A background image of the participants attending the Civil Society Summit, with a dark blue gradient layer on top, on which there is the title "ESN Advocates for Student and Youth Mobility and Cooperation. The 1st Eastern Partnership Civil Society Summit.19-21 November, 2024. Vienna, Austria
Friday, 31 January, 2025 - 12:33

From November 19-21, 2024, Nensi Mkrtchyan, Liaison Officer for the Eastern Neighbourhood at Erasmus Student Network, represented the organisation at the first edition of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (EaP CSF) Civil Society Summit in Vienna, Austria. The event convened over 250 participants, including policymakers, civil society representatives, and experts from the European Union and Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries, to shape the region’s post-2025 agenda, emphasising rule of law, security, and connectivity.

Nensi engaged in extensive networking with civil society organisations (CSOs), presenting ESN’s vision for youth mobility, international cooperation, and capacity building. She facilitated connections between EaP CSOs and ESN, exploring avenues for future collaborative projects that align with ESN’s mission to empower young people and strengthen regional ties.

Key Highlights from the Summit

A major outcome of the summit was the adoption of a resolution supported by over 90 organisations. The resolution included provisions directly addressing youth and mobility:

  • Streamlined visa processes: Advocating for simplified and inclusive visa procedures for students and young professionals from EaP countries to enhance mobility and cultural exchange.
  • Support for Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps (ESC): Recognising the critical role of these programmes in fostering education, skills development, and civic engagement among youth.
  • Focus on youth inclusion: Emphasising the importance of meaningful participation of young people in policy-making processes and regional initiatives.

Specific measures included promoting educational opportunities, addressing shrinking civic space, and leveraging regional security cooperation for sustainable development in the EAP region. More specificities could be found in the published report.

Nensi also participated in discussions on how civil society can counter regional challenges, including disinformation and authoritarianism, while fostering resilience and cooperation. Her contributions underscored the value of student and youth organisations in driving change and building a democratic, connected future for the EaP region.

ESN is proud to have been part of this landmark event and remains committed to supporting youth in the Eastern Neighbourhood by collaborating with CSOs and regional stakeholders. Together, we aim to create opportunities that empower the next generation to thrive in a more inclusive and interconnected Europe.