In the ongoing debate over the introduction of a Master's programme in Luxembourgish law at the University of Luxembourg, law students have now voiced their position.
In March, law professor Luc Heuschling told RTL that three years of work had gone into developing such a Master's programme before the now-resigned Dean rejected the project abruptly.
The Association of Luxembourgish Law Students (ANELD) has since responded to these statements. In the association's view, a Master's in Luxembourgish Law is immensely important.
ANELD describes the need for such a programme as "urgent and indispensable." Currently, it is difficult for students to choose the University of Luxembourg because no complete programme in Luxembourgish Law exists, explained ANELD vice-president Maximilien Glaesener. He added that gaining admission to Master's programmes abroad, particularly in Paris and Strasbourg, has also become more challenging.
According to Glaesener, entry into those programmes has grown harder following the introduction of a new admissions system. While ANELD cannot say so with absolute certainty, Glaesener noted that the association believes various universities are "closing themselves off a bit" and becoming more selective, particularly toward foreign students.
He also pointed out that some individuals either cannot or do not wish to study abroad.
Glaesener further observed that foreign legal systems, like Luxembourgish law, are continuously developing. While their foundations remain the same, they still evolve over time, he said.
In addition, he noted that Luxembourg is actively seeking many legal professionals in both the private and public sectors. ANELD is thinking particularly of the judiciary, which has been recruiting heavily and is looking for a range of specialised legal experts. In Glaesener's view, there is a clear gap for Luxembourgish law that the university could help fill.
The association therefore followed with interest the news that a project for such a Master's had already been underway. According to Glaesener, students are largely unaware of many recent problems at the university.
"Well, we don't really notice that so much. It is rather something you read about in the press and see on the news. Our members are more focused on simply completing their law degree", he said.
