European Affairs Socities Network meets for the 9th time!
The European Affairs Societies Network brings together student-led organisations from universities across the UK, creating opportunities for collaboration, dialogue, and engagement on European issues.
Opening the morning session of this 9th meeting, EU Deputy Ambassador Isabell Poppebaum highlighted the important role that young people play in shaping the future of EU–UK relations, including in areas such as science, research, and technology.
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During the afternoon session Leena Marie Linnus, Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in the UK addressed the gathering of students, congratulating them for the commitment shown and the collaborative spirit the powers the initiative forward.
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As the final meeting of the 2025/26 academic year, the gathering provided an opportunity to review the Network’s activities and achievements, facilitate the transition between outgoing and incoming committee members, and welcome graduating students into the alumni network.
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New Milestone reached
The meeting also marked an important milestone for the Network as three new member societies from Aberystwyth University, Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Greenwich were welcomed. With their addition, the Network now connects 36 student societies across the UK.
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As mentioned by Deputy Ambassador Poppelbaum, technology and the growing importance of AI is high on every university's agenda. In the afternoon session a panel to discuss "European Tech, Science Diplomacy and the new stage of EU-UK relations" was convened.
Ambassador Serrano closed the day underlining the importance of connecting young people across borders and reiterated how important this remains to strong EU–UK ties.
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"It is great to see our students brimming with energy and ideas, committed to building a stronger Europe; a Europe that has learnt from its past, more capable of engaging with the world to promote peace, cooperation and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms"
EU Ambassador to the UK, Pedro Serrano
The meeting provided a perfect opportunity to celebrate the return of the UK programmes like Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ - which are of such key importance to the maintenance of the EU-UK youth ties.
A word of thanks
The day was the product of the brilliant, collaborative work of the Network's Societies - and in particular that of Thea Olteanu, all the members and volunteers of the Imperial European Society and of course the ample generosity of the hosts: Imperial College London - a wonderfully supportive partner. We were also very grateful to Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College London, for delivering the closing remarks, and to the panelists who made time to speak with the students.
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If you are a university student, check if there is a European Affairs Society you can join at you university, and if not, reach out to us if you are interested in setting up one.
Have a look at the highlights in the European Affairs Societies Network Yearbook 2025/26: https://www.easn.co.uk/