Erasmus Generation in Action: ESN launches flagship initiative for the European Elections 2024

The project, co-funded by the European Parliament, will seek to mobilise young Europeans through international opportunities while focusing on awareness and access to citizen's rights.

About EGiA

The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is excited to announce its new EU-funded project, the Erasmus Generation in Action (EGiA), supported by the Europan Parliament and aims to raise awareness about EU citizenship opportunities and foster active citizenship among European youth. ESN is thrilled to be leading this ambitious project, which will include impactful actions in 18 Member States and a total of 163 activities, 80 of which will be published at together.eu. With an expected average of 50 participants per activity, EGiA is set to engage a significant number of young Europeans in discussions about their role as active citizens.

Additionally, the project aims to attract 5000 new sign-ups at together.eu, and reach 2 million people with its outreach activities. Furthermore, 170 change-makers will be trained in capacity-building activities, and these change-makers will go on to organise 163 activities, making a significant impact on active citizenship among European youth. This project is a major step forward in ESN's mission to promote active citizenship among European youth, and we are excited to see the impact it will have.

EGiA is a project composed of 4 phases with a planned duration of 19 months (until summer 2024), focused on raising awareness among European youth about the opportunities and benefits that the European Union offers to them, as well as the mobility-related rights of citizens. Erasmus Generation in Action is led by Erasmus Student Network International, in cooperation with ESN’s National Organisations from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and The Netherlands for the EU countries and Albania, Armenia, Turkey, Switzerland, and Georgia for the non-EU countries.

Zooming in on the EGiA phases

In Phase 1, we will conduct a needs assessment on EU opportunities for young people. This includes desk research on EU opportunities, accessibility, and reasons for low uptake, as well as ways for youth to access their citizenship and social rights. We will also hold 40 local dialogues with 800 youth on barriers to EU opportunities and research voting procedures for all EU countries for voting from abroad and accessing other rights from abroad in coordination with national organisations. The research will focus on youth concerns about voting rights and accessibility for the 2024 elections, including specific fact sheets for each country.

In Phase 2, we will empower the Erasmus Generation to become changemakers in Europe. This includes a manual for onsite activities for the academic year 2023-2024, two-track training for local and national volunteers, and capacity-building events in Italy, Spain, Poland, and Belgium. Changemakers will be involved in the 3 communication campaigns of the project.

In Phase 3, we will focus on the Erasmus Generation as active citizens in the European Elections. This includes an online voting platform and resources for voting from abroad, outreach activities to promote voting and EU benefits in 17 EU languages, and communication campaigns promoting voting and EU benefits, with a target of reaching 2 million people.

Phase 4 is a horizontal one. Throughout the project, the together.eu portal will be promoted, reporting on campaigns and events at the EU and national level, and providing detailed information on how to vote abroad. With each phase building on the previous one, the EGiA project is set to make a lasting impact on promoting active citizenship and EU opportunities among European youth.

What makes EGiA unique?

The main objective of EGiA is that through the Erasmus Generation, all the existing opportunities in the European Union for young people are made known, starting from the point of reference in which the causes of young people's lack of knowledge of the European Union must be identified. By learning about these opportunities and benefits, young people will also learn about the impact of their active participation in European citizenship, encouraging them to promote it and advocate for their rights as Europeans.

A continuing journey

ESN has been a leader in promoting civic participation and active citizenship among European youth and EGiA represents an important milestone in a continuous journey. In the 2014 European Elections, only 28% of people aged 18-24 voted. Despite the overall turnout of young voters, ESN's Erasmus Voting Assessment has proven that mobile youth was 3 times more likely to vote. In 2019, ESN conducted the research “ESNsurvey 2019 - Active citizenship and student exchange in light of the European elections” to understand the attitudes and behaviours of the European youth, particularly the Erasmus Generation, towards voting in the European elections.

Through our online campaign, promoting participation in elections and the ESNsurvey, we managed to reach 3,800,243 people and helped increase the overall turnout of young people at the European elections to 50.6%, the highest since 1994. ESN's research findings have been shared with key stakeholders and decision-makers in the European Parliament, and continue to inform our efforts to promote active citizenship and voting among European youth.

ESN has also worked in the promotion of the together.eu platform and its predecessors thistimeimvoting.eu, the non-partisan initiative of the European Parliament encouraging democratic participation in the EU. ESN succeeded in sending the most registered participants on the portal from all the organisations involved in the 2019's promotion activities proving the strength of our voice in this journey to increase active citizenship while making an impact.

