AEGEE-Europe European Students' Forum Wed, 25 Jun 2025 18:12:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 WE ARE HIRING! CALL FOR PROJECTS & FUNDRAISING TRAINEE /we-are-hiring-call-for-projects-fundraising-trainee/ Wed, 25 Jun 2025 10:35:04 +0000 /?p=9552 Who are we?

AEGEE / European Students’ Forum is one of the biggest youth organisations in all Europe, present in over 100 cities in 35 countries. AEGEE empowers students and young people in Europe to take an active role in society. The organisation aims to create a space for dialogue and learning opportunities as well as acts as their representative towards decision-makers.

Who are we looking for?

We are currently looking for a full-time (38 hours/week) Projects & Fundraising Trainee to work together with us in our head office in Brussels in the implementation of grant-based projects in the fields of active citizenship, civic education, intersectionality, (digital) activism and sustainability. Additionally, the Communications Trainee will assist with general administrative tasks, including the communication and social media outreach of the organisation.

Main tasks:

  • Research on grant opportunities, assisting the board and the Project Officer with project drafting and implementation (grant writing, logistics and content);
  • Seeking new relevant funding opportunities, potential donors and corporate partnerships;
  • Assisting in the general project management (overview, communication, narrative reporting, etc.);
  • Assisting in the supervision and organisation of events such as international meetings, international conferences, etc. (logistics, content);
  • Organise and create dissemination events and activities in our network;
  • Communication and cooperation with partners and stakeholders (other NGOs, European institutions).

Essential qualifications and qualities:

  • Master’s degree in a relevant field;
  • Experience in European Project Management including grant writing, implementation and reporting;
  • Knowledge and/or experience working with the funding schemes from the European Commission (e.g. Erasmus+ programme), the European Parliament and the Council of Europe’s European Youth Foundation;
  • Excellent command of English (C1);
  • Intermediate office IT skills: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Powerpoint, Excel), online collaborative tools (GSuite), and videoconference tools (Google Meet);
  • Knowledge of youth policy in Europe;
  • Team player and comfortable working in an international environment;
  • Openness to work in a fast-paced and flexible international NGO environment;
  • Proactivity, ability to work independently and learning mindset;
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills are an asset.

Desirable:

  • Knowledge of French;
  • Experience with non-formal education;
  • Prior engagement in youth NGOs or other NGOs at national/European level is highly valued. 

What do we offer?

  • An international, young and friendly working atmosphere
  • A 6 month to one year contract contract under Belgian Law (CIP, paid internship);
  • Full-time, 38 hours/week;
  • Monthly salary of €1050 for the first six months.

Application procedure:

  • Send your CV along with a motivation letter or video to secretary@aegee.eu and write as subject “AEGEE Projects & Fundraising Trainee” [Your name & surname(s)]”.;
  • All applicants should have the right to live and work in Belgium;
  • Successful candidates will be invited for either face-to-face or online interviews between the 7th and the 13th of July;
  • The selected candidate would ideally start working in mid-July or August;
  • For all questions, please contact secretary@aegee.eu.

 

Deadline to apply: 4th of July 2025 at 23:59 CEST

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WE ARE HIRING! CALL FOR COMMUNICATIONS TRAINEE /we-are-hiring-call-for-communications-trainee/ Wed, 25 Jun 2025 10:32:52 +0000 /?p=9542 Who are we?

AEGEE / European Students’ Forum is one of the biggest youth organisations in all Europe, present in over 100 cities in 35 countries. AEGEE empowers students and young people in Europe to take an active role in society. The organisation aims to create a space for dialogue and learning opportunities as well as acts as their representative towards decision-makers.

Who are we looking for?

We are currently looking for a full-time (38 hours/week) Communications Trainee to work together with us in our head office in Brussels in the implementation of grant-based projects in the fields of active citizenship, civic education, intersectionality, (digital) activism and sustainability. Additionally, the Communications Trainee will assist with general administrative tasks, including the communication and social media outreach of the organisation.

Main tasks:

  • Implementation of the Horizon Europe project YOUTHreach;
  • Creation of social media outreach and impact measurement strategies;
  • Creation of content for social media and written publications;
  • Supporting in the organisation and creation of dissemination events and activities in our network;
  • Communication and cooperation with partners and stakeholders (other NGOs, European institutions).

Essential qualifications and qualities:

  • Master’s degree in a relevant field;
  • Excellent visual and design skills to create content for various social media platforms and written publications;
  • Knowledge and/or experience working with the funding schemes from the European Commission (e.g. Erasmus+ programme), the European Parliament and the Council of Europe’s European Youth Foundation;
  • Excellent command of English (C1);
  • Intermediate office IT skills: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Powerpoint, Excel), online collaborative tools (GSuite), and videoconference tools (Google Meet);
  • Knowledge of youth policy in Europe;
  • Team player and comfortable working in an international environment;
  • Openness to work in a fast-paced and flexible international NGO environment;
  • Proactivity, ability to work independently and learning mindset;
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills are an asset.

