Plan of work 2026-2027
Adopted at ESU’s 91st Board Meeting in Ponta Delgada, Portugal, in May 2026
The European Students’ Union (ESU) Annual Plan of Work (PoW) outlines the key areas of work and initiatives to be undertaken during the corresponding mandate of the elected political representatives. The programme points within the PoW are organised into thematic clusters of work (Overarching Political Priorities, Fundamental Values and Solidarity, Social Dimension, Quality of Higher Education, European Education Area and Organisational Development and Capacity Building).
The PoW is closely aligned with ESU’s Strategic Political Priorities (SPP), which define the organisation’s long-term advocacy goals across strategic focus areas within a five-year framework.
To demonstrate these connections, programme points that are directly linked to the SPP are marked with [SPP]. Additionally, points that relate to work spanning multiple clusters are marked with [cross-cluster XX]
1. Overarching Political Priorities
1.1. Bologna With Student Eyes (BWSE) 2027
1.2. Engagement and advocacy within the Bologna Follow-Up Group (BFUG)
1.3. Bringing the student perspective to the next Ministerial Communiqué and Ministerial Conference
1.4. Co-drafting the European Students’ Rights Charter
1.5. The Multiannual Financial Framework and Erasmus+
2. Fundamental Values and Solidarity (FaVS)
2.1.1. Advocacy towards European Stakeholders
2.1.2. Engagement with Stakeholders
2.1.3. Defending Academic Freedom and Reacting to Abuses
2.1.4. Monitoring Status of Academic Freedom
2.2.1. Advocacy for Academic Integrity
2.2.2. Follow-up on the Resolution on contract cheating
2.2.3. Engagement with stakeholders
2.2.4. Emerging Technologies, Digitalisation, Ethics and Data protection
3.1. Advocating for Higher Education as a Public Good
3.2. Advocating for Sustainable Funding and Opposing Cuts
3.3. Security and Defense and the Interlinkages with Higher Education
2.4. Student Participation and Engagement/Activism
2.4.1 Advocacy for meaningful student participation in BFUG working structures
2.4.2 Monitoring and supporting student protests and manifestations
2.5.1 Exploring and supporting national and institutional initiatives across the EHEA
2.5.2 Advocating for a European-level Students at Risk program
2.5.3 Position on Students at Risk
2.6. Sustainability in and of Higher Education
2.8. Expanding ESU’s role into the global student movement
2.9. Defending the Civil Space in Europe
2.10. Protection of students and fundamental values across Europe
2.11.1. Monitoring of fundamental values within the EHEA
2.11.2. Addressing breaches of fundamental values in Serbia
2.11.3. Addressing breaches of fundamental values in Georgia
2.11.4. Continuous solidarity and support with students in and from Ukraine
2.11.5. Continuous solidarity and support with students in and from Belarus
2.11.6. Reactive positions and response mechanisms
3.1 Increase access to Higher Education
3.1.1. Widening access to higher education in the European Union
3.1.2 Anti-poverty and costs of living
3.2.1 Statement on Housing and Transport
3.2.2 European Housing Action Plan
3.3 Fighting discrimination in Higher Education
3.3.1 Research on Racism in Higher Education
3.3.2 Combating discrimination in Higher Education
3.4.1 Statement on Student Support Services
3.4.2 Advocating for a Council Recommendation on student support Services
3.5 Youth work (traineeships, intergenerational fairness)
4. Quality of Higher Education (Q)
4.1. Providing the perspective of students on quality assurance
4.1.1 Advancing meaningful student participation in Quality Assurance
4.1.2 Monitoring and shaping QA of European University Alliances
4.2. Student-centered higher education
4.4.1 Operationalising the AI and Digitalisation statement
4.4.2 Addressing risks to academic integrity and trust in HE
4.4.3 Advancing interoperability and digital learning ecosystems
4.5. Advocating for quality higher education for doctoral students
4.6. Advocating for lifelong learning and flexible learning pathways
4.6.1 Follow-Up on the Microcredentials Statement and Advocacy Efforts
4.6.2 Flexible Learning Pathways for Non-traditional Students
4.8. Improvement of the management of ESU’s quality assurance pool of student experts
4.8.1 Enhancing recruitment and representation
4.8.2 Strengthening training and capacity building
4.8.3 Improving governance, communication and feedback mechanisms
4.8.4 Expanding Cooperation and recognition of the QA pool
4.9.1. Union of Skills and The Skills Portability Initiative
4.9.3. Vocational Education and Training
5. European Education Area (EEA)
5.1 Further development of the ESU Conference of Student bodies of the Alliances (CoA)
5.1.1 Steering Committee of CoA
5.1.2 4th Conference of Student Bodies of the Alliances
5.1.3 Fostering collaboration between NUSes and CoA
5.1.4 Continuous evaluation of Conference
5.1.5 Enhancing democratic student participation
