Forum Alternance 2026: strengthening cross border economic literacy

15.06.2026

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The second edition of the educational initiative Forum Alternance took place this year, reaffirming the commitment of the Deutsche Bundesbank and the Banque centrale du Luxembourg (BCL) to fostering economic understanding among young people in Germany and Luxembourg. Building on the success of its inaugural edition in 2025, the programme once again brought together students from both sides of the border for an immersive, bilingual introduction to the world of central banking.

In total, around 80 students aged 15 to 16 from the Deutsch‑Französisches Gymnasium Saarbrucken and the Athénée de Luxembourg participated in the two‑day event, held on 7 May in Saarbrucken and on 12 May in Luxembourg.

TWO COUNTRIES, TWO CENTRAL BANKS, ONE SHARED EUROPEAN VISION

The Forum Alternance continues to rely on its dual‑location concept, enabling students to experience the work of both central banks in their respective environments, and is now deliberately anchored around Europe Day to highlight the shared values and cooperation at the heart of the European project.

The first day, hosted on 7 May 2026 at the Deutsche Bundesbank’s premises in Saarbrucken, introduced participants to the foundations of monetary policy, the Bundesbank’s historical role and its responsibilities within the Eurosystem. Students explored topics ranging from price stability to banking supervision and the importance of secure cash circulation.

The second day, held on 12 May 2026 in Luxembourg, opened with an engaging introduction to the history and institutional role of the Banque centrale du Luxembourg, tracing its evolution within the framework of the Eurosystem.

A key innovation of the second day was an interactive workshop in which mixed German‑Luxembourg groups simulated the ECB Governing Council. Working with predefined economic scenarios, students debated inflation, financial stability and broader macroeconomic trends before presenting and defending their own policy decisions. The exercise strengthened teamwork and critical thinking while giving participants a tangible sense of the complexity of monetary policymaking in the euro area.

A special highlight of the morning was also the presence of Mr Seeger, Advisor at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to Luxembourg, who attended the event and expressed his appreciation for this cross‑border cooperation. He emphasised the value of initiatives that bring young Europeans together to deepen their understanding of shared institutions.

In the afternoon, following a visit to the Numismatic Centre of the BCL, the programme shifted its focus to payment infrastructures and the digital euro project, reflecting their growing importance within the Eurosystem. Students had the opportunity to engage in an extended Q&A session with Mr Nicolas Weber, member of the Executive Board of the BCL, who shared his insights on the future of payments, the design considerations of a potential digital euro and the role of central banks in ensuring secure and efficient payment systems. The students’ questions ranged from technical aspects of digital currency architecture to broader reflections on financial inclusion and consumer protection.

POSITIVE FEEDBACK AND GROWING DEMAND

Teachers and students alike praised the clarity of the presentations, the interactive nature of the workshops and the enriching cross‑border exchange. The combination of theoretical input, practical exercises and direct dialogue with central bank representatives once again proved highly effective in strengthening economic literacy and fostering a sense of European identity. Given the strong interest and the enthusiastic feedback received, the organisers are already planning the next edition.

A LASTING COMMITMENT TO EUROPE’S YOUTH

The Forum Alternance has quickly established itself as a flagship initiative within the educational outreach activities of the Deutsche Bundesbank and the BCL. Its cross‑border, dual‑location and bilingual structure — unique within the Eurosystem — brings together young people from neighbouring countries to deepen their understanding of central banking. The programme not only strengthens economic literacy but also reinforces cross‑border ties and promotes the values of cooperation and shared responsibility at the heart of the European project. To mark their participation, each student received an official certificate at the conclusion of the programme.