On Friday evening, ACEL invited students and guests to the University of Luxembourg to look back on the year and raise a toast together. The year ahead is unlikely to be any quieter for the ACEL. Its new president, Mathis Noël, said students can expect an intense programme of work, headaches and long hours, adding that such commitment has long been the norm within the organisation.
This year, ACEL plans to focus in particular on housing for young people, both in Luxembourg and abroad. The association is also marking the 40th edition of its student fair.
Following disagreements last year with the Higher Education Minister, Stéphanie Obertin, over the location of the fair, ACEL representatives said the issues have since been resolved. Both the students and the Democratic Party minister have confirmed that cooperation has returned to a constructive footing.
The association also confirmed that the fair will take place in Kirchberg, although final details regarding the venue are still being clarified. However, ACEL emphasised: “We are being included and have a very nice event in the works.”
Another key topic ACEL has been working on with the Ministry of Higher Education is the reform of the student financial aid law. Students have welcomed the fact that the legislation is now going through the institutional process.
According to ACEL, the reform incorporates long-standing demands, including quarterly indexation of financial aid, a lower loan ceiling and several other measures that are expected to result in a tangible financial improvement for students.
Over the past year, ACEL has also been in frequent contact with Social Security Minister Martine Deprez, who attended the New Year’s reception. Pension reform was another major issue affecting young people last year, and ACEL president Mathis Noël said that numerous discussions had taken place with the relevant ministry, as well as with experts, trade unions, employers and political parties.
While welcoming the fact that young people had been consulted, ACEL said it would have preferred direct participation in formal social dialogue structures. The association has therefore called for a permanent seat at the table in future discussions, so that students can represent their interests more effectively.
To ACEL’s satisfaction, this is a demand that both Martine Deprez and Higher Education Minister Stéphanie Obertin said they were more than willing to consider.
Alongside its political and advocacy work, ACEL is also planning several social events, including the REEL in Aachen and the Student Ball in Luxembourg.
