The Circle

About us

A circle for thought and public lectures, based in Luxembourg.

Our purpose

What we are for

The Cercle Vauban invites practitioners, researchers and executives to set out a European subject before a curious audience: geopolitics, economics, institutions, cultural heritage. Every talk is followed by a long period of questions.

We believe an argument should be defended in public and discussed in good faith. The conferences are open to all, with no membership required: you need only book a seat, as the room has a limited capacity.

“Think freely, argue courteously.”


Motto of the Circle
The Circle

Three pillars

I

Thought

Well-researched lectures, entrusted to speakers who know their subject at first hand.

II

Debate

A generous time for questions after every talk. Dissent is expected, courtesy is the rule.

III

Company

An informal moment after the session: decision-makers, entrepreneurs, academics and students mingle freely.

Engraved plan of an eight-pointed star fort, after Vauban
The mark

Why Vauban?


The eight-pointed star of our emblem echoes the geometry of Vauban's fortifications, of which Luxembourg, the “Gibraltar of the North”, still bears the imprint.

The fort encloses the outline of the Grand Duchy. A stronghold, once closed, now wide open: that is the meaning we give to this mark.

Taking part

Attending a conference

I. The request

You write to us to book your seat, stating how many of you will attend.

II. The confirmation

We confirm by email, subject to availability, with the exact venue and time.

III. The evening

You attend the talk, put your questions, and continue the discussion over a drink.

Book a seat