luxembourg news

Luxembourg marked National Remembrance Day yesterday, honouring World War II resistance fighters, the 10,200 Luxembourgers forcibly conscripted into the Nazi army, and victims of deportation — particularly the Jewish community. The government’s proclamation stressed the ongoing duty to remember those who resisted oppression and to combat racism, antisemitism and intolerance. Grand Duke Guillaume delivered his first speech at the Kanounenhiwwel memorial; Prime Minister Luc Frieden, Justice Minister Elisabeth Margue and other officials spoke at ceremonies across the country, including the Kaddish Monument, the Gëlle Fra and the Deportation Memorial. Commemorations also recalled the 1941 census boycott that sparked arrests of

The annual inflation rose to 2.9% last month, driven by higher energy prices, raising the likelihood that automatic wage and pension indexation could arrive earlier than previously projected. Statec said the consumer price index has reached about 76% of the distance toward the next index threshold set after June’s tranche. Under Statec’s baseline forecast, indexation was expected in Q3 2027, but a high-case scenario tied to sustained high Brent crude prices could trigger a tranche as early as Q4 2026. Statec will update oil-price assumptions on 15 October and publish a new inflation forecast on 4 November, warning short-term energy

The Chamber of Employees (CSL) warned in its Panorama Social report that nearly 15% of the population is at risk of poverty, rising to 26% among 18–24-year-olds. The CSL flagged a worrying unemployment rate of 6.5%—a level last seen during the pandemic—and says Luxembourg now lags behind many EU countries. The report also highlights persistent problems for the “working poor”: 22.4% of households report difficulty living on their income, and almost half of single-parent families face financial hardship. CSL president Nora Back urged higher wages and better minimum pension rules, arguing that “better wages, rather than more social aid” are

The ADR laid out priorities for the new parliamentary session: faster deportations of people without legal residence, expanding the detention centre and introducing a fast-track court procedure. They also asked to enshrine the right to use cash in the Constitution, and increasing the number of MPs. ADR leaders rejected comparisons with Germany’s AfD and defended their stance on crime, calling for publication of detailed offender nationality/residence statistics. They also pressed for more support staff for deputies, better opposition representation, and measures to boost farm generational renewal and social-security efficiency. Despite a large rise in psychotherapists and more than 15 000

Luxembourg’s forests are deteriorating rapidly, while residents march against violence toward women, eastern mayors call for a tram extension and local leaders back voting rights from age 16.

Luxembourg promotes breast cancer screening, construction firms face growing heat-related disruption, dairy farmers move to Luxlait and Wero users are targeted by phishing.

Differdange loses more than €400,000 to invoice fraud, the Bommeleeër appeal is set for late October, youth parties present housing proposals, and a rap video filmed at a school playground draws criticism.

Residential land prices decline, tax reform moves closer to a vote, a national clinical trials platform launches, and Mental Health Weeks expand.

Auditors criticise funding for a Pirate Party project, landlords dominate Luxembourg’s wealthiest households, prison deaths raise concerns, and Pope Leo XIV calls for peace through dialogue.

Courier inspections uncover irregularities, Walferdange plans cooperative housing, a controversial Kelti advert draws boycott calls, and Pope Leo XIV visits Metz.

Workplace accident rate fell to a record low in 2025, the Association d’assurance accident (AAA) reported, despite an increase in fatal accidents. The AAA recorded fewer overall work-related incidents than the year before, even as the number of people covered by insurance grew. The average cost per claim rose. Construction remained the most accident-prone sector, followed by food production, and public locations and building sites accounted for the largest shares of reported accidents. AAA president Claude Seywert called the results encouraging but warned that the rise in fatal accidents shows prevention efforts remain essential. The housing market has shown a

Health Minister Martine Deprez and LSAP MP Mars Di Bartolomeo have rejected claims by the Luxembourg Association of Doctors and Dentists (AMMD) that the politicians spread disinformation about negotiations with the National Health Fund (CNS). The AMMD says it did not walk away from talks and was willing to sign a convention if the legal framework changed. Di Bartolomeo countered that by stepping out of the convention the AMMD effectively withdrew from the process and should rejoin negotiations. The AMMD also accused Deprez of pressuring them by suggesting the CNS could negotiate with another association, a point Deprez disputes—saying she

Unemployment rate rose to 6.5% in August as jobseekers registered with Adem climbed to over 20 000, an 11.5% increase year‑on‑year. Employers reported close to 2800 vacancies — up 5% — but the most highly qualified jobseekers grew fastest (up 19%) and now make up one-third of registrations. The sharpest rises were among 30–44 year‑olds and 16–29 year‑olds. . Social work recorded the largest unemployment increase. Most in-demand roles are secretarial/administrative support, IT, and accounting/management. The Association of Doctors and Dentists (AMMD) has denied Health Minister Martine Deprez’s and LSAP MP Mars Di Bartolomeo’s claims that it agrees with the

Luxembourg strengthens drone monitoring, BIL goes up for sale, a women’s safety march is planned, and extreme heat disrupts the rail network.

