diversity really shines.

🎙️ Interview 4: Returning Volunteer

Q: What are you doing here? Mostly giving information, helping people navigate the venue.

Q: Are people nice? Yes, very much so.

Q: Do you have a good team? Yes, a great one.

Q: What’s your favourite thing about the EYE? Getting to know people.

Q: Why did you choose to come back? I came here two years ago, and I really enjoyed it. It’s not my first time.

Q: What would you tell someone thinking about volunteering? Talk to someone who’s been here—it really helps to get feedback and know what to expect.

“Make men work together, show them that beyond their differences and geographical boundaries there lies a common interest.”

- Jean Monnet

Young Journalists in Europe - Meet the author

Oliver Čechmánek

"My most impactful experiences include volunteering at a scout festival in North Macedonia and assisting at the Ukrainian border shortly after the invasion."

This article reflects the views of the authors only. The European Commission and Eurodesk cannot be held responsible for it.