The EU advocacy vision prepared by the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) has been published. The vision defines SYL’s key EU advocacy objectives for the years 2026–2028.
The aim of SYL’s EU advocacy vision is to outline SYL’s positions on European education policy as well as on students’ future prospects. Within the European Higher Education Area, SYL emphasises the recognition of qualifications, the essential goals of the Bologna Process, and the role of the Erasmus+ programme in building international competence. SYL actively follows the development of European University Alliances, small continuous learning modules, and EU skills policies.
For SYL, it is important to strengthen the participation of young people and students in the EU and to safeguard the accessibility and free provision of education. To maintain young people’s confidence in the future, tackling the climate crisis must remain at the core of EU decision-making, and the rule of law must be advanced. Students’ rights must also be taken into account in AI regulation. SYL considers it essential that a Students at Risk grant system be established in the EU to support students fleeing war, political persecution and violence.
“A stronger commitment to safeguarding academic freedom, democracy and the rule of law is a significant factor behind the confidence of future experts of Europe. At the same time, education policy must respect the principle of subsidiarity so that decision-making remains close to students and educational pathways as equally accessible as possible,” emphasises SYL’s board member Samuli Leppämäki.
“European higher education can only thrive when students are meaningfully included at every level of decision-making. Our voices must shape the future of higher education in Europe,” re-iterated SYL’s board member Mantė Žygelytė.
The vision also outlines the forms of SYL’s EU advocacy. SYL influences EU affairs by conducting close advocacy work towards decision-makers and authorities, but also through its European umbrella organisation, the European Students’ Union (ESU).
More information
Samuli Leppämäki
Board Member, education policy, internationality, EU and ESU
+358 44 906 5001
samuli.leppamaki@syl.fi
Mantė Žygelytė
Board Member, internationality, EU and ESU
+358 44 906 5005
mante.zygelyte@syl.fi
Saku Pesonen
International Affairs and EU Advocacy Adviser
+358 40 017 4913
saku.pesonen@syl.fi