Desirable:

  • Knowledge of French;
  • Experience with non-formal education;
  • Prior engagement in youth NGOs or other NGOs at national/European level is highly valued. 

What do we offer?

  • An international, young and friendly working atmosphere
  • A 6 month to one year contract contract under Belgian Law (CIP, paid internship);
  • Full-time, 38 hours/week;
  • Monthly salary of €1050 for the first six months.

Application procedure:

  • Send your CV along with a motivation letter or video to secretary@aegee.eu and write as subject “AEGEE Communications Trainee” [Your name & surname(s)]”.;
  • All applicants should have the right to live and work in Belgium;
  • Successful candidates will be invited for either face-to-face or online interviews between the 7th and the 13th of July;
  • The selected candidate would ideally start working in mid-July or August;
  • For all questions, please contact secretary@aegee.eu.

 

Deadline to apply: 4th of July 2025 at 23:59 CEST

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Key2Europe | 2024 /key2europe-2024/ Fri, 18 Apr 2025 16:44:02 +0000 /?p=9535 We are happy to share a 2024 version of our annual magazine – Key2Europe, showcasing everything that has happend in AEGEE in the year 2023 and what we are looking forward in 2024 as an organisation!

A full magazin can be found under this link!

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Statement | Protests in Türkiye /statement-protests-in-turkiye/ Fri, 28 Mar 2025 15:24:52 +0000 /?p=9530

On the 20th of March, 2025, Ekrem İmamoğlu, the mayor of Istanbul and potentially the strongest opponent of Türkiye’s current president in the upcoming presidential elections, was arrested over allegations of corruption and links to terrorism – claims that have raised significant concerns about their credibility and timing. This arrest and other repeatedly dismissed accusations against opposition show how this case is less about justice and more about political interests. Immediately after the incident, the government imposed a nationwide ban on gatherings, protests, and demonstrations without prior approval. The ban was enforced by city governors, who are directly appointed by the current president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan [1]. Major roads and public squares were blocked by the police [2], blatantly disregarding the constitutional rights of Turkish citizens. The country erupted in outrage.

Despite the ban, hundreds of thousands protested nationwide, opposing not just recent events but also long-standing anti-democratic practices, including political pressure on universities, crackdowns on opposition, journalist arrests [3], and civil rights violations.

Students across the country face police violence, including batons, rubber bullets, and tear gas. Many have been arrested under harsh conditions. At Istanbul University, students protested the mayor’s arrest and the unlawful annulment of his diploma, barring him from the presidency and deepening distrust in the legal system. Despite police blockades, students push toward main squares, with protests erupting in cities like Izmir and Ankara. Demonstrators demand government resignations [4], the restoration of judicial independence, and the rule of law.

Given the recent events, AEGEE-Europe stands in solidarity with all our members and young people actively participating in these demonstrations, defending democracy and their fundamental rights – rights that should never be restricted. As a youth organisation committed to the values of democracy, freedom of speech and expression, human rights and civic engagement [5], we are concerned about the current political situation in Türkiye and we condemn the oppressive actions taken by authorities.

We demand an immediate end to the violation of these values and we call upon authorities to guarantee that all young people, including our members, are allowed to exercise their democratic rights. AEGEE-Europe firmly stands with all those protesting and encourages all young people to use their voice and take a stand for democracy and free and fair elections in their country We also call on young people across Europe to stand in solidarity with protesters in Türkiye by joining demonstrations in their countries and spreading the word to amplify youth voices, because in times like this, defending democracy and human rights knows no borders.

Sources:

[1] https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/yerlikaya-condemns-call-for-street-protests-amid-imamoglu-detention-tensions-207167

[2] https://nypost.com/2025/03/22/world-news/turkey-braces-for-more-unrest-after-hundreds-arrested-over-detention-of-top-erdogan-rival/

[3] https://apnews.com/article/turkey-detains-journalists-replaces-mayor-4e14365032d9414486b42194d00ae8d0

[4] https://www.turkiyetoday.com/turkiye/imamoglu-probe-officials-warn-against-disinformation-amid-student-protests-in-istanbul-133969/

[5] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/22/turkey-protests-istanbul-mayor-grow-into-fight-about-democracy

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Statement | Three Years Since the Russian Invasion of Ukraine /statement-three-years-since-the-russian-invasion-of-ukraine/ Mon, 24 Feb 2025 09:25:40 +0000 /?p=9519 February 24th 2025 marks three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This attack is a continuation of violence and violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity that started with Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 after the Maidan Revolution. For 1095 days, Ukraine has been fighting for its right to exist as an independent state, a right that Russia denies and that more than 46000 Ukrainian soldiers have given their lives for, while more than 390000 have been injured on the battlefield (kyiv independent quoting president Zelensky).

