Talent Day at Universidad Europea de Valencia: Boosting Young Careers
European companies, students and universities come together for a day that promotes professional development and strengthens the ChallengeEU alliance. Universidad Europea de Valencia has successfully held a new edition of Talent Day, an event dedicated to connecting students with companies that are committed to young talent and work every day to promote their professional growth. Talent Day – a bridge between the university and the labour market During the event, students had the opportunity to participate in practical activities designed to strengthen key skills for their professional development, such as Adecco’s Escape Room and professional photography sessions to improve their image on social media and in selection processes. The event took place on the Valencia, Viveros and Turia campuses, as well as on the Alicante Campus, where job fairs were held with the participation of companies such as Domusvi, Ecura, Globalworking, NorasCare Talent , Preventium, Adecco, Fundación Adecco, Eures, Melt Group, Randstad and Eurofirms. In addition, the auditorium hosted an IBM Masterclass on artificial intelligence and career opportunities in Valencia, which brought together around 75 students from Valencia and Alicante, who attended both in person and online. The European dimension of the event thanks to the ChallengeEU Alliance One of the major new features of this edition was the Job Fair becoming much more European as it was organized in collaboration with the European ChallengeEU Alliance, which allowed member universities from 8 different countries to participate, offering more opportunities to students from the Alliance. In total, 116 registered users explored the offers of the 11 participating companies, including Adecco, Fundación Adecco, GlobalWorking, Melt Group, Ecura, Eurofirms, Vezë Sharri, Fecke Coaching, ECAM La Salle, OSYPKA and the Port Authority of Valencia. In addition, the virtual open lectures organized within the framework of ChallengeEU attracted a total of 541 listeners, reflecting the growing interest in professional opportunities at European level. The sessions were offered by institutions such as South East European University (SEEU) from North Macedonia, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technology (LBTU), Eures France, Eures Switzerland and the Universidad Europea de Valencia itself, consolidating the international and collaborative nature of the event. Talent Day has proven to be an effective platform for bringing the academic world closer to the professional world, and has reinforced Universidad Europea de Valencia’s commitment to employability, innovation and internationalisation. It should be noted that, in this edition, the collaboration with ChallengeEU, the European alliance that promotes cooperation between universities, companies and students, has been key to expanding the impact of this event and offering real opportunities for professional development beyond our borders. During Talent Day, Jana and Rocío from Universidad Europea de Valencia, members of the ChallengeEU Student Ambassadors Team, were among those who spoke about the opportunities that come with the development of the alliance. Their involvement in the event underlined in a special way that the idea of cooperation within the European Universities initiative is very close to the hearts of young Europeans.
Alliance brings us closer: French students spent a semester in Sweden
This year, five students from the ECAM LaSalle are spending an academic semester at Mid Sweden University. It is the first French–Swedish university exchange carried out thanks to the ChallengeEU Alliance. Tom, Louis, Corentin, Juline and Victor left for Sweden at the beginning of September. “We’re delighted with the semester so far! Life in Sweden is very different from life in France, and we truly felt the change when we arrived. We’ve been warmly integrated into the community – the teaching staff, the exchange student office, and mentors who are themselves international students all look after us on campus. In short: we’re very happy in Östersund, and the balance between study and life outside the university is perfect,” the students say. As Caroline Henras, Director of International Relations at ECAM LaSalle, emphasises:“Establishing this academic partnership with a university in Sweden – a country particularly attractive to French students –demonstrates in practice the opportunities that ChallengeEU creates for our students.” ECAM LaSalle representatives note that the alliance is much more than an academic network: it is a chance to put the university’s values and educational mission into action. ChallengeEU opens new perspectives for students by fostering international mobility within a network of engaged European universities. This strategic partnership enables young Europeans to gain diverse academic and cultural experiences, significantly strengthening their employability in an increasingly international professional environment. Photo credit: Annacarin Aronsson
European Student Assembly 2026: Invitation for ChallengeEU Students
Would you like to co-create recommendations for Europe’s future, work in an international team, and speak at the European Parliament? Join the European Student Assembly (Strasbourg, 20–22 April 2026) — a flagship EUC Voices initiative that brings together around 250 students from European University Alliances each year to debate and produce concrete proposals for change. Why join? Work on real policy recommendations across eight topics crucial to the EU International collaboration and online training (January–April 2026) Plenary assembly in the European Parliament, Strasbourg (20–22 April 2026) Certificate of participation upon completion Who can apply? Students (from the 2nd year of Bachelor’s to PhD), up to 30 years old, from universities within the 65 European University Alliances — including ChallengeEU. You can apply as a participant or a panel coordinator (prior leadership experience is an asset for coordinators). On average, about five students per alliance are selected (numbers may vary). Timeline & application: Call for applications: 1 October – 2 November 2025, 23:59 CET How to apply: complete the application form on the ESA website (“Click here to apply”) and indicate your preferred panel. ESA 2026 panel themes: Strengthening democracy, engaging citizens Scaling the circular economy Aligning budget with impact Europe moving together Unlocking digital potential Educating without borders Enabling generational solidarity Europe’s strategic autonomy Costs & logistics Participation in ESA is free; organisers provide meals and three nights of accommodation in a hostel. The reimbursement of travel costs is at the discretion of the European Universities Alliances. What to expect? From January to April 2026, participants meet online (workshops, expert consultations, team work on recommendations). In Strasbourg, teams finalise their proposals and vote on all recommendations during the plenary session. After the event, dissemination activities with stakeholders follow. Ready to add your voice? Apply on the ESA website as a participant or panel coordinator. Applications close on 2 November 2025 at 23:59 CET. Click here >>> to download the handbook of ESA 2026 to learn all the information about ESA Photo: Freepik.com/mego-studio
