The participation of EUC Voices at the GIS Euro-Lab Autumn Meetings offered an inspiring moment of exchange, bringing the energy and perspectives of young people directly into a space dedicated to research, debate and the future of European studies. The event provided a unique platform to connect academic stakeholders with the concrete contributions developed by students across Europe.
The GIS Euro-Lab event session was a valuable opportunity for discussion, attended alongside Mrs. Chevallier-Govers, Project Manager of EUC Voices, two former ESA25 student participants, and two members of the ESA staff. This event highlighted the recommendations of the European Student Assembly in front of an engaged and passionate audience, reinforcing the relevance and impact of students’ contributions.
It was also an occasion to underline that these recommendations have been officially submitted on the Have Your Say platform and will therefore be discussed by European decision-makers, clearly demonstrating that the voices of young people matter and can influence policy-making processes.
Moreover, the session showed that the European Student Assembly is a true springboard, with former participants continuing to work alongside us by supporting future editions’ participants and contributing to the coordination and drafting of panel work.
We are also pleased to share the reflection of former ESA participant Emilija Verdijeva, who contributed to the session:
“For me, the main added value of the workshop was our focus on dissemination. Presenting the European Student Assembly at the event gave our work a life beyond a few days in Strasbourg, opening it up to new audiences who are actively involved in teaching, research and debate. Meeting people from other projects and networks, and seeing ESA placed alongside them, really underlined its relevance and potential. It is truly important to keep ESA visible between editions, to share our outcomes and explore new ideas, to continue to empower student voices. I am grateful to have been able to be a part of this process and to share the ESA experience with such an engaged group!”
This Paris session reaffirmed how essential it is to maintain a strong bridge between academic ecosystems and youth-led initiatives. EUC Voices will continue to champion this connection, ensuring that the insights and ambitions of young Europeans remain visible, valued and impactful across the continent.