Erasmus Generation Meeting 2025

At the beginning of April, Adele McHugh and Orla McCallion, Vice President and Secretary of Erasmus Student Network (ESN) University of Galway, travelled to Ancona, Italy, to attend the Erasmus Generation Meeting (EGM) 2025.

EGM is the largest student-led conference in Europe, and this year marked its fourth edition. The event was hosted in Ancona, a beautiful coastal city on the Adriatic Coast known for its charming old town and ancient Greek architecture.

Each year, EGM brings together volunteers from ESN sections all over Europe and beyond. Although open to all volunteers, spots are limited and highly sought after. Adele and Orla were chosen to attend in recognition of their outstanding contributions to ESN University of Galway throughout the year. More than 1,500 participants representing around 519 different sections came together for four days of exchanging ideas, sharing experiences, and learning from one another.

The theme for EGM 2025 was “Empowering Youth as the Changemakers of Society.” The event aimed to inspire the Erasmus Generation to make their voices heard and help influence decision-makers in international mobility, driving meaningful improvements in higher education opportunities.

The event focused on two main pillars: encouraging young people to actively engage in their local communities through Erasmus Generation-led initiatives, showing how their involvement can create meaningful and lasting positive change; and highlighting the role of youth work and volunteering in fostering international connections, cultural exchange, and open dialogue between communities across borders.

Throughout the weekend, attendees took part in workshops, plenary sessions, and panel discussions.

Adele attended workshops on:

  • The Traineeship Package and the Ban Unpaid Internships Campaign
  • Unlocking Opportunities: What is DiscoverEU
  • Navigating Career Transitions with Europass: From Volunteering to Your Dream Job
  • Navigating Scholarship Diversity: Access to Scholarship Opportunities in Europe

Her favourite session was Navigating Career Transitions, where she discovered new tools to enhance her CV and heard inspiring stories from other volunteers about applying the skills learned through ESN to job applications and career development.

Orla participated in workshops on:

  • The Volunteering Loop: When Erasmus Students Become Volunteers
  • Beyond Barriers: Navigating Mobility with Limited Resources
  • The Future of Global Mobility in a Changing World
  • Bringing Erasmus+ to the Next Level – Volunteering Opportunities for International Students

Her favourite was Bringing Erasmus+ to the Next Level, which focused on how volunteering benefits both international students and their host communities and how to encourage more Erasmus students to get involved in local initiatives.

A highlight of the weekend was the ESN Awards Ceremony and the announcement of Erasmus Destination of the Year. Finalist cities presented their achievements, offering inspiration and ideas for how Galway could strive for this recognition in the future.

Adele’s favourite memory was the Flag Parade on the first day. Seeing hundreds of flags from different countries and cities gathered in one place created an unforgettable atmosphere. Music played as locals lined the streets to watch the parade wind through Ancona’s most picturesque spots, starting at the War Memorial “Pasetto” and ending at the Teatro delle Muse, where local dance groups performed. The Irish delegation proudly wore green, with shamrock face paint and green ribbons in their hair.

Orla’s favourite moment was the open-air concert in Piazza della Repubblica, right in front of the Teatr,o where the opening ceremony and morning plenaries were held. This took place on the first night and created the perfect setting for ESNers from across Europe to meet for the first time, explore the city, and build lasting friendships.

In conclusion, EGM Ancona 2025 was not only a celebration of international mobility and youth empowerment but also a fantastic opportunity for Adele and Orla to represent the University of Galway on a European stage, bringing back new ideas, motivation, and connections to their local section.

Words and images thanks to Adele McHugh and Orla McCallion.