The Union of Students in Ireland has kicked off the 33rd European Student Convention at NUI, Galway Students’ Union.  The event, focused on European Student Mobility, access and Brexit, has attracted eighty student leaders from across Europe to Galway.

The event coincides with Seachtain na Gaeilge, the Irish Language appreciation and promotion festival, as well as the thirtieth anniversary of the ERASMUS programme and International Women’s Day – all of which create foci to the event.

The Union of Students in Ireland secured the convention out of sequence – the event normally shadows the European Council presidency – but delegates were happy to fly in to Galway in advance of the European Student Union Board Meeting which will take place in Malta.

Speaking at the opening session, USI President Annie Hoey paid tribute to the work of students’ unions across Europe, and expressed her hope that the week in Galway would lead to hard work, shared perspectives and real outcomes for the students of Europe.

The convention is supported by the Higher Education Authority, NUI Galway Students’ Union and GoBus.