On May 26-28, over 200 students from European University Alliances gathered in Strasbourg for the European Student Assembly (ESA25) – an annual event aimed at helping co-create a better, more inclusive future for Europe.
This year, eight diverse panels took place, covering key societal issues and subjects, such as mental health, artificial intelligence, inclusivity and more. The Assembly began as a three-month online collaboration that culminated in a 3-day live event, with students participating in debates, drafting policy recommendations and advocating for them in front of decision-makers. ECIU University representatives included:
It was a unique chance to narrow the gap between citizens and policymakers, exchange perspectives, gain crucial experience in such areas as policy shaping, share student voices – and lay the foundation for potential change.
'ESA 25 was an opportunity to meet engaged and like-minded students from all around Europe, discover the way policymaking works in the EU and live the life of MEPs for three days,’ says one of the participants and student ambassador Quentin Leroi. ‘It’s great to be surrounded by people who also want to create impact and make the world a little bit better by collaborating to transform ideas into real actions.’
'I appreciated the opportunity to represent ECIU University at this event and talk to students from all over the continent about the different topics that are shaping higher education at a European level – in the European Parliament, no less,’ adds ECIU Student Council president Eddie A.. Flores (Hamburg University of Technology) who also attended the Assembly.
‘Witnessing the culmination of our panelists’ many months of hard work was truly inspiring, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the brilliant minds I was able to connect with in Strasbourg.’