ESNsurvey results and its impact on the EGiA project

Last December, the Erasmus Student Network released its 14th ESNsurvey report which collected key data on young people who have undertaken mobility within the European Union. Based on more than 10,000 responses, some of the results of this study are very relevant to the EGiA project. Some of the results obtained were:

• Most students want to have an international experience during their studies.
• Mobility increases awareness and interest in the environment, climate change, human rights, and international conflicts.
• Frequent reasons for going on mobility include experiencing different learning environments, living abroad, improving a language, or enhancing their professional perspective, among others.
• Most students are clearer about what they want to do in the future after mobility and a large proportion of students say that the Erasmus+ programme is beneficial for their job search.

2019 ESNsurvey zoomed in specifically on the context of the EP elections and also showed results that are still more relevant than ever in light of EGiA's goals:

• Students with an exchange experience are far more engaged in civil society organisations than the average European youth.
• 30% of respondents feel very or quite informed about the European Parliament's work.
• Students who are on exchange vote less due to barriers that they encounter to voting while abroad.
• Erasmus+ Alumni have higher interest and are more likely to vote in European elections than the European average.
• EU students with an exchange experience wish for more rights as EU citizens and for more European civic education in schools.

In addition to the ESNsurvey - 14th Edition, there are other influential results. These include the fact that only 50% of young people across Europe are aware of the Erasmus+ programme according to the Youth and Democracy in the European Year of Youth report and that those who have done an Exchange are the most likely to vote in elections.

All these findings, along with others from numerous studies, are relevant to Erasmus Generation in Action as they demonstrate the power and impact of living abroad as a young person and the great potential that the EGiA project is going to have to foster active citizenship and awareness of EU opportunities for European youth.

Access to international opportunities allows young Europeans to experience Europe firsthand, helping them to become engaged citizens who are committed to democratic participation. Through our EGiA project, ESN will seek to widen access to these opportunities by understanding better the barriers young people face and raise awareness about their rights. We are convinced that this approach will not only contribute to mobilising young people to vote in the EP elections, but also to be more involved as citizens in general. - Juan Rayón González, President of the Erasmus Student Network.

For any questions, do not hesitate to contact us. To learn more about the project and European Union citizenship opportunities, register for the ESN (Erasmus Students Network) newsletter and visit erasmusgeneration.org where you will soon find more information related to Erasmus Generation in Action.

• Date: 20 July 2023

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Winners Announced for "Your Erasmus with ESN" Storyteller Competition

The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is thrilled to announce the winners of the "Your Erasmus with ESN" storyteller competition, a part of the Erasmus Generation in Action (EGiA) project supported by the European Parliament. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about EU citizenship opportunities and promote active citizenship among European youth. The competition received numerous inspiring entries from young individuals participating in EU exchange programs.

The Competition

The competition sought to identify five outstanding young individuals who would each receive a financial contribution of €1,000.00 while participating in EU exchange opportunities. These grants were primarily directed towards young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who had to overcome challenges to pursue their exchange experiences. The selected winners would produce testimonials, articles, and social media content to share their experiences and contribute to the online campaign.

Selection Criteria

The winners were chosen based on the evaluation of their written stories, which focused on topics related to access to mobility, support in the preparation process, barriers faced, and reasons for choosing specific destinations. The stories aligned with the themes of EGiA and promoted mobility while advocating for the removal of barriers to international mobility.

The evaluation criteria included:

• Relevance and Goal: 20 points
• Relevance and Goal: 20 points
• Analysis and Critical Thinking: 15 points
• Clarity and Coherence: 15 points
• Originality and Creativity: 15 points
• Conclusion and Overall Impact: 15 points

The Winners

After careful evaluation by the International Commission, the following winners were selected:

• Nubia Rodrigues, story “Why to cross a border? A story about the connections between those who move”. 96/100 points.
• Maria Kacprzak, story “Highs and Lows”. 96/100 points.
• Ivalina Daneva, story “Your Erasmus with ESN – connecting the dots”. 96/100 points
• Miana Fernandes, story “The Green and the Blue”. 94/100 points.
• Ala Romanowska, story “How Dangerous” 92/100 points

Each winner will receive a €1,000 economic contribution to support their participation in EU exchange opportunities while they will share their journeys abroad with blog articles and social media content. The story is just beginning!

• Date: 14 Sept 2023

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EGiA approves of the European Parliament's 2024 Election Proposals

Greetings, everyone! ESN is excited about the recent developments in the European Parliament regarding the 2024 European elections and especially the strong synergy of these developments with our flagship project Erasmus Generation in Action (EGiA). We're ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work, encouraging active citizenship among European youth.

