Shape Europe’s Future: Join the European Student Assembly 2026!

Held under the EUC Voices Erasmus+ project, the ESA 2026 will once again bring together around 250 students from across the continent in the European Parliament, transforming Strasbourg into a vibrant arena of dialogue, democracy, and discovery.

For CIVIS students this is an unmissable opportunity to step into the European democratic process, collaborate with peers from 65 university alliances, and craft policy recommendations that could shape the Europe of tomorrow. About 5 CIVIS students will have the opportunity to represent our Alliance! This is your chance to represent CIVIS – to sit where decisions are made, to speak where ideas matter, and to connect with peers who, like you, believe that the future of Europe begins with its students.

Join the Info-Session – 21st October 2025, 7 PM (CET)

Participants will learn how to apply either as delegates or as panel coordinators, explore the eight thematic panels for ESA26, and hear inspiring stories from former CIVIS students who made their mark at ESA25—from drafting policy on AI ethics to championing mental health, sustainability, and civic engagement.

You’ll discover:

• How to apply as a delegate or panel coordinator
• What the eight discussion panels will explore
• Tips and insights from former CIVIS participants who made an impact at ESA25
• How ESA can open doors to a European network of changemakers

What Is the European Student Assembly?

The European Student Assembly (ESA) is the flagship initiative of the EUC Voices Erasmus+ project. Every year, it gathers hundreds of students from European University Alliances to debate the big questions shaping our shared future.

At ESA, students don’t just discuss ideas—they draft real policy proposals and present them to European decision-makers. It’s an opportunity to learn, lead, and contribute directly to the European conversation. The selection process is open, transparent, and inclusive. Whether you’re studying political science, engineering, medicine, or the arts, what matters most is your motivation, curiosity, and willingness to make a difference.

If you’re passionate about Europe’s democracy, digital future, sustainability, education, or social justice—ESA26 is for you.Download the ESA26 Handbook 

ESA26 Discussion Panels

This year’s Assembly will focus on eight timely and thought-provoking topics:

• 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?  

CIVIS at ESA25 – A Story of Leadership and Inspiration

In 2025, more than 230 students from 50 countries gathered in Strasbourg for ESA25, turning the European Parliament into a living space of democracy and dialogue.

Among them were many CIVIS students, who played key roles as panel coordinators, researchers, and policy authors—leading conversations on AI ethics, mental health, sustainability, and civic engagement.

Through this journey, I learned that democracy truly thrives when every voice, especially those of young people, is heard and valued. Diversity and interdisciplinarity are vital to creating well-rounded policies, and meaningful change begins with dialogue, collaboration, and shared purpose", Hebatalla Kamaluddin Nurdin (UB), ESA25 participant

Their commitment and creativity reflected the very essence of CIVIS: an engaged, international, and forward-looking academic community shaping real societal impact across Europe.

Explore how CIVIS students contributed to democratic innovation and policymaking at ESA25, embodying the spirit of active European citizenship. Read more

Why You Should Apply

ESA is not a symbolic exercise—it is a real and growing democratic platform where Europe’s students learn to listen, lead, and legislate. For CIVIS students, joining ESA26 means becoming part of Europe’s living democratic experiment—collaborating across disciplines and borders to design fairer, greener, and more inclusive futures.

As a CIVIS student you will have the opportunity to:

• Contribute to European policy debates in a real parliamentary setting
• Gain experience in leadership, diplomacy, and intercultural collaboration
• Work side by side with students from across 65 European University Alliances.
• Become part of a growing network of active European citizens
• Represent your CIVIS university on the European stage.

ESA is not just a conference—it’s a journey of ideas, teamwork, unity and transformation! The future of Europe isn’t decided for you — it’s built by you. Join ESA26. Speak up. Shape tomorrow!

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Header Photo:  EUC Voices