Voices for Education: Students at the Table

ongoing

OBESSU is the Organising Bureau of European School Student Unions, representing 35 organisations from 27 countries. Through this proposal, OBESSU aims to reinforce the role of school students in shaping education policy across Europe by actively contributing to EU-level debates and ensuring national realities are reflected in European decision-making. The years 2026–2027 will be crucial for driving reforms in the European Education Area, advancing the Union of Skills, and ensuring education systems are inclusive, democratic, and resilient and, through this proposal, OBESSU aims at bringing the student perspective closer to these processes, among others. More specifically, OBESSU will focus on school democracy, inclusive mental health education, digital citizenship, and sustainability. Some of the foreseen activities include the co-creation of four youth friendly EU-policy briefs, regional exchanges, training courses and one campaign per year, all developed with and for Member Organisations. Through capacity-building activities, regional exchanges, and cross-sectoral cooperation, OBESSU will support school student unions in turning policy knowledge into engagement at national level. Each year, over 250 young people will directly benefit from events and trainings, and more than 50,000 will be reached through yearly campaigns and digital communications. OBESSU will engage with at least 10 new partners annually and ensure school student representation in 60+ external events, including key EU consultations and working groups. By building the capacities of its members and bridging national and EU processes, OBESSU will ensure that school student unions are recognised as key stakeholders in shaping a fair, inclusive, and future-oriented education system across Europe.