Arqus students attend the European Student Assembly ESA25 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg
Arqus
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26 May 2025
Arqus students are ready to make a significant impact as they participate in the fourth edition of the European Student Assembly (ESA25), starting today 26 May and until 28 May. With over 250 students from different European University Alliances across Europe, the ESA25 converges at the European Parliament to deliberate upon 8 pivotal themes and formulate actionable resolutions.
The ESA is a collaborative effort among students from European University Alliances, facilitated by a steering committee comprising students and academic and non-academic staff members from various higher education institutions. It provides a platform for students to voice their opinions, draft political recommendations, and advocate them among stakeholders and decision-makers.
A primary goal of the ESA is to amplify student voices, drawing from diverse backgrounds, fields, and levels of study. Through fostering participation within European University Alliances and strengthening collaboration between them, the ESA aims to enhance student engagement in European politics at local, national, and European levels.
The European Student Assembly culminates in a collection of recommendations generated by participants on a range of debating topics. These recommendations are disseminated through advocacy events, engaging stakeholders and decision-makers at various levels of European political life, including municipalities, NGOs and companies.
Participants at ESA25 will debate and draft policy recommendations on 8 topics related to the future of Europe and essential for students:
- Mentally (un)stable. How can the EU help young people manage mental health issues caused by overstimulation?
- Greener tomorrow. What is the role of climate and environmental policies in higher education and energy?
- AI, European democracy and civic engagement. How can the EU benefit from artificial Intelligence in its mission of promoting democracy?
- Innovation for all. In what ways can the EU balance innovation and competitiveness to support sustainable economic growth?
- Education beyond graduation. How can the EU promote lifelong learning to prepare its citizens for rapid technological and socioeconomic changes?
- Living with dignity. What measures should the EU consider to ensure affordable housing for its younger generations?
- Unveiling inequalities. What are the issues related to the gender pay gap and minorities?
- Unity in diversity. How can the EU foster cultural understanding and inclusivity in an increasingly diverse Europe?
This edition’s programme includes activities aimed at promoting student engagement within the European University Alliances. Notable among these is the Village of Alliances on 27 May, where alliances showcase their initiatives in an open forum, fostering dialogue and collaboration. Arqus will share our achievements, goals and initiatives with a vision board that facilitate more meaningful conversations with students.
A total of 6 Arqus students from the universities of Granada, Graz, Minho, Padua, Vilnius and Wrocław will participate in this major event. The enthusiastic participation of these Arqus students in the European Student Assembly 2025 underscores the Alliance’s commitment to fostering student leadership and engagement. Endorsed by the Arqus Student Council and the Arqus Student Agora, the Alliance’s involvement highlights its proactive role in shaping the future of European higher education.
The Arqus delegation’s presence at the ESA25 not only exemplifies the Alliance’s commitment to advancing the European student agenda, but also underscores the Arqus role as a catalyst for positive change within the European higher education landscape.
