Author: JvB

With Professor Dr. Jens Kreisel, rector of the University of Luxembourg

On November 7th we had our annual black tie dinner, this year at Cercle Münster. We invited Dr. Jens Kreisel, rector of the University of Luxembourg, who informed us about “The University of Luxembourg – its vision, and the superpower of interdisciplinarity and partnerships”. Dr. Kreisel gave an animated overview of the young university’s impressive achievements so far and its goals for the future.

We learned that the university aims to focus of interdisciplinary research by connecting academics from different backgrounds, to widen the frontiers of knowledge. The university also aims to strengthen its partnerships with other universities, among others our alma mater.

The evening was filled with engaging conversation, wonderful food in a most enjoyable ambiance . Heartfelt thanks to Mette and Jan who had excellently organised this event.

As every year, the OUSL was present at the annual student faire in Belval, on October 26th and 27th. Our volunteers informed potential students, who came from Luxembourg and the Grand Region, about studying in Oxford. We answered many interesting questions, and met several potential Oxonians.

Then early November, we conducted practice interviews to help candidates preparing for their admission interviews at Oxford and Cambridge. This year our volunteers gave valuable feedback to approximately 15 candidates after mimicking the online admission interviews. With a little luck, we will see some of the interviewees again next year at the Fresher’s dinner.

We thank Steve Brabbs of the Cambridge Society for coordinating the interviews, and our members Lidiya, David, Harriet, Lisa, Hervé, Naomi, Andrew, Jos, Florian, Jesper, Paschalis, Matthew, Marilyn and Adrian. for continuing to support our university’s educational outreach initiative.

On October 21st, our Member Lidiya Cherneva organised, welcomed several familied to her cosy home, for a flower arranging workshop. The parents and the children had the opportunity to create flower bouquets the way they imagine it. Deepened into a creative spirit, the conversations were joyfully flowing. There was also a snack boost to support the creative flow.

Harmonisation of the Rules on Third State Defendants in EU Courts

On 5 October 2023, we organised an event together with the University of Luxembourg’s Faculty of Law, Economics, and Finance (FDEF) , hosting Dr Johannes Ungerer, Erich Brost Lecturer in German Law and European Union Law at the University of Oxford. The event delved into the complex issue of litigating third state defendants in EU Member State courts. Dr. Ungerer examined arguments for and against extending the EU Regulation’s provisions to third state defendants. He took a cautious approach, suggesting that such an extension might favour third states over the EU and its Member States.

The event, organised by our member Dr. Felix Pflücke, facilitated engaging discussions and provided valuable insights into the legal complexities surrounding third state defendants in EU Courts. We thank Dr. Johannes Ungerer and the University of Luxembourg for their contributions to this academic discourse.

Last September 28th, we had the annual Tripartite Dinner together the Cambridge and LSE alumni societies. The event was held at the Hostellerie du Grünewald in Dommeldange, where 62 alumni and guests gathered in the garden for an apéritif.

The restaurant served an excellent gourmet dinner which was accompanied by fine wines. We enjoyed an amazing meal, and the lively conversations at the mixed tables. The atmosphere was delightful and the mingling continued long past the exquisite dessert. We thank the Cambridge Society, who organised the event this year, for a magnificent evening.

On September 12th we invited six Luxembourgish Oxford freshers and two current students to our annual fresher’s dinner, once again held at Chiche!
They had lively conversations with eight of our members, and among themselves. We were delighted to host such a young and committed group of potential new OUSL members starting their studies at the Oxford colleges. The freshers are embarking on a variety (graduate) studies.
We wish them success, and look forward to seeing them at our events in the future.

On June 17th we played Croquet in the City together with our friends from the Cambridge University Society. The event once again took place Parc Pescatore in Luxembourg city on the nice flat lawn adjacent to the new fountains near Avenue Jean-Pierre Pescatore. There were nibbles, drinks, and picnic blankets. Cambridge brought an equipment for ‘Leitergolf’ and recapped the rules for how to play a croquet game. It was a lovely occasion to socialise with our fellow Cambridge society members.

On June 6th we had our AGM at the Kirchberg Campus of the University of Luxembourg. After the reports of Chairmen, the Treasurer, and the Membership officer, Jos van Bommel gave a short interactive talk about Game Theory. Snacks and drinks were provided.

This event, on June 1st, was not about Japanese wrestling, but on an Street Art. The guest speakers were the renowned artist SUMO, and Luxair CEO Gilles Feith. They presented and discussed themes around art and its role in the modern corporation. After the talk there was a cocktail where the people exchanged ideas and discussed the topics further.

On March 8^th we visited the Environmental Research & Innovation (ERIN) department at LIST (Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology) in Esch/Belval, where representatives of different research groups presented their activities to us. The ERIN department develops strategies, technologies and tools to better monitor, assess, use and safeguard natural and renewable resources. The research presented to us in the areas of climate, environment, biodiversity and human health – as we were soon to realise – is highly relevant to our lives. Meeting with the organisers of the visit and the direct exchange with the representatives of the research teams was an enriching experience. The visit was highly instructive and in many ways an eye opener to us.

The LIST visit was then followed by a dinner at the splendid premises of the restaurant “Maison Lefèvre” in Esch/Alzette. The three course menu was a real treat for our taste buds and the conviviality of the place contributed beautifully to the exquisite culinary experience. In high spirits and full of wonderful impressions we happily returned back home.