Master International Development Students Experience 2024 European Student Assembly

The Executive Master in International Development is delivered by IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs in partnership with the United Nations System Staff College. The student experience shared here includes participation in the European Student Assembly, where representatives engage in a legislative process and shape the EU’s future. The assembly covered issues such as democratic engagement, sustainability, and the future of higher education.

In the experience described, participants began with a Zoom meeting to learn the program’s stages and were divided into 11 panels on different topics. The student joined Panel 10 on the future of Europe and EU enlargement, then met weekly for four months to craft policy proposals for EU candidate countries. Workshops led by Members of Parliament included drafting policies and learning about Members of Parliament daily tasks.

After online preparation, youth delegates met in person in Strasbourg for in-person discussions. Over the first two days, delegates reviewed and refined proposals. On the third day, they voted on 80 policy proposals using a parliamentary voting process, with most receiving positive votes. The proposals are presented to the European Commission and Members of Parliament.