From 20 to 22 April 2026, the European Parliament in Strasbourg hosted the fifth edition of the European Student Assembly (ESA), an initiative of the EUC Voices project that brings together students from across Europe to engage in dialogue and contribute to the future of the European Union. In practice, ESA is a multi-month collaborative project that requires motivated students to work in interdisciplinary teams on some of the key European issues. Participants are selected through a competitive process and assigned to one of eight thematic panels, where they develop policy recommendations on topics ranging from democracy and civic participation to transport, education and strategic autonomy. These recommendations are then finalised, debated, and voted on during an in-person assembly at the European Parliament, with the aim of sharing them with EU decision-makers.
I was honoured to be one of seven students (including alumni) selected to represent the ECIU alliance among more than 200 applicants. My journey with ESA26 began long before the Strasbourg meeting, with months of preparation, expert talks, and teamwork. This year, I had the opportunity to serve as coordinator of a subgroup of eight students in Panel 8 - “Europe’s Strategic Autonomy”, where we focused on the challenge of reconciling strategic autonomy with the EU’s core values, particularly in the field of trade agreements. Working with my peers was both motivating and deeply rewarding. We spent weeks researching, debating, and refining our ideas to produce clear and actionable policy recommendations. This process not only improved my understanding of EU policymaking but also strengthened my skills in leadership and communication.
The highlight of the experience was the three-day assembly in Strasbourg. Being in the halls of the European Parliament, presenting our work, exchanging perspectives with other panels, and witnessing the democratic process in action was a unique experience. Beyond the discussions and formal sessions, the event was an opportunity to connect with students from different countries and study disciplines, and I found it inspiring to be around so many fellow ambitious students.
I am grateful to the Lodz University of Technology and the ECIU alliance for giving me the platform and the chance to take part in such a dynamic project. I look forward to seeing how the recommendations developed by all ESA panels will be shared with European policymakers and translated into action in the months ahead.
Adam Cieślak, TUL student at the Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences
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The ECIU Office team would like to thank Adam for contributing to our local ECIU news page by preparing the above article!
Students interested in sharing their ECIU experiences on TUL's local ECIU website, or in participating in future ECIU events can contact us at eciuoffice@adm.p.lodz.pl or visit our office in the ICC/IFE building (2nd floor, room 206).
