Bonjour EUROAVIAns! Between 23rd and 29th March, AS Lyon had the privilege to host the Electoral Meeting of the EUROAVIA Congress (EMEAC). The event brought together students, ideas and cultures in a week packed with enriching discussions, unforgettable memories and the everlasting EUROAVIA spirit.
On 23rd March, the participants arrived throughout the day and were warmly welcomed at our accommodation, IBIS Budget. That evening, we kicked off the week with a cozy welcome dinner, featuring Ta5ty pizza — a true staple of student life at INSA Lyon. Many participants met each other for the first time, and others had reunions with friends made at other events. After a hearty meal filled with socialising, participants had a well-deserved sleep!
The next day began with the official opening of the Congress, and the atmosphere was electric. Participants from all Affiliated Societies (AS) and Working Groups (WG) gathered with enthusiasm, ready to voice their opinions and shape the future of EUROAVIA. The business meetings provide a vital platform for discussion and debate, allowing members to represent their local groups and contribute to key decisions.
On the evening of March 25th, we held the much-anticipated Cultural Night, an unforgettable tradition at every EUROAVIA event. Participants proudly brought cuisine from their home cities and countries, sharing food, culture, and laughter in celebration of our diverse community.
After a few days of intense business meetings, participants received a well-deserved break on the 26th, where we explored the beautiful city of Lyon. We saw the marvellous Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière, an iconic landmark of the city, erected in honour of the Virgin Mary. From its hilltop perch, the Basilica offers a sweeping view of the entire city, and on clear days, even Mont Blanc can be seen on the horizon. We also visited Tete D’or and Bellecour, which are unmissable parts of the city. For lunch, we ate the famous French tacos – born right here in Lyon!
After our delicious lunch, we made our way to the Ansys office in Villeurbanne. The team welcomed us with an insightful presentation on their cutting-edge simulation technologies and their applications across various industries—particularly in aerospace. A big thank you to Cédric Bellanger and Mauricio Dwek for organising these talks! We were also honoured to hear from Ms. Cate Bichara, a distinguished speaker who delivered an inspiring talk on human sustainability and its importance in our field.
27th of March was a pivotal and inspiring day, as the Congress hosted the DIB candidate presentations and voting. Pedro Moreira and Luigi Ammirabile shared their visions for EUROAVIA, and with overwhelming support from the Congress, were selected as the future Designated International Board (DIB)! We warmly congratulate them and wish them a year of success in their roles.
On the final day of the congress, we wrapped up the last of the business meetings. The event concluded with a farewell dinner in the heart of Lyon, where we shared a meal of traditional Lyonnaise cuisine paired with French wine. As the evening came to a close, so did a week of connection, collaboration, and memories. We parted ways with heartfelt goodbyes—and excitement for the next Congress in Patras!
EMEAC 2025 was a truly fruitful event that brought together EUROAVIAns from across Europe, giving us the chance to share the EUROAVIA spirit, share our passion for aerospace, celebrate cultural diversity, and form lifelong friendships along the way. It was an especially meaningful milestone for EUROAVIA Lyon, as this congress marked our first international event and the moment we officially became a full Affiliated Society (AS). We are incredibly grateful and humbled to be part of such a welcoming and inspiring network, and we look forward to continuing our contributions to EUROAVIA in the years to come!
AS Lyon