The Erasmus Student Network Riga (ESN Riga) is proud to announce that Riga has been nominated as one of the top five finalists competing for the prestigious Erasmus Destination of the Year award for 2025. This award recognises cities that excel in supporting student mobility, making them top choices for students on their academic mobility journey. It showcases how local student associations can enhance their cities as mobility destinations, improving the quality and impact of students' experiences.

Riga faces strong competition from the other finalists: Aarhus, Łódź, Tallinn, Wrocław. The award will be granted by the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Board, an external jury, and a public vote from the entire network in collaboration with the European Commission. It celebrates a city’s dedication to inspiring and supporting student mobility, inclusion, and the vital role of local student associations in building a welcoming community for international students. 

The competition was open to all ESN Local Sections, with the winner set to be revealed during Europe’s largest student-led conference, the Erasmus Generation Meeting (EGM), hosted in Ancona, Italy, from April 3 to April 6, 2025.

Regīna Kačajeva, Communication Manager of ESN Latvia, sees this nomination as a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Erasmus+ program and attract even more international students to Riga. “The Erasmus Destination of 2025 is more than just another competition. Riga’s nomination demonstrates its status as a standout European destination for Erasmus+ study exchanges and educational opportunities. It highlights the immense value Riga brings to the internationalization of our country,” said Kačajeva.

Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Riga, a non-profit organization established in 2003, represents ESN Latvia as part of the largest student association in Europe, the Erasmus Student Network (ESN AISBL). Active in more than 500 higher education institutions across 45 countries, ESN plays a pivotal role in supporting international student communities.

Now in its fourth year, the Erasmus Destination of the Year award continues to honor cities excelling in student mobility and integration. Last year, the Portuguese city of Porto claimed the title of Best Erasmus Destination of 2024. Prior to that, the title was awarded to Ghent and Thessaloniki. Riga hopes to follow in their footsteps and bring the honor to Latvia.