5.3 European Education Sector Observatory (EHESO)
5.5.2 Investment pathways and financing of the European University Alliances
6. Internationalisation & Mobility (IM)
6.1 Internationalisation and Mobility Policy Paper
6.2.1 Resolution on International Students
6.2.3 Project on the living conditions of international students
6.3 Region 14, Hungary and the candidate members’ access to E+
6.3.1. Access to Erasmus+ for Region 14 and Hungary
6.3.2. EU Enlargement and Access to Erasmus+
6.4 European Student Card Initiative
1. Overarching Political Priorities
1.1. Bologna With Student Eyes (BWSE) 2027
Based on the data collected through the six BWSE questionnaires launched in April 2026, ESU will develop and publish the 11th edition of Bologna With Student Eyes (BWSE). This process will involve the interpretation and analysis of responses submitted by National Unions of Students, followed by the drafting, preparation and dissemination of the publication. A brief based on the publication’s key findings will be presented and promoted by ESU’s Presidency at the Ministerial Conference in Iași–Chișinău in May 2027.
The findings and conclusions of BWSE will directly inform ESU’s policy positions and advocacy efforts, particularly in shaping student-centred priorities within the process of drafting the next Ministerial Communiqué.
The development of BWSE will fall within the framework of the SPICE project, together with the publications developed by the project partners.
1.2. Engagement and advocacy within the Bologna Follow-Up Group (BFUG)
ESU will strengthen its role as the student representative actor in the BFUG, by actively participating and contributing to all relevant policy and strategic discussions. ESU will delegate Executive Committee members in the BFUG working structures.
The organisation will follow a values-based and rights-based discourse, acting in the best interest of students and being vocal about the challenges they face, the protection and advancement of student rights and interests and the importance of meaningful student participation in higher education governance. ESU will also remain vocal in addressing gaps in the implementation of Bologna commitments and breaches of fundamental values within the European Higher Education Area, advocating for better monitoring and accountability.
1.3. Bringing the student perspective to the next Ministerial Communiqué and Ministerial Conference
ESU will play a key role in the drafting of the next Ministerial Communiqué, ensuring that student participation, the social dimension of higher education, and the fundamental values of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) remain central priorities for the next Bologna Follow-up group (BFUG) cycle. ESU will consult its member unions and base its advocacy on their input, as well as on data and findings from BWSE.
A statement on the future of the Bologna through the students’ eyes will also be developed, based on BWSE findings as well as broader Board input.
In the lead-up to the Ministerial Conference in Iași–Chișinău, ESU will continue to advocate for proper and meaningful student participation at the event itself and organise a side-event for the student representatives present. ESU will also support its member unions in their preparations for the conference.
1.4. Co-drafting the European Students’ Rights Charter
In its role as Co-Chair of the Council of Europe’s working group on the development of a European Students’ Rights Charter, ESU will play a leading role in the drafting process of the document, contributing to the establishment of a framework aimed at strengthening and better defining the rights and protections available to students across Europe.
ESU will work in close cooperation with its member unions throughout the development of the Charter. Prior to its formal adoption within the Council of Europe, ESU will support capacity-building efforts for National Unions of students (NUSes) to prepare for national-level advocacy and engagement, with the aim of enabling them to effectively advance the adoption of a Charter at national level.
ESU will also explore the feasibility of organising a dedicated event on the topic, between its statutory events. [SPP]
1.5. The Multiannual Financial Framework and Erasmus+
ESU will continue its work on the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) of the EU and the new Erasmus+ programme. Through coordinated actions and advocacy towards the EU institutions, ESU will continue to be a key actor in the negotiations of the next Erasmus+ programme.
Additionally, ESU will look into the negotiations for the 2028 Erasmus+ work program and dive deeper into other programs such as Horizon, AgoraEU and the National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs). ESU will advocate for all European research and education programmes to have strong ethical guidelines and not cooperate with institutions that actively contribute to human rights violations.
