INGENIUM Students participate in ESA 2025
INGENIUM European Alliance was represented again this year by students from the University of Crete and the University of Oviedo to the annual event of the European Students’ Assembly (ESA), part of the European Universities Initiative, which aims to strengthen cooperation between universities across Europe.
Students from European Alliances, CONNECT and engage themselves in meaningful dialogue about the future of Europe, discuss pressing issues and SHARE their thoughts, while they LEARN how they contribute to shape policies by formulating recommendations for EU decision-makers.
250 participants were selected through a competitive process and were grouped into thematic panels focused on a specific issue relevant to the EU. Students work collaboratively to draft policy recommendations that influence policy and promote the values of democracy, inclusivity, and cooperation.
The European Students’ Assembly is a unique initiative that provides students with a voice in the European democratic process and helps build a more connected and participatory Europe for future generations.
Roberto Qiang Iglesias (UNIOVI):
“Attending ESA25 was an unforgettable experience. It wasn’t just the content and activities we took part in, but also the incredible people we got to meet. Bringing together such a diverse group from all across Europe—and beyond, with folks from Asia, the Americas, Africa, and more—really put things into perspective. It made me realise how small we are in the grand scheme of things and how many people out there live lives so different from our own. Without a doubt, it’s an experience I’d urge anyone with the chance to seize with both hands”.
Nora Gutiérrez Avello (UNIOVI):
“Hello! I’m Nora Gutiérrez Avello, and I was one of the students selected to take part in ESA 2025. This experience was absolutely unique and incredibly enriching for me. What I loved most was the chance to work with and meet people from all sorts of places—without them, it just wouldn’t have been the same. I’ve also got to mention how amazing it was to visit the European Parliament in Strasbourg and, even better, to have the opportunity to draft proposals there. To anyone thinking about signing up for this initiative, I’d say go for it—I’d do it all over again if I could!”
María Coconeanu (UNIOVI):
“The European Students Assembly was a wonderful experience, but above all, a process of personal development. Once it’s over, you’ll never be the same.”
Michalis Papathanasiou (UoC):
“My participation in ESA was a deeply rewarding experience, not only because it brought me closer to the European Institutions, but also because it allowed me to meet young, talented people from all around the EU. It helped me realize that the differences between us are tiny compared to the experiences and ideas we share. I’m grateful to ESA and INGENIUM for making me feel a little more European.”
Eleni Kourou (UoC):
“My participation in ESA 2025 was a unique and eye-opening experience. Through collaboration with students from various European universities, I felt a strong connection with people from different countries who shared similar concerns, values, and hopes. ESA was truly an inspiration for me, thanks to the diversity of perspectives expressed by individuals from such varied cultural backgrounds. I am grateful to ESA and the INGENIUM alliance for offering me this unforgettable opportunity”
