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Call: European Student Assembly 2026 – 5th edition

Call: European Student Assembly 2026 – 5th edition

The call for #ESA26 is now open!

Are you ready to make your voice heard at the heart of Europe? The European Student Assembly (ESA) invites passionate and forward-thinking university students to apply for its 2026 edition — the flagship initiative of the EUC Voices Erasmus+ project.

Each year, around 250 students from across Europe come together to debate pressing issues shaping the future of the European Union, collaborate on meaningful policy proposals, and experience true intercultural exchange.

This is your chance to engage directly with European decision-making and connect with inspiring peers at the European Parliament in Strasbourg from 20–22 April 2026.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to represent your generation — apply by 2 November 2025 and become part of the movement shaping Europe’s tomorrow!

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Call: European Student Assembly 2026 – 5th edition

About EUC Voices and the ESA

What is the ESA?

The European Student Assembly (ESA) is the flagship initiative of the EUC Voices Erasmus+ project, designed to bring together approximately 250 students from across Europe each year. This dynamic event provides a unique platform for selected European students to delve into essential issues facing the European Union, sparking impactful discussions and fostering intercultural exchange.

Students interested in participating have the opportunity to apply either as participants or coordinators, contributing to one of the Assembly’s discussion panels. The selection process is conducted collaboratively by EUC Voices partners and the European University Alliances, ensuring a transparent and inclusive approach. Selection criteria prioritize students with a passion for European politics, culture, and society, along with a motivation to engage in meaningful dialogue, share their perspectives, and positively impact their communities.

How do panels work?

Panel coordinators, who play a central role in facilitating these discussions, are chosen not only for their interest and expertise but also for their experience as leaders in similar initiatives. These coordinators guide conversations that challenge perspectives and inspire new insights into Europe’s most pressing challenges.

Participants will debate and draft policy recommendations on 8 topics related to the future of Europe and essential for students. This several month project will culminate with a deliberative assembly gathering at the European Parliament in Strasbourg from 26 to 28 May 2026. Dissemination events will be organized during the following weeks.

List of panels

Panel 1—Strengthening democracy, engaging citizens: How can the EU bridge the gap between its institutions and its citizens to build trust and foster civic participation?
Panel 2—Scaling the circular economy: How can the EU overcome uneven progress and encourage change across sectors and societies?
Panel 3—Aligning budget with impact: How can the Union’s funding rebalance and adapt to the social changes?
Panel 4—Europe moving together: How can the EU develop an inclusive public transport system?
Panel 5—Unlocking digital potential: How can the EU empower inclusive digital literacy and cybersecurity and build resilience?
Panel 6—Educating without borders: How can the EU support universities in fostering interdisciplinarity?
Panel 7—Enabling generational solidarity: How can the EU address demographic change and promote meaningful participation for older generations in society?
Panel 8—Europe’s strategic autonomy: How can the EU reconcile strategic autonomy with its core values in the field of trade agreements?

Who can participate in the ESA?

Applications are open to students from all nationalities, fields and levels of study from the second year of Bachelor to PhD, and they are not older than 30 years of age.
In order to participate, you must be registered in a higher education institution belonging to one of the 65 European Universities Alliances. Ulysseus is one of them!

What are you gaining from an event like this one?

You will have the opportunity to voice the opinion of EUA students from different countries, backgrounds, fields and levels of study, all recruited for their engagement and motivation.
You will be fostering the student community-building across the EUAs.
You will advocate for deliberative processes in an annual pan-European assembly as a way to reduce the gap between citizens and decision-makers.
You will get involved in European politics at local, national, European level and in order to regenerate European democracy.