Finally, ESU will continue to support NUSes by offering updates and capacity building on the topic. [SPP]
2. Fundamental Values and Solidarity (FaVS)
2.1. Academic Freedom
2.1.1. Advocacy and engagement with European Stakeholders
ESU will strengthen its position as a key actor on academic freedom within European higher education spaces such as the EHEA, the EU and the Council of Europe, providing concrete expertise, grassroots perspectives and a student-centered approach. ESU will ensure that students are not merely observers but central participants in defining and discussing academic freedom.
ESU will proactively engage with European higher education stakeholders to foster a unified response to the erosion of academic freedom and a common approach for its protection.
2.1.2. Defending Academic Freedom and Reacting to Abuses
ESU will actively monitor and react to violations of academic freedom. Beyond public statements, ESU will hold national governments and Higher Education institutions accountable while also working to mobilize other stakeholders to take a principled stand against attacks on academic freedom.
2.1.3. Monitoring Status of Academic Freedom
ESU will analyze and monitor the status of academic freedom across the EHEA using evidence-based data and tools, including the European Parliament’s Academic Freedom Monitor and the Academic Freedom Index.
2.2. Academic Integrity
2.2.1. Advocacy for Academic Integrity
ESU will advocate for the promotion of academic integrity as a core principle of higher education, emphasizing trust-based approaches, fairness and shared responsibility among all stakeholders within EHEA.
2.2.2. Follow-up on the Resolution on contract cheating
ESU will follow-up on its Resolution on contract cheating and related policy developments. ESU will monitor how contract cheating evolves across different contexts and how it is addressed at institutional, national and European levels. This includes exploring emerging practices, identifying common challenges, and contributing to discussions on effective, fair and student-centred approaches to safeguarding academic integrity.
2.2.3. Engagement with stakeholders
ESU will engage with relevant stakeholders and policy-makers at European and international level, such as the ETINED Platform, on developments related to academic integrity, contributing the student perspective to ongoing discussions and policy processes.
2.2.4. Emerging Technologies, Digitalisation, Ethics and Data protection
ESU will follow developments related to emerging technologies and digitalisation in higher education, particularly their impact on academic integrity, learning environments and student rights. ESU will explore the role of digital tools and platforms, including considerations related to ethics, safety and data protection, while focusing on approaches that align with fundamental values, transparency and trust based education systems.
2.3. Public Responsibility
2.3.1. Advocating for Higher Education as a Public Good
ESU will uphold the principle of higher education as a public good and a public responsibility, fundamentally opposing its commodification and commercialization.
2.3.2. Advocating for Sustainable Funding and Opposing Cuts
ESU will actively combat the chronic underfunding of higher education by demanding robust public investment across the EHEA. In collaboration with NUSes, ESU will monitor funding trends and actively mobilize for coordinated resistance against austerity measures and budget cuts affecting higher education.
2.4. Student Participation and Engagement/Activism
2.4.1 Advocacy for meaningful student participation in BFUG working structures
ESU will advocate for the meaningful inclusion and active representation of students within the Bologna Follow-Up Group (BFUG). The primary objective is to ensure student voices are central to the drafting of the next Ministerial Communiqué, steering the Bologna Process and the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) toward a more inclusive, constructive, and future-oriented path.
2.4.2 Monitoring and supporting student protests and manifestations
ESU will continue to monitor developments in student activism across Europe, including through the publication of its Student Protest Monitoring Reports on a regular basis. These reports will aim to:
- highlight student struggles and movements across Europe that frequently go unnoticed by the mainstream media;
- integrate report findings into ESU’s core policy work and use them as a basis for joint statements with National Unions of Students (NUSes);
- support NUSes in protecting student rights at the national level.
ESU will provide vocal and strategic support for student protests that align with the organisation’s core values, advocating for the protection of student rights and bringing any violations to the direct attention of European decision and policy-makers.
The EC will establish a task force to explore the feasibility and potential framework for organizing a coordinated Europe-wide student mobilization. This initiative aims to strengthen international solidarity and elevate student voices regarding relevant issues. The task force will deliver a feasibility report and a proposed action plan to the Board.
2.4.3. Students’ rights
ESU will continue being a strong advocate for the advancement and protection of students’ rights, especially through, but not limited to, its efforts in the development of the European Students’ Rights Charter.
