© Pierre Jans
The Association of Luxembourg Student Unions (ACEL) on Wednesday reiterated its demand for pension reforms to ensure study years continue counting toward retirement while celebrating key milestones in their 40th anniversary year.
During their press conference for the new academic year, the Association of Luxembourg Student Unions (ACEL) made several demands, calling for academic years to continue counting towards the years required for retirement. Aside from reiterating this long-standing request, they also proposed a pension system reform that could remove the current age limit of 27 for study years to be counted.
Furthermore, the aspect of 'lifelong learning' should be awarded greater importance, and anyone starting their studies later in life should be able to contribute their study years toward retirement, the Union says. In any case, the situation should not be allowed to worsen, especially as higher pensions are no longer granted for study years, according to representatives of the student body.
The rule that study years count toward retirement originally aimed to correct an injustice, and the ACEL emphasised that preserving it is essential for keeping Luxembourg attractive to talent, particularly in fields like engineering and medicine, where shortages already exist.
On a positive note, the ACEL welcomed the openness of Minister for Research and Higher Education, Stéphanie Obertin, to their proposals. In line with the ACEL's recommendations, the government has agreed to adjust student grants to the cost-of-living index every semester, rather than annually. Additionally, the ACEL appreciated the collaborative approach taken by the ministries in resolving disagreements over the 2023 internship law.
Last year, the ACEL visited 14 high schools to inform students about higher education options. They also launched the Guide du Futur Étudiant (Guide for Future Students), available on their website and at their stand during the Student Fair in Belval on 24–25 October.
Further upcoming events include the Tournoi de Noël (Christmas Tournament) from 21–23 December at Campus Geesseknäppchen, where student groups will compete in football, volleyball, and basketball games.
This academic year also marks significant milestones: both the ACEL and the European Meeting of Luxembourgish Students (REEL) celebrate their 40th anniversaries. The REEL will be held from 19–22 September in Cologne, while the ACEL's anniversary celebration will take place on 26 October at the European Convention Center in Kirchberg, featuring an academic session and a dinner.
Alumni and current students are invited, with registration available on the ACEL website – though alumni will face a slightly higher entrance fee.