The European Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO), which has the role of shaping the future institutional set-up of the European Union and its decision-making processes,has put forward some promising proposals to make the 2024 elections more democratic and Members of the European Parliament are demanding more voter turnout among mobile citizens and making it easier for them to vote from abroad. We're right on board with their ideas about boosting voter turnout and ensuring all citizens, especially those living abroad, can participate easily. We will be contributing to this with EGiA!

Why this matters

EGiA spans across 18 Member States and a few non-EU countries, and our goal with this initiative is all about raising awareness of EU citizenship opportunities and empowering young Europeans to be active citizens. The European Parliament's goals align perfectly with our vision, and we're excited to join hands to make sure the 2024 elections are a success.

Now, let's talk about AFCO’s idea of a lead candidate system for the European Commission President. We're big fans! We believe it's crucial to establish a clear link between voters' choices and the Commission President to build trust in the democratic process. EGiA will play its part by educating young Europeans about their role in the European elections and the significance of the lead candidate system. How? Among many other things, by sharing info on how people can vote from abroad and organising national policy dialogues between young people and policymakers.

What will we be doing? In light of the elections?

Our EGiA project is a comprehensive journey with various phases, aimed at making active citizenship and EU opportunities buzzworthy and fostering civic engagement. We're determined to leave a lasting impact and work together with the European Parliament to make the 2024 elections a memorable experience.

As we move forward, EGiA remains committed to our mission of promoting active citizenship among European youth. We see eye to eye with the European Parliament on building an engaged and informed electorate.

For more information about the Erasmus Generation in Action project and European Union citizenship opportunities, please visit elections24.erasmusgeneration.org or feel free to reach out with any questions at policy[at]esn.org. Let's embark on this journey to make democracy more accessible and engaging for everyone regardless of where you are!

• Date: 30 Oct 2023

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From adversity to triumph: EGiA awards €1,000.00 to five outstanding storytellers participating in EU exchange programmes

The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is proud to present the journeys of the winners of the "Your Erasmus with ESN" storyteller competition, an initiative within the Erasmus Generation in Action (EGiA) project, supported by the European Parliament. This competition put a spotlight on the incredible stories of resilience, determination, and cultural exploration among young individuals engaged in EU exchange programs.

Celebrating diversity and overcoming challenges

ESN aimed to recognise and reward outstanding storytellers, and the competition attracted many inspiring entries from young participants in EU exchange programs. The primary focus was to provide a platform for those from disadvantaged backgrounds who had faced challenges to embark on their transformative exchange journeys.

Five remarkable individuals have emerged as the winners, each receiving a significant financial boost of €1,000.00 to support their ongoing participation in EU exchange opportunities. The winners, Nubia Rodrigues, Maria Kacprzak, Ivalina Daneva, Miana Fernandes, and Ala Romanowska, demonstrated extraordinary resilience and creativity in their storytelling endeavours. Their story talked about economic challenges, mental barriers, fears, but also facing bureaucracy and other relatable challenges that inspire us all and that represent what young people going on mobility have to often face.

The journey continues

In the coming months, the winners will share their transformative journeys through captivating blog articles and engaging social media content, contributing to an ongoing online campaign that promotes the topics of EGiA, that is to say civic engagement, internationalisation, access to EU opportunities, and active citizenship.

As these exceptional storytellers embark on their journeys, we invite you to follow along. Discover the richness of cultural exchange, the triumphs over adversity, and the boundless possibilities that arise when barriers to international mobility are surpassed. Together, let us celebrate the stories that shape the fabric of our diverse European community and inspire a new generation of active citizens.

Read the winning stories and follow-up the blog articles on the Erasmus Generation Portal and follow the social media channels of ESN. The journey continues, and the best is yet to come!

Discover the EGiA stories

• Date: 08 Dec 2023

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How to vote from abroad in the upcoming European elections? The Erasmus Generation unveils the new ‘’voting from abroad’’ section

In a move towards fostering greater democratic participation, the Erasmus Student Network announces the launch of its latest feature in the Erasmus Generation Portal: the "Voting from Abroad" section. Tailored to guide European citizens living abroad through the process of voting, this resource comes to life just in time for the highly anticipated European Parliament elections in June 2024.

Empowering Voters Across Borders

The "Voting from Abroad" section is a much needed addition to the Erasmus Generation Portal, designed to empower all European citizens, especially young Europeans and members of the Erasmus Generation, to exercise their right to vote, regardless of their geographical location. Recognising the unique challenges faced by those living abroad, the tool provides a comprehensive and user-friendly guide to navigate the diverse voting procedures of different countries.