ESU will continue coordinating the INST.ALL project and work on advocating for upward convergence of student rights through administrative and legislative changes, aiming to fulfil key objectives of the European Universities initiative and European Education Area, especially the Inclusivity framework for Alliances. [Cross cluster EEA]
2.5. Students at Risk
ESU will continue its advocacy work on Students at Risk (StAR).
2.5.1 Exploring and supporting national and institutional initiatives across the EHEA
ESU will continue to support NUSes with their national initiatives (both established and in development) and strengthen the network between NUSes working on StAR.
ESU will also strengthen its support for institutional initiatives across the EHEA, while also engaging with different stakeholders to gain a comprehensive overview of the existing programmes across the EHEA.
2.5.2 Advocating for a European-level Students at Risk program
ESU will continue its advocacy efforts towards European and international stakeholders such as the European Union and the Council of Europe to commit to a European level Students at Risk program. For this effort, ESU should follow the developments and opportunities posed by the ongoing negotiations for the New Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) as well as any opportunities arising through the European University Alliances.
2.5.3 Position on Students at Risk
ESU will develop a concrete position on Students at Risk, through a specific policy document.
2.5.4 StAR Project
As coordinator, ESU will continue to lead this project and contribute to the promotion of the fundamental right to academic freedom through advocacy, research, capacity building, events and network development.
2.6. Sustainability in and of Higher Education
ESU will continue its advocacy on sustainability in and of higher education and engagement with relevant stakeholders and contribute to ongoing initiatives, including within structures such as HESI-SAG and Generation Climate Europe. [SPP]
2.7. Advocating for the higher’s education role in the context of erosion of democracies across Europe
ESU will engage with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the recognition of higher education’s role in addressing the erosion of democratic values in Europe and advocate for its contribution to fostering democratic resilience, critical thinking and active citizenship and to promote higher education as a civic space. ESU will promote the role of peace and history education in HE as essential components for fostering democratic resilience and develop a position, through a statement, on the role of Higher Education in upholding democratic values/societies.
ESU will continue its work to engage with relevant stakeholders and decision makers to promote and advocate for active citizenship education (to be integrated into Higher Education policies and frameworks).
2.8. Expanding ESU’s role into the global student movement
ESU will continue its work within the Global Student Forum (GSF), fostering international solidarity and amplifying European student voices on the global stage. By deepening strategic alliances with regional student platforms, ESU aims to build a more unified global movement capable of addressing universal challenges in higher education, from academic freedom to sustainable funding.
2.9. Defending the Civil Space in Europe
ESU will continue its work on defending the civic space in Europe and advocating for proper NGO funding at the European level, in close cooperation with our partners, including through the Civil Society Europe’s Working Group (WG) on NGO Funding. ESU will follow relevant EU initiatives on the topic.
2.10. Protection of students and fundamental values across Europe
2.10.1. Monitoring of fundamental values within the EHEA
ESU will continue to be a strong partner in defending and promoting the fundamental values of the EHEA. It will advocate for strengthening monitoring of fundamental values within the EHEA and for accountability measures to be taken where these values are consistently breached or where students, staff, or higher education institutions are placed at risk.
2.10.2. Addressing breaches of fundamental values in Serbia
During the online BFUG meeting in March 2026, ESU called for stronger monitoring mechanisms to safeguard the fundamental values of the EHEA and urged that the specific situation in Serbia – where ongoing escalations have placed students, staff and higher education institutions at risk – be properly addressed. Guided by its principles and values, ESU will continue to advocate for the protection of higher education actors, with particular emphasis on students and their right to assembly and protest.
2.10.3. Addressing breaches of fundamental values in Georgia
During the online BFUG meeting in March 2026, ESU called for stronger monitoring mechanisms to safeguard the fundamental values of the EHEA and urged that the specific situation in Georgia – where the proposed higher education reform seriously threatens institutional autonomy – be properly addressed. Guided by its principles and values, ESU will continue to advocate for the protection of higher education actors, with particular emphasis on universities and their right to institutional autonomy and students and their right to freedom of speech, protest and assembly.
2.10.4. Continuous solidarity and support with students in and from Ukraine
ESU will continue its work on showing solidarity and supporting students in and from Ukraine. This will be done through knowledge sharing, statements and close cooperation with the national student union. ESU will monitor developments in Ukraine and bring the topic up on relevant occasions.