Young Voices, Big Impact: ChallengeEU Student Ambassadors Team
Over the past few months, we have completed the formation of the ChallengeEU Student Ambassadors Team (SAT) and introduced it to the communities of our universities. The team brings together engaged, creative, and motivated students from all nine partner universities. More than just representatives, they are the voice of the student community, actively shaping a more open, inclusive, and innovative European higher education. As members of the alliance, our ambassadors take on a unique role. They promote mobility, encourage co-creation, and foster intercultural dialogue across campuses. By sharing their own experiences, they inspire others to explore new opportunities and act as a vital link between students and the broader ChallengeEU community. HSO Reimund Schmidt: I’m currently studying Applied Artificial Intelligence at Hochschule Offenburg. Learning different languages and about different cultures fascinates me a lot. I’m also curious about other topics like artificial intelligence (my career), economy, adventures, and sports. With my open, curious, and creative mind, I hope to bring ChallengeEU inside and outside HSO a step forward. Elias Folwaczny: I’m an Applied Artificial Intelligence student and have just completed my fourth semester at HSO. Outside of university, I love meeting new people and I’m very passionate about sports, especially MMA. My motivation to become a student ambassador comes from a deep desire to connect people from all over the world. I’m excited to work towards this goal with like-minded individuals and build a strong and inspiring community. Hendrik Kirchhoff: I’m 21 years old and come from a town near Cologne, Germany. I study Applied Artificial Intelligence. In my free time, I enjoy programming and playing chess. As a Student Ambassador, I take pride in supporting fellow students, sharing knowledge about AI, and contributing to a dynamic and inspiring community. I also place great value on international exchange, as it broadens my perspective, deepens cultural understanding, and opens up opportunities for meaningful collaboration across borders. These experiences are not only essential for my academic journey but also for my personal growth. UWM Temitope Francis: I’m a PhD student at the Institute of Journalism and Social Communication. I am a Nigerian. Being part of a community like ChallengeEU matters to me because it brings together students from different cultures in ways that are thoughtful and constructive. Europe gave me the space to study without borders, and now I want to help others feel welcome, supported, and confident that their voices are valued here.Julia Wysocka: I study Psychology and English Philology (yes, by choice!). I’m full of contrasts – organised and responsible, but also spontaneous and a bit scatterbrained. I love dancing, especially when something feels overwhelming. ChallengeEU is not just a project — it’s real opportunites! My goal is to share those opportunities with you and encourage you to take action.Rafał Pirsztuk: I’m a law student. I’m passionate about foreign languages, history, and international culture. I came across the ChallengeEU programme while looking for opportunities to go beyond traditional academic paths. I want to be a university ambassador who inspires others to engage and collaborate. I enjoy challenges – that’s why I set goals that require commitment and courage.Georden Shaw: I am a 2nd Year Medical Student (from the English Division) at the UWM. My home country is Jamaica I was inspired to join the SAT because I believe in representation, building alliances and growth. The alliance is also an opportunity to create bridges between universities, students, and ideas across Europe. Back home, there’s a saying, “Each one, teach one!”, and I believe the aim of the alliance embodies that. SEEU Mevlan Ademi: I am currently studying law at South East European University in North Macedonia. I am deeply passionate about European integration and believe that young people must play an active role in shaping the future of Europe. That is why the ChallengeEU strongly resonates with my vision and ambitions. Mirajete Selami: I am a student of International Relations. I believe that as a united society, we can make global progress only if we share our capacities and create common goals and a shared future. I am extremely happy and excited to begin this long, beautiful, and most importantly meaningful journey with great responsibility. Gajur Memeti: I am student of International Communication at South East European University (SEEU). My motivation to become part of the ChallengeEU initiative comes from a deep desire to contribute to cross-cultural dialogue and build bridges between students from different backgrounds. I see this opportunity as a way to represent not only my university but also the youth of my community on the broader European stage. FHNW Marion Angsthelm: I am studying for a diploma in International Business Management. This trilingual curriculum is taught in French, German and English, in partnership with the Université de Haute-Alsace in Colmar, the Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg in Lörrach and the Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW. I want to be an active student who participates fully in their studies, to help others in their journey, and to contribute to creating a rewarding collective experience. Marija Kosovljanovic: I have just finished my second semester in Business Administration. I chose to become a student ambassador to connect with other universities and people, and also to grow personally through the knowledge and experiences I’ll gain in this role. I am also a member of the ChallengeEU Student Council and look forward to being actively involved in both capacities. MIUN Runa Ziegler: I grew up in Germany, but moved to Sweden for my Bachelor’s and have stayed there to study a Master’s in Media and Communication Sciences at Mid Sweden University. Along the way, I have met many fellow Europeans who also chose to study in a different European country – either for an Erasmus semester or for the whole programme.Having lived this experience, I am excited to find out how to deepen academic integration across European Universities through the Challenge EU Alliance. UEV Jana Zaher Eddine: I see ChallengeEU as a unique platform where students can exchange ideas, support one another, and drive positive impact beyond borders. I’m truly excited to be