Russia continues to commit numerous human rights abuses in Ukraine, including the ill-treatment, torture and killings of POWs, civilian casualties, and efforts to restrict fundamental rights (UN OHCHR). Russia is also responsible for unlawful detentions and forced disappearances of civilians. Through the abduction of Ukrainian children, the imposition of Russian laws and russification in occupied territories of Ukraine, Russia is attacking the future of Ukrainians to live independently in their home nation.

Recently, the US Defense Secretary has voiced that a return to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders would be unrealistic. This statement raises great concerns for AEGEE-Europe as it constitutes an attack on Ukraine’s territorial integrity and right to self-determination according to Art. 1.2 and Art. 2.4 UN Charter. It is to be stressed that Russia’s acts in Ukraine have no justification and must not be recognized as a new status quo. Statements by Ukraine’s closest allies that go against these principles are highly irritating and counterproductive. AEGEE-Europe calls on Ukraine’s allies to respect public international law and to uphold and increase their support for Ukraine. This also applies to the winners of the elections to the German Bundestag yesterday, who should be reminded that Russia will never stop its imperial aspirations if Ukraine’s allies give in to its illegal demands. In light of the US’ recent policy changes, a strong and united Europe as an answer to Russia’s aggression is more crucial than ever.

It must be clear that all so-called negotiations or solutions to the war in Ukraine can only happen when Ukraine, including Ukrainian civil society, women, and youth representatives, are included in them. Any plans about Ukraine’s future without Ukrainians must not be accepted, and at no point should Ukraine be pressured into them. 

We remain in full solidarity and support with Ukraine and its youth, and continue to condemn Russia’s illegal actions in Ukraine. We call on Russia to immediately seize its attack on Ukraine, and to respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We encourage everybody to step up their support for Ukraine, via showing signs of solidarity by going to demonstrations, voting for parties that support Ukraine, informing yourself about Ukraine by using verified sources, or donating. More information about how you can support Ukraine can be obtained in our Help Ukraine Booklet.

For the aforementioned AEGEE-Europe: 

  • Condemns all attacks on civilians committed by Russia;
  • Condemns in the strongest terms suffering brought on children and youth, who have been deprived of their education and a chance to live a peaceful life;
  • Applauds the continued effort and commitment towards helping Ukraine, highlighting especially the role of youth and youth organisations;
  • Calls for the international community, especially the EU, to strengthen its commitment towards helping Ukraine and providing necessary equipment for the defence and restoration of its sovereign territory;
  • Calls upon the European Union to give strong security guarantees to Ukraine in the event of a settlement, to prevent further Russian aggression
  • Demands continued humanitarian aid for those affected by the conflict;
  • Demands strengthening the sanctions against Russia, to impede its war machine as much as possible
  • Demands that Ukraine must be included in all negotiations regarding its sovereignty

 

#StandWithUkraine

For our previous statements please refer to:

Statement | One month since the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam – AEGEE-Europe
Statement | One Year Since Russia’s 2022 Invasion of Ukraine – AEGEE-Europe
Statement | Two Years Since Russia’s 2022 Invasion of Ukraine – AEGEE-Europe 

Source: 

https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2025/02/12/us-defense-chief-suggests-ukraine-should-abandon-hope-of-winning-all-territory-back-from-russia_6738092_4.html?lmd_medium=al&lmd_campaign=envoye-par-appli&lmd_creation=ios&lmd_source=default 

https://kyivindependent.com/a-very-bloody-war-what-is-the-death-toll-of-russias-war-in-ukraine/#:~:text=According%20to%20President%20Volodymyr%20Zelensky%20on%20Feb.%2016.%2C,start%20of%20Russia%27s%20full-scale%20invasion%20in%20February%202022

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Position Paper | The populist anti-gender discourse and the impact on young people’s rights in Europe /position-paper-the-populist-anti-gender-discourse-and-the-impact-on-young-peoples-rights-in-europe/ Sat, 28 Dec 2024 22:48:00 +0000 /?p=9500 This paper has been written by Florina-Marieta Neagu, Policy Officer for Social Equity.