2.10.5. Continuous solidarity and support with students in and from Belarus
ESU will keep showing solidarity for students in and from Belarus. ESU will keep close contact with the national student union. ESU will monitor developments in Belarus and keep being vocal on condemning violations against fundamental values.
2.10.6. Continuous solidarity and support with Palestinian students in and from Gaza and the West Bank
ESU will keep showing solidarity with Palestinian students in and from Gaza and the West Bank. Given the severe restriction in Palestinian students’ access to higher education in Gaza and the West Bank, ESU will keep being vocal on condemning violations against fundamental values for Palestinian students. ESU should continue working towards coordinated efforts to ensure accessible and safe pathways for Palestinian students to continue their education in Europe without barriers.
2.10.7. Reactive positions and response mechanisms
ESU’s work on fundamental values and the protection of students’ rights is often reactive, shaped by developments and unforeseen situations arising across EHEA countries. As it has done to date, ESU remains committed to responding swiftly to instances of abuse and injustice, situations in which fundamental values or students’ rights are placed at risk and cases where member unions seek ESU’s support and solidarity.
3. Social Dimension (SD)
3.1 Increase access to Higher Education
3.1.1. Widening access to higher education in the European Union
Within the framework of the Union of Skills, the European Commission made the commitment to work on widening access to Higher Education in 2027. Following the resolution presented at BM91, ESU will develop a strong advocacy campaign on the topic towards the European Commission, setting the narrative for a strong and ambitious document.
3.1.2 Anti-poverty and costs of living
ESU will monitor the developments on the Anti-Poverty Strategy and the New Action Plan on the European Pillar of Social Rights and continue its advocacy efforts by engaging with different European stakeholders, highlighting the rising costs of living as well as the interlinkages of poverty and higher education – both in regard to student poverty and social exclusion, as well as education as a preventative tool against poverty.
3.2 Housing
3.2.1 Statement on Housing and Transport
ESU will update its statement on housing and transport originally adopted at BM79, as the situation of housing and transport has changed a lot since then.
3.2.2 European Housing Action Plan
ESU will work to ensure student housing needs are prioritized in upcoming EU initiatives. Within the Affordable Housing Act, ESU will advocate for leveraging EU financing tools to expand the supply of dedicated, affordable student housing. Additionally, in the legislative initiative on short-term rentals, ESU will lobby for frameworks that give local authorities the tools to protect the tenant rights of students renting under such conditions. [SPP]
3.3 Fighting discrimination in Higher Education
3.3.1 Research on Racism in Higher Education
ESU will strengthen its research and evidence-based advocacy on racism and structural discrimination in higher education, with a particular focus on the experiences of racialisation. In addressing existing data gaps, ESU will contribute to mapping inequalities in access, participation, retention and academic outcomes, while promoting the use of inclusive and intersectional approaches to data collection and analysis. This work will support the development of a stronger evidence base to inform policy discussion at European and national levels.
3.3.2 Combating discrimination in Higher Education
ESU will advocate for comprehensive, transversal and intersectional approaches to combating discrimination in higher education, addressing inequalities faced by students across multiple and overlapping dimensions, including gender, sexual orientation, disability, race and ethnicity. This includes a focus on issues such as sexism, discrimination against students with disability, discrimination against LGBTIQ(A+) students, racism, antisemitism, islamophobia and other religion-based forms of discrimination, as well as the marginalisation of Roma, Sinti and Traveller community students. ESU will engage with European and national stakeholders to promote inclusive policies, strengthen protection mechanisms and ensure that higher education systems uphold fundamental rights, equality and non-discrimination, while contributing to relevant policy processes and initiatives across the EHEA. [Cross Cluster FAVs]
3.4 Student support services
3.4.1 Statement on Student Support Services
ESU, with the support of the NUSes, will continue its efforts in mapping student support services across Europe. Informed by this work, ESU will develop a Statement on Student Support Services.
3.4.2 Advocating for a Council Recommendation on student support Services
ESU will continue to engage with the European Commission and the Council to create a Council Recommendation on Student Support Services. [SPP]
3.5 Youth work (traineeships, intergenerational fairness)
ESU will keep following what is going on in terms of advocacy in the youth field, especially following the work in the institutions on the traineeship directive and intergenerational fairness. In addition ESU will keep being active in the Council of Europe through the Advisory Council on Youth.
