The EMERGE Alliance marked a strong presence at the European Student Assembly 2026, held from 20 to 22 April 2026 at the European Parliament. Students from across the Alliance actively contributed to high-level discussions on the future of Europe, bringing forward perspectives shaped by interdisciplinary study, mobility, and collaboration across institutions.
ESA 2026 brought together students from European University Alliances to debate key societal challenges, develop policy recommendations, and engage directly with European institutions. For EMERGE, the participation of its students reflects a clear priority. The Alliance invests in developing engaged, internationally minded graduates who contribute to democratic dialogue and societal progress.
Active Contribution Across Panels
EMERGE students took part in multiple thematic panels, addressing topics ranging from democracy and civic participation to cultural exchange and multilingualism.
In Panel 4, Olga Maletsika from Neapolis University Pafos focused on democratic engagement and institutional dialogue. Reflecting on her experience, she noted:
“ESA 2026 was a really valuable experience for me. I especially appreciated the discussions in and out of the European Parliament, and the chance to connect with people from different backgrounds, which gave me new perspectives.”
Olga Maletsika, Neapolis University Pafos — Panel 4
In Panel 8, Simon Petit from the University of Limerick highlighted the broader impact of participation in a pan-European setting:
“The ESA has by far exceeded my expectations. I have greatly enjoyed being part of that pan-European project, and I have learnt a lot that is going to be useful for my future development. I have also met many people who made that experience all the more unforgettable.”
Simon Petit, University of Limerick — Panel 8
Philippine Guillon from Université Rennes 2 contributed to Panel 6, which focused on intercultural exchange and academic collaboration. Her experience underlined one of EMERGE’s core priorities:
“What stood out to me at ESA 2026 was the diversity of exchanges with participants from different cultures, languages, and academic fields. These discussions made me more aware of the value of multilingualism and culturalism, both for research and for personal growth. I left the conference feeling inspired and motivated to improve my language skills and engage more actively in international research.”
Philippine Guillon, Université Rennes 2 — Panel 6
In Panel 1, Ioanna Nefeli Arseniou from Democritus University of Thrace engaged with the theme of strengthening democracy and bridging the gap between European institutions and citizens. Building on her academic background and role as an EMERGE ambassador, she emphasized the importance of participation and co-creation:
“ESA 2026 gave me the opportunity to connect civic engagement with my academic perspective. Through collaboration across disciplines, we explored practical ways to strengthen trust between citizens and institutions. The experience reinforced my belief that inclusive dialogue and creative thinking are key to building more participatory democratic systems.”
Ioanna Nefeli Arseniou, Democritus University of Thrace — Panel 1
Strengthening the EMERGE Mission Through Student Engagement
The participation of EMERGE students at ESA 2026 aligns with the Alliance’s mission to promote inclusion, multilingualism, and intercultural collaboration across its partner universities. By engaging in policy discussions and collaborative formats, students translate academic knowledge into societal impact.
These experiences also contribute to the development of transversal skills, including critical thinking, communication across cultures, and collaborative problem solving. These skills remain central to EMERGE’s educational approach and long-term objectives.
Looking Ahead
Following ESA 2026, EMERGE will continue to support student participation in European-level initiatives and expand opportunities for engagement across its campuses and partner networks. Activities such as mobility programmes, collaborative projects, and the EMERGE Hubs provide ongoing spaces for dialogue, experimentation, and community building.
The presence of EMERGE students in Strasbourg confirms the Alliance’s role in shaping a new generation of active European citizens who engage with complex challenges through cooperation and shared knowledge.