The 71st European Students' Union (ESU) Board Meeting Seminar, was held as a part of the annual ESU gathering in Gdansk, Poland on November 29 and 30, 2016.

European University Sports Association (EUSA) was represented by Ms Katarzyna Czalej, Student Commission member from Poland. The event was attended also by EUSA Student Commission member Mr Seit Demiri, as a delegate of the Slovenian Student Union.



The Seminar began with Opening Ceremony at the Gdańsk University of Technology and discussion on the future of Erasmus+ Programme. Welcome speech was given among others by Mr Jarosław Gowin, Minister for Science and Higher Education in Poland and Ms Lea Meister, President of the European Students’ Union.

The Seminar was focused on Higher Education Institutions, student’s participation in their governance and how to meaningfully attain it. Furthermore, the topics of equality and refugees’ access to Higher Education were mentioned. In November, ESU launched a project “Together, Moving Forward” that is a small grants programme aiming at building positive refugee-host interactions across Europe.



European Students’ Union (ESU) and European University Sports Association (EUSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on November 12 in Belgrade. EUSA and ESU aim to strengthen cooperation and support each other’s projects. The continued development of initiatives that foster those not involved in the competitive aspects of sport yet have passion in equal amounts, are key aspects in including a broader segment of the student population in university sport.

The fundamental role that students play in university sport along with the benefits that students do and can gain from participation is something that EUSA and ESU are keen to explore further.



The presentation by Ms Czalej was aimed to introduce EUSA to the European National Student Union representatives and to illustrate and encourage cooperation together with National University Sport Associations also on national levels and ultimately improve students’ services.



The European Students' Union (ESU) event in Gdansk continues with the Board Meeting – General Assembly of the organisation, and will conclude on December 4.

For more information, please see www.esu-online.org.