NEWS
European Student Assembly 2026 Applications are now Open
20 October 2025
The European Student Assembly (#ESA26) is back, inviting youth voices to discuss Europe’s future.
ESA is an event and an experience of deliberative assembly over several months! It is organised by the EUC Voices‘ Erasmus+ project and will gather around 250 students from all over Europe.
Selected students will be divided into 8 panels to discuss, design, and disseminate policy recommendations on the future of Europe.
From 20 to 22 April 2026, Strasbourg will host this dynamic assembly, bringing together students from all the European University alliances.
This fifth edition, #ESA26, will bring together a new generation of EUAs students.
Participants will debate and draft policy recommendations on eight topics related to the future of Europe and essential for students.
#ESA26 is an essential platform for students to participate in discussions on critical European matters actively. It is an opportunity for RUN-EU young voices to be at the forefront of dialogue as they draft policy recommendations and advocate for change.
Who can apply?
Applications are open to students under 30 years old from all nationalities, fields and levels of study from the second year of Bachelor to PhD.
- To participate, students must be registered in a RUN-EU member university.
- Students who never participated in ESA are welcome to apply as participants and/or panel coordinators.
- Students who participated in the first, second or third edition of ESA as participants may only apply as panel coordinators.
- Students who participated in the first, second or third edition of ESA as coordinators cannot apply anymore.
- Faculty members are not eligible except for PhD candidates.
What’s next?
In preparation for the event, an informative online session will take place on 21 October 2025, at 19h00 (CET). This session will cover everything you need to know about the European Student Assembly 2025: the application process, key details, and what it means to be part of this exciting initiative.
Debating 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?
ESA is one of the main activities of the European Universities Community Voices, a project created by students from European University alliances who want to give all European students a voice at the Conference on the Future of Europe.
As the RUN-EU alliance continues to empower students and amplify their voices, it eagerly anticipates their participation, shaping a better and more inclusive Europe for generations to come.
For further information and application details, visit the European Student Assembly 2026 – 5th edition.