Call for applications
European Student Assembly | 5th edition | European Parliament in Strasbourg (France)
The European Student Assembly (ESA) gathers each year more than 250 students from the European Universities Alliances (EUAs) to debate current issues, draft policy recommendations on the future of Europe and advocate them among stakeholders and decision-makers.
This initiative invites a new generation of European University Alliances (EUA) students to collaborate on key topics shaping Europe’s future. Over several months, participants will debate and draft policy recommendations on essential topics for students. The process will culminate in a deliberative assembly at the European Parliament in Strasbourg (Francer) from 20 to 22 April, 2026.
When and where
- European Parliament, Strasbourg – France
- From 20 to 22 April 2026.
- Application deadline: applications are open until 2 November 2025 at 23:59 (CET)
Participation requirements
- Applications are open to students from all nationalities, fields and levels of study from the second year of Bachelor to PhD.
- Applicants will be not older than 30 years of age.
- In order to participate, students must be registered in a higher education institution belonging to one of the 65 European Universities Alliances, like EUNICE Alliance (check here if your university is part of EUNICE Alliance).
- Students who never participated in ESA are welcome to apply as participant and/or panel coordinators.
- Students who participated previous editions of ESA as coordinators cannot apply anymore.
- Faculty members are not eligible except for PhD candidates.
ESA does not charge any participation cost. Meals will be provided for free as well as accommodation for three nights in a youth hostel. The reimbursement of travel costs will be paid by the home university.
Panels for ESA 2026:
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 European 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?