3.6 Students’ health
ESU will conduct research on the state of mental and physical health of students, including through surveys and mapping. Based on the findings, ESU will develop and publish content on the state of students’ mental health in the EHEA. This work will aim to capture developments across countries, highlight disparities and identify emerging challenges affecting students. ESU will explore good practices within HEIs across Europe, including from an international student perspective, and use these insights to inform policy discussions and promote supportive and inclusive learning environments across the EHEA.
4. Quality of Higher Education (Q)
4.1. Providing the perspective of students on quality assurance
4.1.1 Advancing meaningful student participation in Quality Assurance
ESU will strengthen its role in representing the student perspective in quality assurance (QA) across the European Higher Education Area, ensuring that student participation remains a cornerstone of both internal and external QA systems. The work will focus on advocating for meaningful, well-supported and non-tokenistic involvement of students in QA governance, review processes and decision-making structures, in line with the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the EHEA (ESGs) and evolving European policy frameworks. [SPP]
4.1.2 Monitoring and shaping QA of European University Alliances
ESU will further monitor and contribute to developments related to the quality assurance of European University Alliances, with a particular focus on joint educational provision, governance mechanisms and the establishment of coherent external QA frameworks. This work will aim to ensure transparency, accountability and trust in cross-border education provision. [Cross-cluster EEA]
4.2. Student-centered higher education
ESU will continue to promote student-centred learning and teaching by advocating for meaningful student participation in the design, delivery and evaluation of education. ESU will support the exchange of practices among National Unions of Students and highlight approaches that strengthen co-creation, learner autonomy and inclusive learning environments. ESU will further advocate for stronger student involvement in quality assurance and institutional governance related to learning and teaching and will organise capacity-building activities to strengthen student representatives’ engagement in these processes at all levels.
4.3. Developing ESU’s position on the connection between higher education and the professional environment
ESU will explore the intersection between higher education and the professional environment, related to the quality of higher education for increasing student employability. ESU will develop a position on the topic, looking into how learning is designed, what support services for career and professional development students have access to and how higher education systems can resist commodification, while fostering constructive collaboration with the professional landscape, in the best interest of students. [Cross-cluster SD]
4.4. Analysing and responding to the effects of growing digitalisation and artificial intelligence usage in higher education
4.4.1 Operationalising the AI and Digitalisation statement
ESU will continue to build on its work on artificial intelligence and digitalisation by operationalising the adopted statement and translating its principles into targeted advocacy actions and practical resources for NUSes. This includes engaging with European-level policy initiatives and stakeholders to ensure that the implementation of AI in higher education aligns with student-centred learning, fundamental rights and quality education principles.
4.4.2 Addressing risks to academic integrity and trust in HE
ESU will address the implications of digital tools on academic integrity, assessment practices and trust in higher education systems, with a focus on mitigating risks related to surveillance, bias and over-reliance on automated systems. [Cross-cluster FaVS]
4.4.3 Advancing interoperability and digital learning ecosystems
ESU will expand its work on interoperability by focusing on digital credentials, data portability and the seamless recognition of learning across borders, including through capacity-building activities for NUSes and the potential development of a policy paper or resolution.
4.5. Advocating for quality higher education for doctoral students
ESU will actively follow up on its statement on doctoral students by advancing advocacy efforts towards European institutions and stakeholders, with the aim of improving supervision practices, working conditions and the overall quality of doctoral education. ESU will strengthen its presence in doctoral-focused spaces and foster cooperation with partners to ensure coherent representation of doctoral students’ interests. Furthermore ESU will develop and disseminate targeted resources to support doctoral students and ensure that their voices are central in policy discussions.
4.6. Advocating for lifelong learning and flexible learning pathways
4.6.1 Follow-Up on the Microcredentials Statement and Advocacy Efforts
ESU will operationalise the Microcredentials Statement, translating its core principles into a strategic advocacy roadmap for engagement with EHEA-wide stakeholders. Our efforts will prioritise the integration of microcredentials within broader digitalisation strategies, ensuring they serve as accessible, quality-assured tools for full-time students to acquire future-proof skills without undermining the integrity of traditional degree cycles.
