European university students raise 74 policy recommendations to the European Commission

230 students from 53 European university alliances worked on these proposals and they then voted on in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, during the European Student Assembly 2025. EUNICE alliance had a special influence in recommendations about AI regulations, greener actions, and support for diversity, local cultures and disability inclusion.

Five EUNICE students participated in the discussion panels of this year’s edition of the European Student Assembly, that took place in the European Parliament in Strasbourg from 26 to 28 May. 230 students from 53 European university alliances participated in this gathering to discuss on many different topical issues and to propose policy recommendations to the European Commission.

Those key matters of concern were categorised in eight thematic panels, having EUNICE representation in four of them: “AI, European Democracy and Civic Engagement”, attended by Mariana Magno from Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, “Innovation for All”, with the participation of Elena Muñoz from University of Cantabria, “Unity in Diversity”, attended by Alexandros Chasapoglou from University of Peloponnese and by Maria Limongelli from University of Catania, and “Greener Tomorrow”, participated by Natasha Bhaskar Shinde from Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg.

Down-to-earth topics addressed in a multicultural gathering

The main purpose of this event was to provide a platform for students to delve into topical issues the European Union is facing, while sparking discussions and fostering intercultural exchange. “This experience allowed me to apply my theoretical knowledge in real policies,” said Limongelli, and “to talk to other people about something that is important for me.” Muñoz highlighted she could “meet a lot of people from other countries and know their points of view.” Shinde expressed herself in a similar vein: “to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds with whom I discussed a topic which is very closely related to my field of studies.” Chasapoglou considered this gathering as “a unique opportunity for students to come together and work in a real-life environment, to share ideas and influence policy makers,” while Magno explained that the “different points of view and cultures” between the participating students helped her get a wider perspective and spot “the differences in how they see European problems.”

There was a sixth student, Silvia Rabuazzo, linked to EUNICE -as she is enrolled at University of Catania- who attended the assembly too, but on behalf of EMERGE alliance due to an international stay she’s currently doing at University of Flensburg. She highlighted the “practical point of view” she got from the European Union, as well as the opportunity to “create a network between the young people” thanks to this event.

Students worked online during the months prior to the face-to-face European Student Assembly in Strasbourg to discuss and draw up their proposals. Each panel agreed on 8 to 10 recommendations that were presented in a plenary session at the European Parliament on the last day of the gathering. Then, they voted and only two out of 76 were rejected.