Since its inception at a EU-UK youth gathering organised by the EU Delegation and hosted University College London in October 2023, the European Affairs Societies Network has rapidly grown and now includes 27 student societies, with growing interest from many more who also seek to join.

European Delegation

This June, the baton passed to City St George’s, marking the final meeting of the academic year 2024/25.

EUD

Prof. Charles Lees, Executive Dean and Professor of Policy and Global Affairs at City St George’s welcomed participants and Jaime de Villota, Head of Citizens, Social, Justice and Home Affairs at the EU Delegation and Dr Sara Silvestri made the opening remarks.

 

EUD

The meeting’s Plenary Session, chaired by Geanina Savu, President of the EU Affairs Society at City St George’s, and Elias Centellas, First Counsellor at the EU Delegation, saw the official acceptance of Imperial College London as the newest member, and presentations from each society summarising the successes they’ve had throughout the year. There were also discussions and preparations for Freshers Week and the new academic year, along with updates from the Delegation on outcomes of the EU–UK Summit, including the agreement to work towards   the association of the EU to  Erasmus+ 

The meeting continued as the European Parliament Liaison Office presented the opportunities that the European Parliament offers to youth. 

There were also presentations by the Young European Movement UK, the researchers network ConnnectsUK and a student led research on the impact of structural funds in the North,

The meeting’s breakout groups included discussions on communication, academic research and potential developments for the Network. These sessions offered participants the chance to share best practices and debate possible initiatives that aim to strengthen the Network.

Additionally and significantly, the Network adopted  two new initiatives:

• The EASN Alumni Group – for former student members who have graduated but wish to remain connected and involved.
  
   
• The Group of Friends of the Network, which will bring together a new category for Professors, Academics and University Staff who support the work of the student societies.
  
   

Both initiatives aim to strengthen continuity, intergenerational exchange and the institutional memory of the Network.

Pedro Serrano, European Union Ambassador to the United Kingdom, closed the meeting with a conversation with the Network about both the state of international relations and the new chapter in EU-UK relations after the recent Summit. The EU Ambassador highlighted the importance of young people coming together to make a positive impact.

As the academic year draws to a close, the Network continues to grow in size and ambition. The next meeting will take place in the autumn in the framework of a broader EU-UK Youth Dialogue in Newcastle. 

Thanks again to City St George’s, University of London for hosting us.