The future of Europe was at the heart of the discussions during the European Student Assembly (ESA) 2026, with panels tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing the European Union today.
The UNITA Alliance proudly took part in ESA 2026, confirming its active role in shaping the future of higher education and European cooperation.
Among the most engaging topics were “Strengthening democracy, engaging citizens” which explored ways to rebuild trust between institutions and citizens; “Unlocking digital potential” focusing on digital literacy, cybersecurity, and resilience; and “Educating without borders” addressing how universities can foster interdisciplinarity in an increasingly interconnected world.
The ESA is the flagship initiative of the EUC Voices Erasmus+ project, bringing together around 250 students from across Europe every year. The event offers a unique platform for selected students to engage in high-level discussions on key European issues, while promoting intercultural dialogue and collaboration. Students participate either as contributors or coordinators within thematic panels, following a rigorous and inclusive selection process carried out by EUC Voices partners and European University Alliances.
The UNITA delegation was composed of Tabata, Lea, Luca, Robert and Luis, five students from different universities of the Alliance, who actively contributed to the Assembly over the course of three days. Engaged in various panel discussions, they worked collaboratively on a set of recommendations that will be presented to the European Commission, demonstrating the tangible impact of student voices in European policymaking.
Beyond the panel sessions, ESA 2026 also provided an important opportunity for representatives of European University Alliances to meet, exchange ideas, and build new synergies. These moments of dialogue are essential to strengthening cooperation across alliances and fostering a shared vision for the future of European higher education.
UNITA was represented by Prof. Alessandra Fiorio Pla (University of Turin), contributing to discussions and supporting the students throughout the event.
The delegation also included Federica Candelaresi (UNITA GEIE) and Giovanni Andriolo (University of Turin), as representatives of FOREU4ALL within EUC Voices project.
The experience at ESA 2026 highlights once again the importance of empowering students as active contributors to European debates. By bringing together diverse perspectives, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering collaboration across borders, initiatives like ESA play a crucial role in shaping a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient Europe.
UNITA’s strong participation in this year’s Assembly reaffirms its commitment to amplifying student voices and contributing to the development of a truly European educational space.