What to Expect:

Upon entering the "Voting from Abroad" section, users will find a list of countries along with an overview of the modes of voting available. Whether you're a student studying abroad or a European citizen residing in another country, this resource is your go-to destination for understanding the voting procedures that apply to you (proxy, electronically, post, embassy).

DISCOVER THE TOOL

User-Friendly Guide for Informed Voting:

The Erasmus Generation Portal's "Voting from Abroad" section aims to demystify the perceived complexities of voting procedures. Users can simply click on their corresponding country to access more detailed instructions, ensuring a seamless and informed voting experience. The tool is poised to significantly contribute to increased voter turnout, particularly among young Europeans, making the democratic process more inclusive.

We invite everyone to explore the Erasmus Generation Portal and experience firsthand the impact of this innovative resource. Empower yourself to participate in the democratic process by gaining access to valuable information on voting procedures, all in one central hub. Your engagement is key to amplifying the reach of this initiative and making a lasting positive change.

As we approach the European Parliament elections in 2024, let us unite in embracing this tool as a beacon for active citizenship, breaking down borders and ensuring every European voice is heard.

FIND THE VOTING TOOL HERE

This tool was developed thanks to the support of the European Parliament within the EU co-funded project - "Erasmus Generation in Action’’ led by the Erasmus Student Network.

• Date: 07 Feb 2024

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What’s new for EGiA? A recap of 2023 and a roadmap for 2024

As the 2024 European Elections approach, this project by the Erasmus Student Network, co-funded by the European Parliament, is seeking to mobilise young Europeans.

The Erasmus Generation in Action (EGiA) is an ESN project aiming to raise awareness about EU citizenship opportunities and foster active citizenship among European youth. Consisting of a total of 163 activities and including actions in 18 Member States, EGiA went live in January of last year and has since been working towards the engagement of young Europeans in different discussions around their role as active citizens.

As the new year plans take off, let’s delve into the project’s accomplishments of 2023 and preview what’s in store for 2024.

2023: Understanding and promoting mobility

During its first year of activity, the EGiA project set out to build a campaign with a strong focus on mobility and EU opportunities. With this goal in mind, the organisation conducted dozens of focus groups across Europe, providing young individuals with a platform to discuss these topics.

That is how we were able to produce a brief with qualitative data from which to inform the actions that will be taken in pursuit of mobility awareness and active citizenship among the European youth. The brief is available on the EGiA website at elections24.erasmusgeneration.org.

The insights gathered from these sessions not only shaped EGiA's understanding of access to EU opportunities and mobility barriers, enriching the work that will follow leading up to the elections, but also led to the development of a voting from abroad wizard on the Erasmus Generation portal. A tool showcasing how citizens abroad can vote for the elections without returning to their home country.

In parallel, EGiA launched a comprehensive campaign to promote mobility to young people. This included many medium to large scale events and smaller targeted event clusters reaching hundreds of participants.

Now, having analysed the results and impact of these actions, the project is ready to move on towards a new phase.

2024: An Exciting Road Ahead

Building on the work done during the previous year, EGiA is set to introduce dynamic initiatives in 2024:

• Volunteer on Exchange (Early '24 - Spring '24):
  EGiA plans to start the year by conducting local phase events aimed at promoting volunteering in general and volunteering during mobility. During this period, the project aims to combine lessons learned from previous phases for greater impact.


• Horizontal Workshops on EGiA Topics (Until May '24):
  Up until May of 2024, EGiA will promote the together.eu EU portal to increase visibility, explaining the platform's relevance and strongly encouraging registration to the voting platform.


• Erasmus Vote for Europe (Late Spring '24 - June '24):
  With the goal of inspiring young ambassadors to promote voting in their local communities, the ESN National Organisations in Europe will be hosting policy dialogues for them to engage with legislators and be exposed to relevant topics. Leading up to the European Parliament elections on the 6th of June, these events can have a major national impact politically and directly influence the voting turnout from the Erasmus Generation.

Don’t miss out! Your Europe, your voice.

EGiA is taking centre stage in mobilising the Erasmus Generation for this year’s European Elections, and everyone is invited to become part of the action. For the project’s upcoming phase, stakeholders, policymakers, and young advocates are welcomed to join for the National Policy Dialogues, which will serve as a vital platform for in-depth discussions on promoting civic engagement and igniting a spirit of civic duty across the continent.

Don’t miss out, and make sure to check out the ESN’s activities platform where the National Policy dialogues will be disseminated. You can also get in touch with your national ESN Organisation and stay tuned on all the updates as the 2024 elections draw near.

• Date: 13 Feb 2024

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