Nine young people from Slovenia packed their bags and travelled to Strasbourg for the European Youth Event (EYE) 2025 – a unique gathering that brings thousands of young people from all over Europe and beyond to the heart of European democracy every two years. Organised by the European Parliament, the EYE is an exceptional opportunity for 16- to 30-year-olds to exchange ideas, connect with others, find inspiration for their activities, and engage in direct dialogue with Members of the European Parliament, EU decision-makers, experts, activists, and content creators.
But this year, we weren’t just participants. We were co-creators.
We submitted a proposal to organise two “Dates of Political Opponents” workshops during the event. The selection committee responded positively – and so we knew that on 13 and 14 June, at the European Parliament, we would have the opportunity to present our response to the growing social polarisation to young people from across Europe.
We spent the whole year preparing. We tested tools. We asked questions, listened, and learned – not how to win a debate, but how to remain in relationship when conversations get hard. Our shared foundation? Dialogue. Because we believe that dialogue is the air we need to survive as a society.
Dates of Political Opponents – a meeting that didn’t stay on the surface
Over two days, we hosted two events that brought together a total of 120 young people from across Europe. Our young moderators introduced a tool for meaningful dialogue – 10 simple yet thoughtful guidelines, enriched with personal experience. They spoke about listening not to reply, but to understand; about looking beyond differences to see the person on the other side.
With great care, they also designed 10 questions – crafted to spark deep and genuine conversations. Participants answered them individually, and then an algorithm took over, matching them into pairs with diverse perspectives. Strangers then entered into nearly hour-long conversations – about values, dilemmas, and real-life questions.
Honest reflections we will carry with us for a long time
After the conversations, participants were invited to share their impressions through the app. Here are a few of their thoughts:
- “The talk showed me that most questions don’t have simple answers.”
- “I started with low expectations, but by the end, I wished it had lasted longer.”
- “We saw the same thing from two different angles – and understood the world better because of it.”
- “Even though our answers were different, in the end we agreed.”
- “This should be a basic skill for everyone – if we want to resolve conflicts peacefully.”
Connections were formed in the room. Laughter, smiles, moments of quiet understanding. It wasn’t about persuasion – it was about closeness. That moment when you realise that beneath an opinion beats a heart – wanting the same things as yours.
What are we bringing home?
We’re bringing the experience that dialogue is possible – even between those who disagree.
We’re bringing trust – that it’s possible to create spaces where people truly listen to each other.
And we’re bringing the realisation that our app is not just a technical tool, but an invitation to humanity.
Slovenia’s voice was heard in Strasbourg. Now it’s up to us to remain loud – not to drown out others, but to invite them to the table. Because the world starts to change – when we stop at a difference not to judge, but to build a bridge.
