Arqus students take part in the European Student Assembly 2026 that starts today

The fifth edition of the European Student Assembly (ESA26) begins today at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, bringing together more than 200 students from across European University Alliances to debate key societal and political challenges facing Europe.

Organised within the framework of the EUC Voices project, the Assembly provides a unique platform for student dialogue, civic engagement and policy co-creation. Over three days, participants will work in eight thematic panels addressing topics such as democracy and civic engagement, the circular economy, digital transformation, inclusive mobility, and intergenerational solidarity. Their work will culminate in a set of policy recommendations to be presented at the European Parliament.

The Assembly is structured around eight key themes reflecting major European priorities:

• Strengthening democracy and civic engagement – rebuilding trust between EU institutions and citizens
• Scaling the circular economy – overcoming disparities and fostering sustainable change across sectors
• Aligning budgets with impact – adapting EU funding mechanisms to social and environmental transformation
• Europe moving together – creating a more inclusive and sustainable public transport system
• Unlocking digital potential – improving digital literacy, cybersecurity, and resilience among citizens
• Educating without borders – supporting interdisciplinarity and collaboration in higher education
• Enabling generational solidarity – addressing demographic change and promoting intergenerational inclusion
• Europe’s strategic autonomy – reconciling autonomy and open trade with the EU’s core democratic values

Arqus is represented at ESA26 by a group of seven students from its partner universities, selected through an internal call for applications. The participants are Sarah Götze (Leipzig University), Martyna Tabor (University of Wrocław), Ryan Bensaadi (Maynooth University), Chang Li (University of Padua), Lina Marie König (University of Graz), Sharon Janell Sanchez Rivero (University of Granada) and Anna Mishchenko (University of Padua), who will also contribute as a panel coordinator.

In particular, Anna Mishchenko plays a key role as coordinator of Panel 2, focused on scaling the circular economy. In the preparatory phase of ESA26, her work has centred on fostering collaboration among participants, structuring discussions and ensuring that diverse perspectives are translated into concrete and impactful policy recommendations. This panel addresses one of the European Union’s core priorities: advancing sustainable economic models and accelerating the transition towards a more resource-efficient and resilient society.

The participation of these students reflects Arqus’ strong commitment to fostering student engagement in European initiatives and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration across borders. As highlighted during the preparatory phases, European University Alliances play a key role in supporting the Assembly by selecting participants, promoting the initiative, and contributing to its overall impact.

Building on the success of previous editions, ESA26 continues to grow as a flagship initiative empowering students to actively contribute to shaping Europe’s future through dialogue, cooperation and policy innovation.