4.6.2 Flexible Learning Pathways for Non-traditional Students
ESU will expand its knowledge base and advocacy on the formal recognition of prior learning (RPL) and the modularisation of curricula. By championing structural flexibility, ESU aims to ensure that higher education systems are equipped to accommodate the diverse needs of lifelong learners, working students, students with caring responsibilities, and those from marginalised backgrounds, ensuring that education remains consistent regardless of one’s personal or professional circumstances. [Cross cluster SD]
4.7. (Automatic) recognition
ESU will continue to be present at different working structures’ meetings and events to make sure that students’ perspectives on recognition are included and heard. [SPP, cross cluster IM]
ESU will also continue coordinating the AUREA project by advancing automatic recognition practices through capacity building and self-evaluation tools for HEIs, while developing a European scoreboard and a policy roadmap with concrete recommendations for stakeholders to implement the project outcomes.
4.8. Improvement of the management of ESU’s quality assurance pool of student experts
4.8.1 Enhancing recruitment and representation
ESU will further develop and professionalise the management of its Quality Assurance Pool of Student Experts by improving recruitment processes to ensure transparency, accessibility and balanced geographical representation.
4.8.2 Strengthening training and capacity building
ESU will strengthen training and capacity building for the QA Pool members through targeted activities, such as online training sessions, that will be aimed at equipping the members with the competencies necessary to effectively engage in QA processes.
4.8.3 Improving governance, communication and feedback mechanisms
ESU will enhance the coordination of the QA Pool Steering Committee, streamline internal and external communication, and establish structured feedback mechanisms to continuously improve the functioning of the Pool.
4.8.4 Expanding Cooperation and recognition of the QA pool
ESU will expand cooperation with QA agencies and relevant stakeholders to increase opportunities for student experts and strengthen the recognition of the QA Pool.
4.9. Responding to the European Union’s policy and initiatives related to (the quality of) higher education
4.9.1. Union of Skills and The Skills Portability Initiative
ESU will monitor the developments in the Union of Skills and The Skills Portability Initiative and make sure that student perspectives are present during the discussions.
4.9.2. STEM
ESU will monitor and proactively respond to European Union policies and initiatives related to STEM fields. ESU will engage in consultations and policy-making processes, ensuring that student perspectives on quality, accessibility and inclusivity are effectively represented. ESU will advocate for measures that address structural barriers to participation in STEM.
4.9.3. Vocational Education and Training
ESU will keep monitoring the developments on Vocational Education and Training (VET). ESU focuses on quality education and comparability, compatibility and mobility between higher education and VET. ESU will continue active participation in the European Apprentices’ Network (EAN).
5. European Education Area (EEA)
5.1 Further development of the ESU Conference of Student bodies of the Alliances (CoA)
5.1.1 Steering Committee of CoA
The Steering Committee of CoA will support Hacks in work related to managing and leading the Conference of Student Bodies of the Alliances.
5.1.2 4th Conference of Student Bodies of the Alliances
ESU will organize the 4th Conference of Student Bodies of the Alliances event with the support of an NUS.
5.1.3 Fostering collaboration between NUSes and CoA
ESU will organize online meetings to promote good practice examples and exchange experiences regarding the collaboration between NUSes and student representatives of the Alliances. This will offer strong grounds for further work and enhance progress in advocating for students’ rights within European University Alliances combining expertise from local, national and European levels. Moreover, ESU will actively work to engage more student councils in the CoA, encouraging their participation and integration into ESU’s collective structure. ESU will work to support NUSes in development of national strategies for democratic student representation of the Alliances.
5.1.4 Continuous evaluation of Conference
ESU will continue internally monitoring and evaluation work of CoA based on feedback received from members following the evaluation framework developed by the CoA Steering Committee.
5.1.5 Enhancing democratic student participation
If granted, ESU will coordinate Students’ Tools for Representation and Involvement in European Alliances (STRIVE) project, which aims to support students in understanding their representative role within alliance governance and develop practical tools that support onboarding, mandate clarity, and continuity.
Additionally, ESU will gather information on democratic student representation in the European University alliances and develop a position paper.
5.2 European Degree Label
ESU will monitor the launch of innovative joint European study programmes with a European Degree Label. This work will be supported by engaging with the Exploratory action and pathways projects where ESU is an associated partner.
ESU will also continue the engagement with stakeholders in the European Degree Policy lab regarding monitoring and followup of the initiative.
