Exploring the Official Press Rooms of the EU
The press rooms normally buzzing with energy and excitement, revealing deeper stories beyond what is seen.
Even empty, every corner holds the sounds of voices and papers, connecting the tales of those who were there before.
This is a photography project running over 10 years that’s supposed to become a printed publication and exhibition in the end.
Sander’s EU photo journey began in often-overlooked pressrooms, waiting for political events to unfold. These sterile rooms stay quiet until long negotiations end, when heads of state finally address the press. Smaller nations often use a simple banner as a humble nod to their presence.
The EU press rooms, in the basement of the European Council buildings in Brussels, are a busy hub for communication. With modern facilities, they help journalists cover EU politics and policy. Sleek and efficient, the rooms host reporters, diplomats and officials for live briefings, interviews and press conferences that shape public understanding of EU issues. But this lively activity happens only once every two months. Most of the time the rooms sit empty and collect dust.