From April 2nd to 6th 2025, two international officers (Angelo LOCATELLI & Ben MOES) from UNEL proudly represented Luxembourgish students at the international TOPICS Meeting in Vienna, hosted by the Austrian Students’ Union (ÖH). TOPICS is a network of European student unions operating within ESU, collaborating on specific issues affecting students in their respective countries. The event brought together student representatives from across Europe to exchange ideas, deepen alliances, and work collectively on issues central to the student experience.
Arrival and day one: Setting the stage
The meeting kicked off with a warm welcome and dinner, setting a collaborative tone for the days to come. Participants from various national student unions, including FEF (Belgium), FZS (Germany), UDU (Italy), VSS-UNES-USU (Switzerland), and others, gathered at ÖH’s headquarters. This first evening marked the beginning of a series of discussions designed to empower student unions to collectively shape higher education policies in Europe.
Day two: Political strategy and network expansion
On the second day, the focus was on strategic preparation for the European Students’ Union (ESU) Board Meetings. Discussions revolved around drafting an anti-fascist resolution, upcoming ESU elections, and getting a better understanding of the proposed amendments to standing orders for the upcoming ESU Board Meeting. Later, attention turned to the TOPICS network’s own growth, as delegates debated how to open the network to new members and define clear accession processes. Luxembourg’s delegation contributed actively, ensuring the country’s unique student voice was part of these future-defining conversations.
Day Three: Reimagining higher education
Friday invited participants to dream big. Under the theme of “Higher Education Utopia,” workshops explored social justice in education and visions for accessible, inclusive, and democratic universities. Luxembourg’s team embraced this forward-thinking spirit, imagining systems where student well-being and collaborative growth replace outdated notions of competition and bureaucracy. The day ended with updates on EU educational policy, linking utopian visions with current European frameworks.
Day Four: Funding futures and real quality
Saturday’s discussions dove into the European Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) a critical structure influencing education funding across the EU. Later, the conversation turned to defining “quality education” in meaningful terms. The Luxembourg delegation emphasized student-centered approaches, where learning environments adapt to real needs rather than abstract rankings.
In the afternoon, delegates collaborated on draft statements supporting disabled students and vocational education and training (VET), followed by a session on cooperation outside ESU structures. The day wrapped with a strategic planning session, summarizing achievements and outlining future goals for the network.
Day Five: Reflections and departure
After a final breakfast on Sunday, participants said their goodbyes and checked out, carrying with them strengthened connections, renewed motivation, and a shared commitment to building better educational systems.
A heartfelt thanks
UNEL extends deep gratitude to ÖH for hosting such an enriching and inclusive event. As we reflect on the ideas exchanged and relationships built, it’s clear that the voices of Luxembourgish students were heard loud and clear on the international stage.
Together, we dreamt of utopias and took real steps toward making them a reality.
Left to right: Angelo LOCATELLI (General secretary and International officer of UNEL), Ben MOES (International officer and Communications & Publications Officer of UNEL)