European Parliament Sponsors Free Trip to EYE2025 Strasbourg

Your Chance to Shine in Strasbourg: The European Parliament is Sending YOU to EYE2025 (For Free!)

Are you a young, passionate EU citizen aged 18 to 30 with something to say? Do you dream of having your voice heard on the European stage, connecting with fellow changemakers, and experiencing the heart of European democracy? Then get ready for an incredible opportunity!

The European Parliament has officially launched an exciting competition that could land you a fully-funded trip to EYE2025, the European Youth Event, taking place in Strasbourg, France, on June 13th and 14th, 2025!

Yes, you read that right. This is your chance to attend one of Europe’s most significant youth events completely free of charge, with your travel and accommodation for three nights covered by the European Parliament. Imagine spending several days immersed in powerful debates, engaging workshops, and networking with thousands of young Europeans who are shaping the future of our continent.

What is EYE2025 All About?

The European Youth Event (EYE) is a biennial event held at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. It’s a unique platform for young people from across the European Union and beyond to:

Engage: Participate in discussions and debates on crucial topics affecting the future of Europe.
Get Empowered: Attend workshops, seminars, and activities designed to equip you with new skills and knowledge.
Connect: Network with other young people, experts, activists, content creators, and European decision-makers.
Share Ideas: Contribute your perspectives and help shape the policies that impact your generation.

EYE2025 promises to be a dynamic and interactive experience, featuring a diverse program both inside the European Parliament and in the vibrant “EYE Village.”

How Can YOU Win a Free Trip? Enter the “What matters to YOU(th)” Competition!

The European Parliament is looking for creative and passionate young EU citizens to share what truly matters to them through the power of social media. Here’s how you can seize this amazing opportunity:

Head over to Instagram and create a Reel. Get creative! This is your chance to highlight anything that you feel is important – from tackling climate change and fighting for equality to raising awareness about mental health or simply showcasing a slice of your everyday youth life.
Use the official competition audio in your Reel. Make sure the audio remains unaltered in your creation.
Follow both the official EYE Instagram account @ep_eye and the European Parliament’s account @europeanparliament.
Tag your Reel with the hashtag #EYEcompetition. This ensures your entry is seen!
Got a private profile? No problem! Just send a Direct Message (DM) of your Reel to @ep_eye to ensure your entry is counted.

Important Competition Rules to Keep in Mind:

Your Reel must be posted before 30 April 2025 at midnight CET.
You must be a resident of one of the 27 EU countries and be aged between 18 and 30.
If you are already registered for EYE2025, unfortunately, you are not eligible for this competition.
The official audio must be used (unaltered) in your Reel.
Your content must be respectful and on-topic. Discriminatory language, political party promotion, or commercial advertisements are not allowed.
Ensure you have full rights to your video, and that anyone appearing in it has given their consent.

How Will the Winners Be Chosen?

A dedicated jury will carefully review all submissions based on the following criteria:

Creativity: How original and engaging is your Reel?
Caption Impact: How effectively does your caption convey your message?
Audience Engagement: How likely is your Reel to resonate with others?
Alignment with EYE Values: Does your message align with the core themes and spirit of the European Youth Event?

The six lucky winners will be announced before 12 May 2025 via Instagram Direct Message, so make sure to keep an eye on your inbox and message requests!

Key Dates to Remember:

April 11, 2025: Competition begins!
April 30, 2025 (midnight CET): Competition closes – this is your deadline to post your Reel!
Before May 12, 2025: Winners will be announced via Instagram DM.
June 12-15, 2025: The six winners will travel to and participate in EYE2025 in Strasbourg!

This is an incredible opportunity to have your voice heard, connect with young Europeans from across the continent, and experience the European Parliament firsthand – all thanks to the European Parliament’s generous sponsorship.

Don’t miss your chance to win this unforgettable trip to Strasbourg! Get creative, share what matters to you, and good luck! Head over to Instagram now and let your voice be heard!

This your chance apply here now!!!

What is an EYE Event? Unpacking the European Youth Event

Have you heard buzz about the EYE event and wondered what all the excitement is about? If you’re a young person in Europe interested in shaping the future, then the European Youth Event (EYE) is something you definitely need to know about!

In simple terms, the EYE (European Youth Event) is a massive, biennial gathering organized by the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. Think of it as a vibrant festival of ideas, discussions, and networking, bringing together thousands of young people aged 16 to 30 from across the European Union and beyond.

