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History of AEGEE
History of AEGEE
AEGEE was founded 1985 following a major European student conference in Paris, initiated by Franck Biancheri. The event brought together around 500 young Europeans from across the European Community to discuss the future of Europe and overcome the challenges facing European integration.
Inspired by the conference, participating students decided to continue their efforts by establishing local branches in their university cities. Alongside Paris, the first founding locals included Munich, Milan, Leiden, London and Madrid. Together, they laid the foundations for a growing European student network that aimed to give young people a voice in shaping Europe's future and bring them together across national borders.
The network expanded rapidly, reaching 72 university cities by 1988 and gradually extending its presence beyond the European Community.
AEGEE and the Erasmus Programme
One of AEGEE's most significant contributions to European student life was its role in bringing the Erasmus programme to life. When the initiative faced political obstacles in the 1980s, AEGEE launched a Europe-wide campaign to secure its implementation. Through conferences, awareness campaigns and political lobbying, the organisation helped build support for student mobility across Europe. A key moment came in April 1987, when AEGEE representatives met French President François Mitterrand to advocate for the programme. Just two months later, on 15 June 1987, Erasmus was officially adopted, opening up new opportunities for generations of students to study abroad and experience Europe.
AEGEE-München & Moot Court
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