Cork Views: How I helped to plot a way forward for the EU

I was recently selected to participate in the European Student Assembly 2026 on behalf of University College Cork and UNIC, an alliance of ten universities across Europe who are working with their cities and with one another to tackle urban challenges and develop shared, sustainable futures.

The three-day Assembly took place in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, and was an incredible opportunity to gain an insight into the inner workings of the European Union.

Over the course of the Assembly, students from across the European Union came together to discuss the future of the EU and to deliberate our collective solutions to current issues and threats to the EU’s security, stability, and prosperity.

I travelled to Strasbourg on April 19 and checked into my accommodation. I spent the Sunday evening strolling around Strasbourg and seeing the sights.

I thought the bridges adorned with colourful houses and people sitting out were beautiful and looked like something from a fairytale.

La Maison des Ponts Couverts was especially stunning, with delicate lilac wisteria draping gracefully from the Alsace style house.

From April 20-22, the European Student Assembly took place.

On the Monday, I navigated the tram system and walked to the European Parliament from my accommodation.

It was incredible to see the glass-lined building in person, lined by towering flags outside.

The meeting room we were based in each day was a circular room with microphones and voting panels at each seat.

I found it fascinating to see the location where MEPs and decision-makers discuss vital issues and vote on current affairs.

I was specifically mandated to work on the panel developing policies regarding Enabling Generational Solidarity.

We had been working on our proposals online for several months in advance, but the chance to meet in person there was an invaluable experience that gave us time to discuss, debate and strengthen our policy recommendations in-person.

I learned so much from listening to the different perspectives of young people from various countries, who were studying other degrees. Hearing about their varied life experiences and viewpoints impacted my understanding and view of the issues in the EU and of our submissions.

This learning experience also informed my decisions on the final day, where we voted on all final policy recommendations.

The ones that were passed were amalgamated into a document of students’ policy proposals for MEPs to refer to in their policymaking.

Along with working on very topical and pressing issues, I made amazing connections and friendships through the people I met at the Student Assembly.

We explored the city together on the final afternoon. A stand-out memory for me was visiting the Parc de l’Orangerie on a sunny day and getting ice creams together from a local parlour shop.

It was lovely getting to know other like-minded young people and discovering a city I’d never seen before.

The European Student Assembly was an empowering opportunity to advocate for my opinions and views, as a young person, on the direction the European Union should be taking going forwards.

It was also a fantastic learning experience and a chance to meet other incredible young people who are committed to the harmony of the EU, and to progress, diversity and inclusion.

Despite all these benefits and exchanges, my key takeaway was the connections and friendships I took away with me from ESA 2026.