More Than Just a Conference:

The EYE is far from your typical formal conference. It’s designed to be an interactive and dynamic experience, offering a unique platform for young people to:

Have Their Voices Heard: The core mission of the EYE is to provide a space for young Europeans to share their perspectives and ideas on the pressing issues facing the continent.
Engage with Decision-Makers: A key aspect of the EYE is the direct interaction participants have with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and other European decision-makers. This provides a rare opportunity to debate policy and influence the future.
Connect with Experts and Activists: The event also brings together experts, activists, influencers, and content creators working on various topics relevant to young people.
Network with Peers: Imagine meeting thousands of other passionate young individuals from diverse backgrounds, all eager to discuss and shape Europe’s future. The networking opportunities are invaluable.
Participate in Diverse Activities: The EYE program is packed with a wide range of engaging activities, including:
- Debates and discussions: Tackling important political, social, and economic issues.
- Workshops: Developing new skills and exploring different perspectives.
- Interactive sessions: Encouraging active participation and idea generation.
- Visits to the European Parliament: Experiencing the heart of European democracy firsthand.
- Artistic performances and cultural events: Celebrating the diversity of European culture.
- The “EYE Village”: A vibrant hub with activities co-created by youth organizations and civil society.

Why is the EYE Important?

The EYE plays a crucial role in fostering active citizenship among young Europeans. It empowers them to:

Become more informed: Gain a deeper understanding of EU policies and processes.
Get involved: Discover ways to participate in democratic life.
Shape the future: Contribute their ideas and perspectives to influence policy-making.

Following each EYE event, the ideas and concerns raised by the participants are compiled into an EYE Report, which is then distributed to all Members of the European Parliament. This ensures that the voices of young people are heard at the highest levels of European decision-making.

In a Nutshell:

The European Youth Event (EYE) is a unique and empowering experience for young people in Europe. It’s a chance to connect, debate, learn, and ultimately contribute to shaping the future of the continent, right in the heart of European democracy in Strasbourg. If you’re eligible and passionate about Europe, the EYE is an event you won’t want to miss!

The European Youth Event (EYE) is a fantastic opportunity for young people, and a common question is: How much does it cost to attend?

The great news is that participation in the European Youth Event (EYE) is free of charge! The European Parliament covers the costs of organizing the event and the activities within it. This includes access to all the debates, workshops, interactive sessions, and cultural events that take place inside the European Parliament in Strasbourg and in the EYE Village.

However, it’s crucial to understand what is NOT covered:

Travel to Strasbourg: Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel expenses to and from Strasbourg. This includes transportation costs like flights, trains, buses, or carpooling.
Accommodation in Strasbourg: Similarly, attendees need to organize and pay for their own accommodation in Strasbourg. There are various options available, such as hotels, hostels, and Airbnb, catering to different budgets.
Meals: While some events or activities might include refreshments or small snacks, participants should generally budget for their own meals during their stay in Strasbourg.

So, while the event itself doesn’t have a participation fee, you will need to factor in the costs of getting to Strasbourg, having a place to stay, and feeding yourself.

Are there ways to reduce these costs?

Yes, there are a few avenues to explore that might help lower the overall expense of attending EYE:

Travel in groups: Traveling with friends or other attendees can help split transportation and accommodation costs.
Look for budget-friendly accommodation: Hostels and budget hotels are often more affordable options than traditional hotels. Booking in advance can also sometimes lead to better deals.
Consider alternative transportation: Depending on your location, buses or trains might be more cost-effective than flying.
Bring your own food: While you’ll likely want to experience the local cuisine, packing some snacks and drinks can help reduce meal expenses.
Keep an eye out for sponsored opportunities: The European Parliament and other organizations sometimes offer competitions or grants that cover travel and accommodation for a select number of participants. It’s always worth checking the official EYE website and related channels for such opportunities. (As seen in the previous blog post about the #EYEcompetition!)
Contact your MEPs: In some instances, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) might be able to sponsor groups of young people from their constituency to attend the event. It’s worth reaching out to your local MEPs to inquire about potential support.

In conclusion, while attending the European Youth Event itself is free, you will need to budget for travel, accommodation, and meals. By planning ahead and exploring cost-saving options, you can make this incredible opportunity more accessible. Don’t let the logistics deter you – the chance to engage with European democracy and connect with thousands of young people is a truly valuable experience!