Following the analysis of the work of the European Degree Policy Lab and launched European Degree Label programs ESU will develop a position paper regarding the future of the European Degree (Label).
5.3 European Education Sector Observatory (EHESO)
ESU will follow the development of the European Education Sector Observatory (EHESO) and the European Student Hub (previous working title was “European Student Observatory”) as emerging data and information platforms in the EHEA. ESU will also explore how data generated through EHESO and the European Student Hub can be used to strengthen evidence-based advocacy, highlighting inequalities and support the work of NUSes.
5.4 QA of the Alliances
ESU will monitor the developments regarding the Quality Assurance of European University Alliances and promote and advocate based on Statement on QA of the Alliances. Efforts will also be put into developing training opportunities for student representatives from European University Alliances.
5.5 Future of the Alliances
5.5.1 Community of Practice
ESU will continue with the engagement in the External Advisory Board of the FOREU4ALL and intensify the involvement in Topical Groups. ESU will especially engage with and support the ‘Student-led Community on Sustainable and Democratic Student Participation’, jointly advocating for democratic, transparent and sustainable student representation models within European University Alliances and promoting the integration of democratically elected student representatives into governance and decision-making structures.
5.5.2 Investment pathways and financing of the European University Alliances
ESU will engage with stakeholders, especially through the Future4Alliances project and the Community of Practice Topical groups and develop a policy on financing of the European University Alliances. [SPP]
5.5.3 Monitoring Framework
ESU will continue with advocacy efforts toward the European Commission for establishing a transparent Monitoring framework of the European Universities Initiative.
5.5.4 Governance structures
ESU will persist with advocacy efforts for more systemic involvement of democratically elected student representatives into Governance structures of European University Alliances. [SPP]
6. Internationalisation & Mobility (IM)
6.1 Internationalisation and Mobility Policy Paper
Looking at new trends in Internationalisation & Mobility in Europe and the work done by the Working Group on internationalisation and mobility of the EHEA, ESU will present a new policy paper on Internationalisation & Mobility at BM93.
6.2 International students
ESU will expand its work on international students and actively support NUSes in their national advocacy work for international students. [SPP]
6.2.1 Resolution on International Students
Based on recent and continuous attacks on and deteriorating treatment of international students across Europe (including but not limited to rising tuition fees, rigid visa procedures, and issues caused by the misleading information from education recruitment agents), ESU will develop a Resolution on International Students, which will be annexed to the Policy Paper on Internationalisation and Mobility. [SPP, Cross Cluster SD and FaVS]
6.2.2. Visa strategy
ESU will continue its advocacy work on the EU Visa Strategy and the Recommendation on Attracting Talent for Innovation, monitor any other relevant developments pertaining to the Visa Strategy and continue its work on having a strong student component in the EU’s visa initiatives. [SPP, Cross Cluster FaVS]
6.2.3 Project on the living conditions of international students
ESU will explore the opportunity of applying for a Horizon Europe or Erasmus+ research-based project on the living conditions of international students. [SPP]
6.2.4 Fabulous+
If granted, ESU will coordinate the Fabulous+ project and start the work on mapping good practices across Higher Education Institutions, including LGBTIQ(A+) students during their mobility.
6.3 Region 14, Hungary and the candidate members’ access to E+
ESU will continue to advocate for an expanded and more inclusive access to Erasmus+ for Region 14 (UK, Switzerland and the Faroe Islands), Hungary and EU candidate countries, while actively supporting NUSes in their EU enlargement processes.
6.3.1. Access to Erasmus+ for Region 14 and Hungary
ESU will continue to advocate for establishing the Faroe Islands, Switzerland and Hungary in the Erasmus+ programme and support the reintegration of the United Kingdom from 2027, while keeping in mind the different frameworks and participation across countries and supporting NUSes in their respective processes. [SPP]
6.3.2. EU Enlargement and Access to Erasmus+
ESU will continue to support NUSes in candidate and potential candidate countries by strengthening their engagement with EU enlargement processes, connecting them with key stakeholders and EU delegations and contributing to the Enlargement Reports and consultations before Screening meetings, while exploring opportunities to make Erasmus+ more accessible to them. [Cross Cluster with FAVs]
6.4 European Student Card Initiative
ESU will keep monitoring the developments of the European Student Card Initiative (ESCI), with specific regard to the advisory board of the European Student Card and the development of Erasmus Without Paper (EWP) in the new tender.