Introducing the European Affairs Societies Network (EASN)
European Affairs societies in Universities across the country are building connections between the UK and EU. Interested in European Affairs? Find out more about the growing European Affairs Societies Network (EASN list here) on this page.
How it all began
Student societies and associations are a central part of the student experience here in the UK, and the Delegation began to build particular contacts with the European Affairs societies in Universities across the country. The European Affairs Societies found across UK universities are driven by an interest in EU-UK relations and fostering good relations and better understanding of the values of the European Union. In addition, the societies provide a platform for student-led collaboration designed to deepen connections with EU institutions. They are open to British students, EU students and international students interested in European Affairs.
Energised by the same ideas but working in isolation..the idea for a Network took root.
As the Delegation worked on building on its contacts across the UK, it was thought wouldn’t it be a good idea to put the societies in contact? Wouldn’t it be great to amplify the existing platforms by pooling energies – and from that thought grew the idea to bring the already established European Affairs Societies together to form a Network.
The story so far.....
The very first meeting took place at UCL in October 2023, as part of the inaugural EU-UK youth gathering. This first meeting saw students from 18 UK Universities launch the network designed to foster good relations between the EU and the UK.
EU Delegation
It was decided that the Network would meet three times per academic year. Each time at a different university and at least once a year outside of London.Each network meeting is co-organized by the EU Delegation, the host University and the host European student society (which can be supported by other societies).
Just under six months later the second meeting took place at the University of Westminster in March 2024.
EUD
Held in the beautiful surrounds of the University’s Fyvie Hall in the Regent's Campus in central London.
EUD
This meeting focused its plenary on issues related to the environment and was opened by Professor Dibyesh Anand, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Westminster.
The third meeting of the European Affairs Societies Network was convened at the University of Manchester on May 22 2024.
EUD
The lively gathering was co-organized by the EU Delegation, the University of Manchester and the Young European Movement Manchester student society. This third meeting was the first EASN gathering to take place outside London for the first time. The focus of this meeting was the Horizon programme – a particular focal point for the academic community.
EUD
The meeting was chaired by Viktoria Genova, President of the YEM Manchester student society. The EU Deputy Ambassador, Nicole Mannion, and Prof. Dimitris Papadimitriou, Director of the Manchester Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, closed the Network meeting.
EUD
The fourth meeting was held during the 2024 EU-UK Youth Dialogue took place on 6-7 November 2024 at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
EUD
Organised by the EU Delegation to the UK in partnership with LSE European Institute, this dialogue, opened by the EU Delegation Deputy Ambassador Isabell Poppelbaum, brought together over 150 young leaders from across the UK and the EU to discuss how they could contribute to shape the future of EU-UK relations.
The fifth meeting was hosted by the University of Birmingham. Opened by Bonnie Hunt, President of EU Society at the University of Birmingham and Professor Graham Timmins, member of the European Studies Research Group, the day brought together the Network members and observers from another four Universities.
EUD
The meeting welcomed new members to the Network: SOAS University of London, the University of Kent, and Goldsmiths. Bringing the total number of associated societies to 25.
EUD
The sixth meeting of the European Affairs Societies Network came together at City St George’s, University of London, in partnership and with the EU Delegation to the United Kingdom, with support from the European Parliament Liaison Office (EPLO).
EUD
As the academic year drew to a close, the Network continues to grow in size and ambition.
We have now reached a grand total
of 27 Societies.
All details can be found here
- The next meeting will take place in the autumn in the framework of a broader EU-UK Youth Dialogue in Newcastle - more details to follow soon!
Might this be something you are interested in? Please email for any further information about how you or your society might get involved!
European Union, 2025
Got time to read a little more? Take a look at short reports on each of the Network meetings we've held so far - listed by host: