About AEGEE
Empowering young people since 1985.
AEGEE (Association des États Généraux des Étudiants de l'Europe) is one of Europe's largest interdisciplinary student organisations, working towards a democratic, diverse and border-free Europe. A politically independent, non-profit civil society organisation, AEGEE is open to students and young people from all faculties and disciplines. Founded in Paris in 1985, AEGEE has grown into a network of 13,000 members across 161 cities in 40 European countries.
Through our activities we empower students and young people across Europe to take an active role in society. We create space for dialogue and learning opportunities, and act as their representative towards decision-makers. AEGEE strengthens mutual understanding among young Europeans and brings Europe closer to them. We are open to all students and young people aged 18–35, from every faculty and discipline.
Vision and Mission
Vision: AEGEE strives for a socially, economically and politically integrated, democratic and border-free Europe, and values the participation of young people in shaping and developing it.
Mission: AEGEE encourages students and young people across Europe to take an active role in society. It creates space for communication and learning opportunities while strengthening mutual understanding and bringing Europe closer to young people.
Our Working Methods
The first AEGEE local was founded in Paris in April 1985 by a group of students from the 'Grandes Écoles'. Over time AEGEE expanded beyond the European Union, first into EFTA countries and later into the former Eastern Bloc as it restructured, and today it is a city-based network recognised and represented by the European Union, the OSCE, the Council of Europe and UNESCO.
AEGEE-Istanbul was founded in 1992 in Istanbul, originally under the name Istanbul European Students' Forum, as a non-governmental, politically independent and non-profit civil society organisation. Working towards European integration with an interdisciplinary approach, AEGEE-Istanbul continues to organise local activities that foster intercultural exchange.