In a dynamic collaboration between the ATHENA European University Alliance and the EUNICE European University Alliance, a virtual discussion took centre stage under the banner of “It’s Your Education! It’s Your Europe!” The transformative event sought to mobilise student engagement in the European Parliament elections and foster informed citizenship within the academic community. Conducted on May 15th, the event not only captured the attention of individuals across Europe but also positioned itself as a pivotal platform for dialogue and cooperation in shaping the continent’s future.
Broad Representation and Global Reach
With around 300 registered participants from around 30 countries, the event witnessed enthusiastic involvement from a diverse range of stakeholders, including academic institutions, businesses, regional governance bodies, and student organisations. Of particular note was the active involvement of representatives from 52 different academic institutions, signaling a united front in addressing pertinent issues within European higher education.
The event drew participants from all 10 members of the ATHENA alliance, showcasing its widespread impact within the European higher education landscape. Notably, nearly half of the attendees represented institutions outside the ATHENA Alliance, highlighting the event’s global relevance and appeal.
“This event exemplifies our commitment to empowering students and fostering active citizenship within the European academic community,” remarked Eglė Girdzijauskaite, Head of Communication of the ATHENA European University Alliance. “By providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration, we aim to shape the future of European democracy.”
Distinguished Speakers
The event boasted an illustrious lineup of speakers who provided invaluable insights into the intersection of education and European democracy. Keynote speaker Antonio López-Istúriz White, a seasoned Member of the European Parliament, delivered a compelling address on the importance of youth engagement in the democratic process. Renowned moderator María Pardal Piñeiro adeptly guided the discussions, fostering a robust exchange of ideas. Additionally, a panel of esteemed experts lent their expertise to the discourse:
- Evangelia Georgitsi, Communication Officer at the Representation of Greece, European Commission
- Nikolas Moraitakis, Senior Advisor/Manager, EU Programmes, the region of Crete
- Guillaume Frison, Directorate General for Communication, Youth Outreach Unit, European Parliament
- Umberto Masi, President of the Lithuanian Youth Council
- Efthalia Chatzigianni, Vice-Rector of Internationalisation at the University of Peloponnese (EUNICE Alliance)
- Asimenia Sakouli, Vice President of ESN Greece
Their diverse backgrounds and expertise enriched the discussions, providing valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in European education and democracy.
Driving Change
The ATHENA and EUNICE European University Alliances stand at the forefront of driving positive change in European higher education. Through strategic collaborations and visionary initiatives like “It’s Your Education! It’s Your Europe!”, the alliances play a pivotal role in promoting informed citizenship and shaping the future of education across Europe. By fostering dialogue, nurturing collaboration, and empowering stakeholders, European University Alliances pave the way for a more inclusive, innovative, and impactful higher education landscape in Europe and beyond.26