In recent years, Europe has been witnessing the rise of conservative actors, from politicians to civil society representatives, publicly opposing the so-called “gender ideology”. As a result, they managed to mobilise people against issues related to women’s rights, gender studies, marriage equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights, especially sexuality education and the right to abortion. What started as isolated incidents in some countries has quickly become a transnational movement.

You can read the full paper here.

Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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Position Paper | The role of the far right in european farmers’ protestes over EU enviromental policies /position-paper-the-role-of-the-far-right-in-european-farmers-protestes-over-eu-enviromental-policies/ Sat, 28 Dec 2024 22:38:12 +0000 /?p=9496

This paper has been written by Oluchi Obi, Policy Officer for Eco-responsible Society.

Many European countries have been experiencing a wave of growing support for far-right populist parties in recent European and national elections. This fact has resulted in greater parliamentary representation of the far right and an especially visible rising popularity of them among the younger voters. Seeing this evolution of the European political scene and its development in different countries, it is crucial to consider the implications that a possible victory of the extreme right in the EU would have on the development of environmental policies. It is also necessary to analyse and reflect on the great impact that it would have in almost all areas of the European economy and society if these far right-wing parties came to control the institutions and had real power in the European Union as a whole. This would entail a very broad impact in diverse areas of policy-making and of society. This document aims to focus on how pressure from far-right populist parties could trigger a reactionary response to the progress made so far in climate matters and reduce the EU’s environmental ambitions.

You can read the rest of the position paper here.

Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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Position Paper | Social media aids the rise in the populism with the potencial to destabilize democracy /position-paper-social-media-aids-the-rise-in-the-populism-with-the-potencial-to-destabilize-democracy/ Sat, 28 Dec 2024 22:31:33 +0000 /?p=9492

This paper has been written by Michiel Barten, the Policy Officer for Digital Culture.

Populism has seen a dramatic rise globally in the last two decades, spurred in part by a transformative shift in how societies communicate and interact. While social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have democratized political participation by giving voice to underrepresented groups, it has also become a double-edged sword, enabling the spread of misinformation, polarization, and extremist rhetoric by populists, powerful enough to destabilize democracy and incite violence. […]

Read the rest of the Position Paper can be found here.

Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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Europe on Track 10 | Final Results & Policy Recommentations /europe-on-track-10-final-results-policy-recommentations/ Thu, 12 Dec 2024 09:11:19 +0000 /?p=9489 After thousands of kilometers traveled across Europe, countless workshops and engaging sessions, the 10th edition of Europe on Track has almost reached its final destination. This year, this amazing AEGEE-Europe project brought young Europeans together to discuss one of the current hot topics  – AI. From combating fake news and online misinformation to exploring the societal impacts of artificial intelligence and empowering digital activism.

As this journey concludes, we’re proud to share also on our website the results and policy recommendations shaped by the voices of hundreds of young Europeans, all aimed at tackling the challenges of our digital era. These insights highlight the importance of education, awareness, and empowerment in navigating the complexities of artificial intelligence and media literacy.

Based on the contributions of participants and organisers, here we present the collected recommendations:

1. Bridging the Gap in AI Education
Participants consistently emphasized a lack of education on AI tools and AI-generated content, especially among high school and university students.

  • Recommendation: Implement digital literacy programs in educational institutions, focusing on AI, misinformation and critical thinking skills.

2. Supporting Digital Activists
Young people face challenges in accessing resources for meaningful digital activism.

  • Recommendation: Provide funding, training and accessible platforms for youth-led initiatives, enabling their voices to create tangible change.

For those eager to dive deeper into the outcomes and recommendations, the complete booklet is available online.

To access the booklet, click here.

 

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Y Vote | Policy Paper on increasing youth participation in the democratic process and the impact of youth-led campaigns /y-vote-policy-paper-on-increasing-youth-participation-in-the-democratic-process-and-the-impact-of-youth-led-campaigns/ Mon, 02 Dec 2024 19:55:48 +0000 /?p=9482 Policy Paper written by Florina-Marieta Neagu (Policy Officer of AEGEE-Europe) with support from the Y Vote 2024 Project Team

“Young people don’t vote, they’re not interested in politics”.

We often hear these words. On the other hand, many young people express that they feel underrepresented by political institutions and believe their voices are rarely reflected in decision-making processes. In 2019, the statistics changed after years of constant decline in the turnout in the European Elections. The voter turnout experienced the largest increase in decades, largely driven by the younger generation of voters across the EU, who defied expectations and participated in greater numbers than in previous elections. This showed their motivation to get involved in the democratic process and contribute to meaningful change. The active participation of young voters not only highlights their commitment to shaping the future of Europe but also signals a renewed interest in electoral engagement among younger demographics, which was expected to be reflected in the 2024 European Elections. […]

The whole paper can be found here.

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