The EU-CONEXUS Student Board gathered in Bucharest on 2–3 March 2026, hosted by the Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest.
Student representatives from partner universities — AUA, UNIZD, KU, LRUniv, UROS, UCV and UTCB — came together to discuss the future development of the alliance, exchange ideas and further strengthen student engagement within EU-CONEXUS.
During the meeting, students from UTCB — Alexandra Estefania Brănescu, Andra Naciu, Miriam Paic and Ionuț Ene — shared their experiences and perspectives on participating in EU-CONEXUS programmes and student activities, offering valuable insight into the impact of the alliance at the student level.
A key highlight of the meeting was the election of the new Student Board leadership. The following representatives were elected:
- Renko Balić (University of Zadar) – Student Board President
- Ilias Belouahrani Kebir (La Rochelle Université) – Student Board Vice-President
They will officially begin their mandate in May 2026.
In addition to the working sessions, participants had the opportunity to explore Bucharest through a guided city centre tour organised by ESN ASE-CMB, in collaboration with Alexandru Țigănescu, a UTCB researcher and EU-CONEXUS alumnus, as well as a campus tour hosted by the UTCB Student Association (ASCB).
Interview with the new Student Board Vice-President, Ilias Belouahrani Kebi
- What motivated you to run for the position of Vice-President of the EU-CONEXUS Student Board?
I decided to run for this position because I believe students should play an active role in shaping the future of the EU-CONEXUS alliance. Being part of an international community gives us a unique opportunity to connect cultures, ideas and experiences. I want to contribute by strengthening collaboration between students and ensuring that every voice is heard and valued within the alliance.
- What are your main goals and priorities for your term?
My main goals are to improve communication between students and institutions, promote greater student participation in EU-CONEXUS activities and create more opportunities for academic, cultural and professional exchange. I would also like to focus on building a stronger sense of community among students from all partner universities, so everyone feels included and represented. - How do you plan to represent and engage students across the EU-CONEXUS alliance?
I plan to maintain open and transparent communication with students through regular meetings, surveys and social media engagement. I believe listening is essential for effective representation. I also want to encourage collaborative projects and events that bring students together, allowing us to share experiences, ideas and challenges across different countries and cultures. - What message would you like to share with fellow EU-CONEXUS students?
EU-CONEXUS is more than just a university alliance — it is a community full of opportunities for growth, collaboration and innovation. I encourage every student to participate actively, share their ideas and take advantage of the international experiences available to us. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected and more inclusive student community.
