Luc Kupers has been involved with the European Social Network (ESN) since its early years. Formerly Vice-Chair of EXELLO and Deputy General Manager of Ghent, his first European Social Services Conference (ESSC) took place in Barcelona in 2002. That moment marked the beginning of more than two decades of engagement on the European stage.

“The development of ESN as an international professional network is really impressive”, says Luc. From a network of a few dozen members when he first engaged with the network, ESN has grown into a European platform bringing together over 190 organisations and welcomes around 700 professionals to the annual European Social Services Conference.

This growth, Luc notes, is thanks to a professional and motivated management, and to the involvement and cooperation of the Board and the Council. 

A key actor in this success has been EXELLO, the Flemish Association of Directors of Social and Health Services. Created in 2018 through the merger of VFG, representing city managers, and VVOS, the Association of Social Service Managers in Flanders, EXELLO builds on a long tradition of European cooperation. VVOS, in fact, was one of ESN’s founding members.

Flemish representatives have played an important role in ESN’s governance over the years. In 2015, Christian Fillet was elected Chair of ESN during the 23rd ESSC in Lisbon, Portugal, a moment Luc recalls with particular warmth. “He was elected with a large Flemish delegation of almost 50 people, in a beautiful city with a vibrant atmosphere,” he remembers. Several Flemish representatives, including Eric Wauters, Christian Fillet, and Luc Kupers himself, have been active on the ESN Board over the past two decades. 

For Luc, ESN’s impact has been both professional and personal. European cooperation, he says, broadens perspectives and creates opportunities to learn from others, in addition to sharing one’s own experience. 

“Opening your horizon makes your work better,” he reflects, “and it also helps you grow as a person.”

Looking to the future, Luc believes ESN’s work remains as relevant as ever. Ensuring high-quality and resilient social services, strengthening European cooperation, and keeping social issues high on the political agenda will remain key priorities. “The value of a society,” he concludes, “can be measured by how it supports its most vulnerable”.

Learn more about the history of the European Social Network at our dedicated 25 Years of ESN page.