Do you want your voice heard and help shape Europe's future? Join the European Student Assembly (from April 20 to 22, 2026) in Strasbourg.

This event brings together students from across Europe to engage in meaningful debates and draft policy recommendations on critical topics related to the future of Europe.

About the European Student Assembly (ESA25)

The European Student Assembly (ESA) takes place annually at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. It gathers a group of around 250 talented students from several European Universities Alliances (EUAs) across Europe to discuss essential themes of the EU. 

All Unite! students (Aalto students are Unite! Students!) are welcome to apply!

The ESA26 is part of the EUC Voices Project, a collaboration funded by the Erasmus+ program, aimed at fostering active European citizenship. Over several months, participants will collaborate on eight key topics, culminating in an assembly in Strasbourg. Additionally, dissemination events will be organised after the assembly to share the outcomes of the discussions.

Why should you participate?

• Represent the voices of students from diverse countries, disciplines, and study levels.
• Collaborate with peers from the European Universities Alliances (EUAs) to strengthen the student community across Europe.
• Contribute to deliberative processes that aim to bridge the gap between European citizens and decision-makers.
• Engage with European politics and help regenerate democracy at multiple levels – local, national, and European.
   

Who can apply?

• Students from all nationalities, fields, and study levels (Bachelor's 2nd year to PhD) registered in one of the 64 European Universities Alliances are eligible. Aalto University is part of the Unite! alliance.
• New participants can apply as a participant or panel coordinator.
• Previous participants (from ESA editions 1, 2, 3 or 4) can only apply as panel coordinators. Faculty members are not eligible, except for PhD candidates.

Selection process

1. After 2 November 2025, the list of eligible applications will be shared with all European University Alliances.
2. Each alliance will review applications from its member institutions and propose a shortlist of around five students.
3. The ESA Organising Team will then review these lists to ensure geographical, disciplinary, and gender diversity.
4. Final selections will be communicated to the alliances and then to the selected students.

How to apply:

• To learn more about the selection process and thematic panels, consult the ESA26 Handbook.
• To submit your application, visit the official ESA portal.
• Discover stories, photos, and videos from past editions on Instagram.
• Deadline: 2 November 2025
• Event: from April 20 to 22, 2026 in Strasbourg

Topics for Debate

• 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?