European Student Assembly 2025: It was a moment where student voices weren’t just heard, but could participate, shaping the future of European policies

Beatriz's Story:

Joining the European Students Assembly has been one of the most enriching and transformative experiences of my academic path. As a student of Economics and International Business, I had studied EU policymaking from a theoretical perspective. However, this experience brought those ideas to life. From the very beginning, I felt honoured to represent my university, my country, and the alliance I belong to. What I did not expect was how profoundly it would shape the way I engage with European affairs, collaborate across cultures, and express my ideas with conviction. One of the most impactful moments was entering the European Parliament in Strasbourg with our personalised access cards. For a few days, we stepped into the role of decision-makers. Being in such a historic and symbolic space, surrounded by passionate students from across Europe and beyond—including Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Mexico—was incredibly powerful. 

Despite our cultural differences, we were united by a shared ambition to build a more inclusive and forward-looking Europe. That atmosphere of collective purpose stayed with me. I have always been someone who actively seeks opportunities to step out of my comfort zone. The Assembly provided the perfect setting for this. While I am naturally outgoing, I once hesitated to speak up in formal debates. That began to shift during my Erasmus experience, and the Assembly allowed me to take that progress even further. A fellow participant reminded us that even a single idea can spark a conversation that otherwise might not happen. That message stayed with me. It gave me the confidence to contribute more actively, to trust the value of my voice, and encouraged me to raise my opinion and participate in discussions on topics that matter to me. 

Working alongside an interdisciplinary team, I helped develop policy proposals rooted in research and real-world relevance. We refined our ideas through expert guidance and constructive peer feedback, preparing them for formal debate and voting in the hemicycle. Experiencing this process firsthand gave me a deeper understanding of how European policy is shaped. It also expanded my academic interests, particularly in digital governance, the potential of underused EU platforms, and the legal challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence. These are areas I now feel motivated to explore further both academically and professionally. Above all, I carry with me the people I met. I formed meaningful friendships with students from Germany, Croatia, Italy, India, Indonesia, Mexico, and many more.

We held thoughtful conversations and challenged each other with respect and curiosity. One night, we stayed up until two in the morning discussing politics and history. For the first time, I did not feel out of place for being passionate about these topics. I felt understood, inspired, and part of a community that values critical thinking and open dialogue.

Annika's Story:

The train glided into Strasbourg, and with it, my anticipation surged. I had read the emails, spent hours in discussion with my teammates, and packed my finest “policy-making” outfit. Walking through the gates of the European Parliament for the first time, badge in hand, I could hardly believe I was among the students selected from all across Europe to take part in this incredible event.

The European Student Assembly felt like a microcosm of what Europe could be – 230 students buzzing with ideas, united in the heart of democracy. I was part of Panel 2: Greener Tomorrow, and from the start, the atmosphere in our group was energetic. We came from diverse backgrounds – from political science to engineering and medicine. Throughout the three days, we had the opportunity to work within the European Parliament using the Hemicycle for our group debates and meeting rooms for our in-panel work. Here we were able to finalize and refine our policy recommendations.

The most intense – and exciting – moment for me was the final voting session. Watching our recommendations debated and adopted in the Hemicycle through the official electronic voting system felt surreal. It was a moment where student voices weren’t just heard, but could participate shaping the future of European policies. That sense of validation meant a good deal.