Voices in Action: ChallengeEU at EUSAF 2025
Forty-six student representatives from European University Alliances met in Warsaw, Poland, for the European Universities Student Ambassadors’ Forum (EUSAF) – a platform for sharing perspectives on the present and future of higher education across Europe. Hosted by the Warsaw School of Economics (SGH), the three-day gathering combined workshops and roundtables with informal networking. “We reflected on initiatives that could be implemented at our universities within the framework of co-operation among the European University Alliances (EUAs). Much of our time was dedicated to discussing the role of student councils and the methods used to elect their representatives. A key topic was the election processes for student representatives to governing bodies within the alliances,” said Iwona Pająk (University of Warmia and Mazury), representing the ChallengeEU Student Council. “We noticed significant differences in this regard, which raised some concerns. Perhaps it would be worthwhile to develop a set of best practices for the election of our student representatives. The debate was particularly engaging, as models of student representation vary considerably between consortia.” As Iwona points out, another valuable aspect of the meeting was the opportunity to learn about other consortia: their specific characteristics, internal structures and priorities. “Each participant had the chance to present their network and share unique insights from their home institution,” said the ChallengeEU representative. She added: “EUSAF proved to be an exceptional experience, allowing us to establish new connections and relationships while creating a space for the open exchange of opinions, reflections and best practices. The meeting not only broadened our horizons but also inspired us to continue strengthening the student voice in the European debate on higher education. Forums like EUSAF are essential, as they give us the opportunity to stay connected, inspire one another and offer support during more challenging times.”
Student Voices Shaping the ChallengeEU Talent Academy
In June, the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) became a hub of dialogue and collaboration as staff and students came together for two dynamic focus group discussions organised within the framework of the ChallengeEU project. These meetings marked a key step in ensuring that the voices of students are at the heart of shaping future educational initiatives across the Alliance. The focus groups brought together doctoral and master’s students from a variety of disciplines, creating a safe and open space for them to share their experiences, challenges, and ideas for improvement related to their academic journey. The atmosphere was both reflective and constructive, with participants offering thoughtful feedback on many aspects of university life. What did they talk about?Discussions explored a wide range of topics, including: Each perspective shared during the sessions provided valuable insight into the lived experiences of early-career researchers and postgraduate students. Their suggestions and reflections are already proving to be essential in the development of one of ChallengeEU’s key initiatives — the Talent Academy. Why does it matter? The Talent Academy is being designed to support (early-career) researchers in acquiring both methodological capacities and entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to conduct socially relevant research and translate findings into real-world impact. The feedback collected during these sessions will directly inform its structure and priorities, helping to ensure that it reflects the true needs of students and young researchers. This type of participatory engagement is at the core of ChallengeEU’s values: building inclusive, challenge-driven, and impactful education and research ecosystems. By listening closely to students, the Alliance aims to co-create a more supportive and effective learning environment — one that empowers students to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. These focus groups are just one of many ongoing efforts to build bridges between universities and their communities, and to ensure that the transformation of higher education in Europe is driven by collaboration, inclusion, and dialogue.
International Experience in Sustainable Gastronomy
From May 13–17, the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) hosted the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) course “Sustainable Restaurant Service”, bringing together students and academic staff from Latvia, Croatia, Portugal, Poland, and Bulgaria. This international course was a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge and best practices in the field of sustainable gastronomy. The event was made even more impactful thanks to the active involvement of ChallengeEU alliance partners – Universidade Europeia and the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, whose participation reinforced the spirit of international collaboration and innovation. The course was especially valuable thanks to the participation of the ChallengeEU partners – Universidade Europeia (Portugal) and Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski w Olsztynie (Poland) – strengthening international cooperation in sustainable gastronomy. Before arriving in Latvia, participants joined virtual sessions to explore sustainability in restaurant operations, AI solutions, and cross-border teamwork. During the on-site week, students explored:Sustainable restaurant managementGastronomic tourism & local cuisineStudy visits to producers & Michelin Guide restaurantsInspiring talks with chefs & hospitality professionals The course concluded with a practical workshop and a festive lunch showcasing sustainable food service. All participants received certificates — and a shared commitment to future collaboration in sustainable gastronomy. The organizers extend their congratulations to all partners, students, and lecturers who contributed to the success of this event.
