Inside the “EU Bubble” – A Personal and Political Perspective
- Miguel García Carretero
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
Brussels is often described as the beating heart of European politics, where policies that shape the lives of over 400 million citizens are debated, negotiated, and enacted. Yet, for those outside the corridors of the European institutions, the so-called "EU bubble" remains an abstract concept—sometimes perceived as an elitist circle detached from the realities of everyday Europeans. Is the EU bubble an asset or a liability for European democracy? As a trainee in the European Parliament, I've seen firsthand the complex nature of this space, its strengths and weaknesses, and its impact on the EU’s relationship with its citizens.
A World of Its Own
But first of all, what’s the “EU bubble”? According to DG Meme, the EU bubble is “a term used to indicate a reality distortion generated by the peculiar set of people that inhabit the Brussels’ European District (1).
Jokes aside, the “EU bubble” is not just a metaphor, it is a reality that defines the European quarter of Brussels. It is a space inhabited by politicians, diplomats, lobbyists, journalists, NGOs, and think tanks, all speaking a distinct language of acronyms, regulations, and policy frameworks that shape European decision-making. Yet it often appears distant from the citizens it is meant to serve.
Take a walk-through Place du Luxembourg (better known as “Plux”) on a Thursday evening, and you'll witness the social dimension of this bubble in full display. Young professionals, assistants, and policymakers gather for networking events where the lines between work and leisure blur. Conversations shift seamlessly from casual small talk to discussions on legislative proposals, shaping relationships that, in turn, influence policymaking. This interconnected world fosters cooperation but also reinforces a sense of exclusivity.
One evening, I found myself deep in conversation about the EU’s defence program at a party.
It was stimulating and intellectually fulfilling, but it also felt absurd—there I was, at a house-party, debating security policy. This is the essence of the bubble: EU topics invade every aspect of life here, no matter where you are.
The Double-Edged Sword of the EU Bubble
The EU bubble has long been a subject of debate. While some see it as a necessary hub for collaboration, others criticize it for being insular and disconnected from European citizens.
“The concept of a bubble inherently carries the idea of something closed off, reserved for a select few, and inaccessible unless one learns a specific set of codes”(2). Furthermore, the complexity of EU law and policymaking creates barriers for citizens, making it difficult to understand how decisions are made and who influences them. This inaccessibility can contribute to “Euroscepticism”, as people feel disconnected from institutions that seem distant and bureaucratic. The EU’s multilingual nature, while a strength in many ways, also complicates communication, leaving many citizens disengaged from the debates that shape their lives.
However, at a time when the EU faces a critical moment in its geopolitical evolution, the European bubble also stands as a testament to what international cooperation can achieve.
It provides a space where nations work together to tackle global challenges on a scale no single country could manage alone. Yet, if the EU fails to assert itself as a serious global player, it risks being sidelined in an increasingly multipolar world.
This is where the new generation of trainees arriving in Brussels plays a vital role. While “the proportion of people under 40 working in the European Commission’s administrator employee class has shrunk drastically as the share of people over 50 has increased”(3) in the last 12 years, young professionals bring fresh ambition, diverse perspectives, and a wealth of skills that can help revitalize the European project. We are here not just to learn but to actively shape the future of the European project. Navigating the complexities of EU policy is not an easy task, but our challenge is clear: to push for reform, ensure that the EU's policies reflect the values of all Europeans, and advocate for a system that is transparent, inclusive, and forward-looking.
As journalist Emilio Ordiz appropriately stated “Will the European bubble stand the test of time? Yes. It will last as long as the EU itself, because, for better or worse, they go hand in hand”(4). But as the future of the EU, it is up to us, young people, to reshape the bubble in order to make it more inclusive, transparent, and directly engaged with European citizens. Initiatives like citizens’ dialogues, increased social media outreach, and greater transparency in lobbying can help bridge the gap between Brussels and the wider public.
The goal is not just to work within the bubble, but to transform it—because, as young professionals, we are not just participants in the European project, we are its future. Only by embracing this momentum can the EU secure its place as a decisive actor on the world stage, with policies that are accessible, transparent, and reflective of its citizens' needs.
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