Participation of the Agricultural University of Athens in the European Student Assembly ESA2025

The Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) actively participated in the European Student Assembly (ESA2025), held at the European Parliament in Strasbourg from May 26 to 28, 2025, as part of its participation in the European University for Smart Urban Coastal Sustainability (EU-CONEXUS).

The European Student Assembly is a flagship initiative that fosters youth engagement in European civic life and promotes intercultural dialogue, collaboration, and active political awareness. This year’s event brought together 240 selected students from 53 European University Alliances, representing more than 190 universities across Europe.

AUA was proudly represented by student Ms Konstantina Georgiou, who was selected from over 2,300 applicants to participate in the Assembly and subsequently chose to join Panel 6, titled “Living with Dignity.” This panel focused on the pressing issue of student housing and the need to ensure decent and affordable living conditions for university students throughout Europe.

The preparation phase for ESA2025 included training sessions and weekly online meetings with experts and fellow panel members, aimed at developing well-founded policy proposals. These proposals were presented and refined during the on-site Assembly, and the final documents were compiled into a handbook summarizing the results of all the panels. On the final day, participants voted on all proposals, simulating the procedures of the European Parliament.

Ms Georgiou’s participation brought forward the voice of AUA and its student community at the European level, highlighting the need for policies that address the challenges of student life, with a focus on social justice and equal access to education.

ESA2025 showcased the dynamic presence of Europe’s youth, proving that students are constantly seeking innovation, progress, and active contribution to policy shaping. Through the exchange of ideas, shared experiences, and the development of meaningful proposals, the Assembly offered a unique opportunity to strengthen political awareness and foster responsibility among young people. Most importantly, it provided a space where their voices could truly be heard, with the hope that these voices will help shape a fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable future for Europe.