
Three students from the STARS EU Alliance actively participated in shaping the future of European higher education at the European Student Union (ESU) conference in Malta. Alexander Peter (Hochschule Bremen – City University of Applied Sciences), Stefan Gort, and Davut Türk (both from Hanze University, Groningen) are members of the STARS EU Student Board. At the conference in May 2026 they were part of a group of nearly 100 representatives from around 45 European university alliances. Together, they focused on exchanging best practices, addressing common challenges, and advancing student participation in decision-making across Europe.
The conference provided a unique platform for comparing the work of the alliances, discussing new structures, and strengthening cooperation. “It was impressive to see how many alliances have already developed advanced models for student participation,” says Alexander Peter, who is studying Aviation Systems Engineering and Management at Hochschule Bremen. “But it was also clear: STARS EU stands out very strongly in an international comparison—and is relatively well-developed. That gives us confidence—but also the motivation to push forward even further.”
It wasn’t just about strategies, but also about people. “I didn’t just make new friends, but also significantly improved my communication skills in an intercultural environment,” reports Davut Türk. “It was a real challenge—but also an incredible enrichment.”
Stefan Gort emphasizes personal growth: “I’ve learned even more about how to work together to find solutions in an international team with diverse backgrounds. That’s a skill I’ll need not only in my studies but also in my future.”
Participating in the STARS EU Student Board is more than just a commitment—it’s an opportunity to grow and make a difference:
More info on the STARS EU Student Board and how to get involved: starseustudentboard@hs-bremen.de

Meike Mossig
Press Officer / Head of Referat 01
+49 421 5905 2245
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Attended the European Student Union (ESU) conference in Malta together: Stefan Gort and Davut Türk (left and right, both from Hanze University, Groningen) and Alexander Peter (Hochschule Bremen). All three are active members of the STARS EU Student Board.
© Máté Kónya