Politics is highly performative: some speak with passion but say almost nothing, others sound like they have stopped caring. I realised this during my one-month internship at the European Parliament, sitting through long meetings between party members and committees.

That experience gave me a glimpse behind the scenes and helped me understand why my generation struggles to believe in politics.

Inside Parliament

During my internship, I shadowed one particular MEP – following him to meetings, votes and media appearances. I took notes, helped manage his social media accounts and newsletter, and prepared short briefings before interviews.

Since I was there during the quieter summer months, I had time to actually observe. I saw what politics really looks like behind the speeches, votes and headlines.

The European Parliament is the directly elected legislative assembly for the European Union. It currently has 720 MEPs (Member of the European Parliament), voted for every five years. It has parliament buildings in two main locations – Brussels and Strasbourg – and also offices in Luxembourg.

I visited both parliaments and, honestly, having two seems inefficient and unnecessary. Travelling back and forth every month is expensive and environmentally damaging. But France will not let it go – mostly because Strasbourg’s economy depends on it – and partly because of what the city symbolises: peace and unity after World War II.

Why my generation is losing faith

After weeks of watching debates and media briefings, I began to understand why so many young people feel alienated from this system. For many in my generation, politics feels like an outdated system – slow and disconnected.

There is a stereotype that politics ‘belongs’ to older people and that our generation is too emotional to ‘truly understand’ it.

When politics is led mostly by people who don’t share our experiences or concerns, it risks losing our hope and attention. We need energetic, fresh perspectives at the table when decisions are being made.

Bureaucracy often kills motivation – EU regulations can take anywhere from two months to more than 13 years to pass. By the time change arrives, the passion that started it has gone.

How politics can win us back

To shape the future, young people need to understand and engage with politics, but that system has to listen and include us in the process.

Start with education. Schools should teach politics, encourage debate and show students how decisions shape their lives. When young people understand the system, they care more about protecting their beliefs.

Simplify the language. Political jargon alienates people. The far right knows this – its messages are short, emotional and clear. If mainstream politicians spoke as plainly, more citizens would listen.

Make it relevant. Experts, journalists and politicians should explain how policies affect real lives and do it on platforms where young people actually are.

Also, please, move faster. Stop debating 2030 or 2050 targets while the planet burns in 2025.

Simplify the language. Political jargon alienates people. The far right knows this – its messages are short, emotional and clear. If mainstream politicians spoke as plainly, more citizens would listen.

Make it relevant. Experts, journalists and politicians should explain how policies affect real lives and do it on platforms where young people actually are.

Also, please, move faster. Stop debating 2030 or 2050 targets while the planet burns in 2025.

Finally, transparency matters. Citizens should know where their tax money goes and how decisions are made. Trust is built not with speeches but with clarity.

In the European Parliament, I saw how easy it is to speak without saying much. My generation does not have the luxury – our future depends on what our leaders choose to do right now. We don’t have time to waste on empty words when action is what’s needed.