4EU+ at the 2026 European Student Assembly

This year, the 4EU+ European University Alliance was proudly represented by six students, selected to bring the voices of the Alliance’s student community to the European stage: Emilija Bogdanović and Laura Helena Poliaková from Charles University, Arsen Cenaj from Sorbonne University, Frederik Resenbro from the University of Copenhagen, Liam Karara from the University of Geneva, and Malwina Dąbrowska from the University of Milan.

Over the course of three intensive days, participants took part in eight thematic panel sessions, where they debated key European issues and exchanged ideas on their vision for Europe’s future. On the final day, students experienced European democracy in action as they presented and voted on their recommendations in a plenary session before their proposals were submitted to European policy-making institutions.

Throughout the Assembly, students were supported by advisors and experts who provided practical feedback on the legal, financial, and political implications of their proposals. This guidance helped participants refine their ideas and better understand the realities of European policymaking.

Alongside the student programme, dedicated parallel activities were organised for Alliance staff members. They participated in plenary sessions, the Village of Alliances, and strategic reflection workshops focused on strengthening student engagement across European university alliances. Discussions centred around four key themes:

• Building a European identity and a sense of belonging

• Addressing structural barriers to cross-border student engagement

• Recognising and incentivising engagement

• Balancing expectations between EU responsibilities and alliance autonomy

Following the 2026 edition, the European Student Assembly will pause for a year as the programme undergoes a strategic restructuring aimed at increasing its long-term impact and sustainability. The initiative is set to return in 2028 as a blended intensive programme (BIP) for coordinators, before expanding to all participants in 2029. With the integration of EUSAF into FOREU4ALL topical groups and the diversification of funding mechanisms, this new format will offer broader access to training opportunities and enhance the visibility of European university alliances across the continent.

As an active contributor to this evolving initiative, the 4EU+ Alliance remains dedicated to empowering students and strengthening engagement across its community. To learn more about the Alliance’s latest student engagement activities, please find the relevant links below:

• Student Ambassadors Workshop & Student Contest

• Meet our Student Ambassadors

• Meet our Student Representatives