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Faces of Europe

When you think about the European Parliament, what comes to mind? Perhaps imposing glass facades, glittering in the sunlight. Or maybe you think of an assembly of flags or well-dressed politicians rushing determinedly through spacious corridors. All these things can be found in the democratic heart of Europe, and yet there is much more than meets the eye.

 In this series, we’d like to present to you the Faces of Europe. We have interviewed a range of EP employees, from the driving service to the cook. What does Europe mean to an IT guy? How has COVID-19 affected the work of an interpreter? And is there a place where you can play soccer with the EU’s civil servants? Read our interview series to find out! Our new rubric, the Faces of Europe series, is designed to allow you to get an authentic glimpse into the lives of the people whose efforts turn the EP into the lively and efficient institution that it is.

 We hope you enjoy the articles!

Abdel Lahlou – A hairdresser in the heart of Europe

Abdel Lahlou meets me on the ground floor of the European Parliament. Located next to dozens of elevators, stairs and ...
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Jennifer Teuwen Head Coach of the “Sports Club” within the European Parliament

Jennifer meets me in the gym of the Parliament, the Sports Club. The lower part of her face is hidden ...
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Carlos Duarte Vila Flor – Conference usher in the European Parliament

The 53-year-old Carlos Duarte Vila Flor was born in Belgium and has lived in Brussels all his life. He has ...
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Johannes Haenicke, Press Spokesman of the CDU/CSU Group in the European Parliament

Fast, precise and versatile Johannes Haenicke is closer to the heart of European politics than hardly anyone else is. As ...
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Marinus van Greuningen, Head of Service at European Parliament, People Transport Unit

With a lot of dedication and the perfect timing Unlike me, Marinus van Greuningen is not working completely from home, ...
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Sajikumar Karunakaran, IT specialist at the European Parliament

Enabling Connections When I reach Mr. Sajikumar Karunakaran, 45, it’s half an hour before he has to go on duty ...
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Stina Sandgren, former interpreter at the European Parliament

Bridging language barriers For most of us, learning just one foreign language is difficult enough. Stina Sandgren, an experienced interpreter ...
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Axel Heyer, Coordinator at the Visitors´ Service of the European Parliament

Europe is his message You don’t have to see Axel Heyer to feel the spark. In early summer, while a ...
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