OPEN CALL for 21 participants

STUDY SESSION “SLIDE – Student Leadership Initiatives for Democratic Engagement” led by ESU 

The European Students’ Union is proudly organising a study session to take place at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg. 

We are looking for 21 student representatives to participate in our journey towards strengthening academic freedom, democratic participation, and student rights in higher education! 

What? 

The aim of the study session “SLIDE” is to build the capacity of national unions of students and student representatives to defend academic freedom, foster democratic governance structures in higher education, and reinforce the protection of students’ rights. 

The specific objectives of the study session are the following: 

❖ Fundamental Values: Strengthen participants’ understanding of academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and student rights, empowering them to advocate for these principles at local, national, and European level. 

❖ Bologna Process and EHEA: Deepen knowledge about European higher education frameworks, supporting participants to influence reforms and hold institutions accountable. 

❖ Capacity Building: Equip participants with advocacy, leadership, and project management skills to design and implement impactful student-led initiatives for democratic participation. 

When and where? 

From the 16th to the 20th of February 2026 (5 working days), with the 15th of February as arrival day and the 21st of February 2025 as departure day. 

Venue: European Youth Centre, Strasbourg

Who? 

➢ Are you a student representative engaged in advocacy or student rights?? ➢ Are you a resident in one of the Council of Europe member states? ➢ Are you motivated to promote academic freedom, democratic participation, and meaningful student representation? 

Cost 

The enrollment fee for the selected participants is 60 euros. 

Travel, accommodation and subsistence costs are fully covered by the Youth Department of the Council of Europe. 

How? 

For this call, ESU Conference of Alliances Members may nominate up to two representatives, while National Unions of Students (NUSes) may nominate one representative, preferably individuals who are actively engaged in their university alliances or contributing to their development. Nominated candidates are expected to commit to the full duration of the study session and to submit their application through SLIDE’s application form. 

Deadline: 14th of December, 23h59 CET 

To confirm their participation, students must provide the booking of their travel itinerary, after consultation with the recruitment team. 

If you have any questions related to the call or the study session, please send an email to joana.azeiteiro@esu-online.org. For further information about the venue, please visit: https://www.coe.int/en/web/youth/eyc-strasbourg