Hugo Soares works on the protocol team at the European Parliament to plan the minute-by-minute arrivals of political leaders and international delegations. The Portuguese official joined the protocol team about five years ago after spending nine years in the security service.
His experience in the Public Security Police and in international missions prepared him for demanding environments before he moved into protocol. Soares said that while an official arrival looks simple to observers, behind the scenes it requires work over days, weeks, and sometimes months.
The protocol department coordinates security, political offices, interpreters, transport, communication, and national authorities to align every detail. Soares said the goal of the team is to ensure that every official visit runs without errors.
European Parliament Visits and History
During a guided tour of Europa Viva, Soares highlighted Simone Veil, the first elected president of the European Parliament. He called Veil a heroine who established herself in a male-dominated world and served as a tireless defender of human rights.
Soares noted that Veil's memory remains a reference point for people working in European democracy. Her legacy continues to guide protocol staff during major parliamentary events.
Unexpected Incidents During Official Visits
Even with strict planning, unexpected situations occur during high-level visits. Soares recalled an incident in which a high-ranking personality fell and lost consciousness during a tour.
On another occasion, one of the world's richest men asked for a Big Mac during an official lunch. The visitor looked at Soares, expressed confidence that Soares could make it happen, and Soares went to get the food.
Major Operations and Delegations
Soares has participated in major historical events at the European Parliament. He worked on the protocol team during the visit of Pope Francis to Strasbourg in 2014.
He also assisted with the funeral ceremony for former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, an event that gathered more than two dozen heads of state and government. In May 2026, he accompanied the visit of Aníbal Cavaco Silva, which was prepared with the same rigor applied to all delegations.
Soares is among the professionals who ensure the European Parliament functions with expected precision. Protocol staff follow a simple rule that when everything goes well, almost no one notices the work behind it.
