This year, the study trip for the Executive Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Banking and Financial Market Law at the University of Liechtenstein took students to three major European financial centers: Frankfurt, Luxembourg, and Paris.

The trip began in Frankfurt. At the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, students first gained practical insight into how traditional financial market infrastructure works. This was followed by a visit to AllUnity, where the focus was on current developments relating to stablecoins and digital financial innovations. On the second day, the focus shifted to European financial market supervision. During visits to the European Central Bank (ECB) and the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA), the mechanisms of banking and insurance supervision were explained: an essential foundation for understanding internationally networked financial markets.

The second stage took the students to Luxembourg. At the EFTA Court, they were welcomed by Liechtenstein judge Dr. Bernd Hammermann, who presented the workings of the court and discussed current issues in EEA law. The following day, the program included a visit to the Court of Justice of the European Union. In addition to attending a hearing, discussions with David Eisendle, LL.M. (WU), from the cabinet of Judge Univ.-Prof. Dr. Andreas Kumin, and with Judge Dr. Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger provided in-depth insights into decision-making processes at the European level.

The trip concluded in Paris. In the French capital, the students visited the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) and the European Banking Authority (EBA). At the EBA premises, they also presented the results of their case studies from Module 7. A joint finale in Paris rounded off the study trip.

On October 15, 2025, representatives from Liechtenstein and Indonesia met at the University of Liechtenstein in Vaduz to optimize the economic agreement and deepen cooperation between the two countries. 
The program began with a panel discussion attended by around 30 people. The focus was on how Indonesia can further consolidate and improve the CEPA-EFTA economic agreement. Speakers included the rector of the University of Liechtenstein, the Indonesian ambassador, a lawyer with in-depth expertise in European economic law, and the honorary consul of Indonesia in Liechtenstein. The discussion was moderated by Nicola Benigni, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Liechtenstein.

Diplomatic reception in a festive setting 
Following the panel discussion, the Indonesian Embassy hosted a reception at which H.E. Ngurah Swajaya, Ambassador of Indonesia to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Christine Lingg, Deputy Head of the Office of Foreign Affairs, and Christian Frommelt, Rector of the University of Liechtenstein, gave speeches. The reception was accompanied by Indonesian dances, and guests were able to mingle over a buffet of Indonesian delicacies.

On October 16, 2025, Àngel Solanellas Terés of the architectural practice Solanellas Van Noten Meister shared his thoughts on architecture, craft, and teaching with the students of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture.
The public atelier talk offered insights into the office’s transnational approach and its engagement with materiality and cultural context.

The Liechtenstein School of Architecture regularly hosts open atelier talks and other inspiring events.
More at www.uni.li/architektur

Three graduates of the University of Liechtenstein were awarded prizes for 2025 by the Austrian Federal Chamber of Civil Engineers for their theses.

Dr. Luis Hilti received the “Science Award for Architecture” for his dissertation “Imagined Territories – Design Principles for Transformative Urbanism.” In his doctoral thesis, he examined the interdependence between social sustainability transformations and spatial development in a real environment in Liechtenstein and brings together experts, decision-makers, and civil society actors for an imaginative exchange of ideas.

Alina Dinu was awarded the Research Prize for Architecture for her master's thesis “Danube Delta Settlements: Conservation Potential and Revitalization Scenarios.” In her thesis, she examined the origins, culture, and authenticity of traditional communities in Romania, focusing her study on the abandoned villages of the Danube Delta. Her work serves as a guide for improving and preserving the values of the past while taking into account the needs of the present. It aims to identify architectural intervention options and strategies as a direct response to the identified needs and wishes of the local community.

Lina Gasperi also received the Research Award for Architecture for her study “Genuss-Manufaktur” (Pleasure Factory). In her master's thesis, she examined the city of Dornbirn's desire for a contemporary market hall as a place of culinary enjoyment and public life. The result is an innovative architectural project that offers new culinary delights and strengthens community, identity, authenticity, and awareness in the center of Dornbirn through spatial, social, and sustainable values.

On October 9, 2025, Armin Pedevilla, co-founder of the renowned South Tyrolean architectural office pedevilla architects, shared his wealth of experience with the students of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture in an evening lecture.

Through five selected projects, he illustrated how tradition and innovation in architecture can enter into a harmonious dialogue - by sensitively combining regional materials, artisanal precision, and a contemporary design language. His approach to conscious and site-specific building sparked conversations about responsibility, identity, and sustainability within the Alpine context.

A heartfelt thank-you goes to Univision for the invitation and organization, and to Armin Pedevilla for his inspiring insights into the work of an office that, with calmness and consistency, stands for an architecture of integrity.

Photo: Antonia Trager