ESN Ukraine at the Spring General Assembly 2025 in Dubrovnik

From 24 to 27 April 2025, a five-member delegation of ESN Ukraine participated in the Spring General Assembly of the Erasmus Student Network in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Representatives of National Organisations gathered to elect the network's new leadership, adopt strategic documents and discuss priorities for the years ahead.

Bringing Ukraine's Perspective to the Assembly

Throughout the event, ESN Ukraine's delegates joined discussions on the future of the network and participated in the elections of its statutory bodies. They also shared the experiences of Ukrainian students and volunteers with representatives from other countries.

A central moment for the Ukrainian delegation was an address by Vice-President Dariia Beliaieva, who spoke about the challenges facing young people in Ukraine during Russia's ongoing full-scale invasion.

Her speech brought these realities before the General Assembly, ESN's highest decision-making body, giving international delegates a direct perspective on the circumstances in which Ukrainian youth continue to study, volunteer and pursue mobility opportunities.

Beyond the plenary sessions, the gathering offered opportunities to exchange experiences and maintain connections with other National Organisations, reinforcing ESN Ukraine's presence within the international network.

Decisions Shaping the Network's Future

The Assembly marked an important stage in ESN's organisational development. Delegates unanimously approved a new Vision and Strategic Priorities for the following six years, alongside the Three-Year Strategy 2025–2028 and an Action Plan for the next academic year.

The General Assembly also elected the International Board for 2025–2026, with Simone Lepore becoming President of the Erasmus Student Network. These decisions established a framework for the organisation's future activities and cooperation among its National Organisations.

For ESN Ukraine, participating in these processes meant contributing to decisions taken collectively by national representatives, rather than simply observing the proceedings.

The Ukrainian delegation concluded the Assembly with new international connections and a continued commitment to representing Ukrainian students and volunteers within the Erasmus Generation, ensuring their experiences remain part of the wider network's discussions.