The French President Emmanuel Macron, his wife and the Swedish King and Queen visited Lund University on 31 January, 2024. After a short speech from the French President, Lara Lüdecke, Master student in Public Health and EUGLOH ambassador at Lund University —who was invited to this farewell reception— had the opportunity to mingle with the honourable guests, like French Minister of Higher Education and Research, Sylvie Retailleau, among others. She shares her experience:
My EUGLOH Story:
A few weeks ago, I was asked to represent EUGLOH during a visit by members of Université Paris-Saclay to Lund University, which high-ranking officials and important personalities were expected to attend.
Imagine my surprise when I found out the French President Emmanuel Macron, his wife Brigitte and the Swedish King and Queen would be the ones coming to Lund! I received an email from the French Embassy including an official invitation from President Macron and Mrs. Brigitte Macron. In the invitation, they requested the “pleasure of my company” at the Farewell Reception in honour of Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of the Kingdom of Sweden on 31st January at 19:00”.
It was hard to say no to that! I felt like I was part of the 'Princess Diaries' and was waiting for my big makeover scene.
After struggling to find an entrance to the building because of the major police and security measures, I arrived at the AF Borgen building in Lund and met up with our institutional manager, Kristina Miolin. Water and champagne bottles were already laid out, ready to pop. However, I learned that the champagne was only to be served after the President had arrived.
President Macron, his wife and the royal couple arrived stealthily in the hall where the French President immediately gave a short speech. The university choir sang the Swedish and French national anthems (I almost committed a faux pas when I wanted to applaud after the first anthem – which is apparently not allowed) and a violinist then played two songs.
After the official part was done, people started to mingle, wines (hand-picked by the French President and his wife) were served, and a buffet was laid out. It was surreal to witness all the frenzy as attendees hurried and pushed, either to shake the Presidents hand, or to snap a quick selfie with him.
I was very happy to have Kristina by my side, as she introduced me to a lot of people, like to the French Minister of Higher Education and Research, Sylvie Retailleau, and to the rectorate of Lund University. It was a great opportunity for me to talk about EUGLOH, my role as an ambassador, together with doing some networking. I did notice that I significantly lowered the average age, being one of the only students at the event.
I have had the pleasure of attending lots of inspiring EUGLOH events in the past year and a half and of connecting with students and staff from all around Europe. However, I would have never guessed that being a student ambassador for EUGLOH would get me an invitation to see the French President and eat fresh Macarons with members of the Swedish Royal Family in the same room. I’m very grateful that Kristina and Isabelle from the Lund EUGLOH staff asked me to participate in this event. This was definitely an evening I will never forget!