European Student Assembly 2023 - 2nd edition | European Universities Community

Credits: Fanny Dubray

In 2023, the 2nd edition of the European Student Assembly gathered in the European Parliament in Strasbourg around 230 students from 40 European University Alliances to exchange ideas and collaborate on shaping the future of Europe. The assembly featured a series of engaging panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions. Students had the chance to delve into 10 panel topics such as sustainable farming, inclusion, digital innovation, and more. Through constructive debates and collaborative efforts, they drafted and voted 75 political recommendations aimed at addressing the challenges and opportunities facing Europe.

Download ESA 2023 Policy Recommendations Handbook

Here are the 10 panel topics debated during ESA 2023:

Panel 1 – Deliberative versus representative democracy? How to reduce the gap between citizens and policy-makers and create a more united Europe?
Panel 2 – Lessons from the past? How could the French-German history of reconciliation serve as a model to overcome conflicts and build unity?
Panel 3 – How to secure fair and sustainable access to energy in Europe at different levels?
Panel 4 – From farm to fork. How can local food distribution channels contribute to a fairer and more sustainable European food system?
Panel 5 – Taking better care of each other. What should be the European approach to mental health?
Panel 6 – How to ensure a fair and sustainable digital transition in a context of exploding demand and raw material scarcity?
Panel 7 – Is the EU in a position to develop an efficient foreign policy and an autonomous defence policy that would ensure the safety of its citizens?
Panel 8 – Cities of the future. How could sustainable cities contribute to European autonomy and people welfare?
Panel 9 – Excellence versus inclusion? How can European universities contribute to provide a more inclusive access to skills and knowledge?
Panel 10 – European Year of Skills. What role can higher education institutions play in reducing the skills gap in Europe?