The EU proposed banning social media for children under 13, with limited supervised access until 15, part of measures unveiled by Ursula von der Leyen. Luxembourg MEPs gave mixed reactions: CSV’s Isabel Wiseler-Lima and DP/LSAP MEPs welcomed the move and applauded shifting the burden of proof onto platforms, while Greens and the right-wing ADR warned bans are easy to circumvent, risk anonymity loss through age checks, and could enable censorship. France’s earlier under-15 law was struck down on free-expression grounds. A disciplinary panel found former head of criminal investigation department, Steve Schmitz, guilty of falsifying working hours but cleared him

Youth climate groups KliKo and move protested outside the Chamber of Deputies, criticising politicians for failing to attend a planned climate roundtable. They called for stronger climate policies and greater political commitment. Environment Minister Serge Wilmes acknowledged that Luxembourg must prepare for more frequent extreme heat and highlighted the government’s 152 climate adaptation and mitigation measures. Although CO₂ emissions fell by 3.5% in 2025, he said faster progress is still needed.

More than 500 dentists paid €20,000–€31,000 for DTMD master’s programmes that were not officially accredited, leaving students concerned about the validity of their qualifications. The government has filed a complaint, while the programme remains suspended.

Single parents are set for tax cuts, Luxembourg’s Nepali community raises flood relief funds, a swimming ban hits Rommwiss beach, and Robert Cloos dies aged 58.

A Luxmobil 2025 survey finds German cross-border workers spend nearly 2 hours 20 minutes daily commuting to Luxembourg—about more than Luxembourg residents, who average just over an hour. Despite long journeys, 56% of German commuters and 55% of Belgian commuters report being satisfied; only 43% of French cross-border workers are happy with their commutes. Between 2017 and 2025 car travel fell slightly, while public transport use rose to 20% after Luxembourg introduced free public transit in 2020. Transport Minister Yuriko Backes said the results will inform the national 2040 mobility plan, noting progress toward sustainable transport and modal shift away

No technical defects on passports, cyberattack targets BMS Engineering, teacher’s union urges staff increase

Politicians reacted strongly to the AfD’s surge in Saxony-Anhalt, where the party won almost 44% of the vote. Prime Minister Luc Frieden warned that extremism offers false, unworkable solutions and urged the political centre to restore reasonable answers. Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel called the result a warning, noting many voters remain opposed to the AfD but may be disillusioned by politics. ADR MP Tom Weidig criticized the “firewall” strategy against the AfD as counterproductive. LSAP’s Taina Bofferding warned the far right threatens solidarity, democratic institutions, and rights for women and LGBTIQ+ people. Green MP Sam Tanson described the outcome

The labour ministry plans a new family part-time scheme, inflation remains at 2.2 percent, three minors are being held in Schrassig prison, and Bettembourg reports two sexual assaults within days.

The Benelux flag will be flown across Luxembourg on Friday for the first time to mark over 80 years since the 1944 London Customs Convention that began cooperation between Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Flags will be raised at ministries, parliaments, police services, ports and other public institutions in all three countries ahead of Benelux Day on Saturday, now in its third year. The flag-raising highlights ongoing Benelux collaboration on cross-border security, policing, education, energy, crisis management, innovative transport (including autonomous driving) and the internal market, with participating governments and organizations emphasizing that cooperation extends beyond national borders. After a

Luxembourg backs Spain over the Ceuta crisis, CFL tests needle disposal boxes on trains, and the country records its hottest summer ever.

The Asian tiger mosquito has been detected as “locally established” in Bonnevoie, following repeated reports and routine surveillance by the Health Directorate. Several sightings, particularly near Kaltreispark, date back to 2023. Authorities warn the species can spread diseases such as dengue and chikungunya, which have recently caused local cases in nearby countries. A public awareness campaign including door-to-door visits will take place Wednesday from 16:00–20:00 around Kaltreispark to advise residents on preventive measures. Ongoing national monitoring uses traps and lab identification in partnership with LIST, and citizens are urged to report sightings via the Mosquito Alert app. Officials remind people

Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel warned the EU often “barks loudly” on issues like Israel but lacks the unity and legal tools to act decisively. With EU sanctions blocked, Bettel is exploring limited national measures but stressed legal constraints and preferred EU-level action. He urged caution on rapid enlargement, saying candidate countries must meet Copenhagen criteria before joining. On the Iran conflict, Bettel warned military pressure may strengthen Tehran and urged protecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. He also voiced concern over rising far-right support across Europe, calling for listening to voters’ fears, speeding up certain court procedures to restore

Student housing is scarce ahead of the new semester, while wildfire risk remains high, water restrictions ease and a major rail upgrade is delayed.

Luxembourg firmly rejects normalizing relations with the Taliban despite recent EU talks in Brussels that drew criticism. Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel clarified that Luxembourg did not participate in the June meeting between EU representatives and Taliban officials and reiterated the country’s refusal to grant the Taliban legitimacy. Still, officials acknowledge the need for pragmatic contacts when necessary—for example, to carry out deportations of convicted Afghan nationals—since the Taliban de facto control Afghanistan. Interior Minister Léon Gloden stressed that small countries like Luxembourg must cooperate with neighbors to handle repatriations because Luxembourg lacks large logistical capacities. Former international handball player Sacha

Luxembourg has appointed Patrick Hemmer as its new ambassador to the United States, succeeding Nicole Bintner‑Bakshian after her five‑year term. Hemmer arrived in Washington earlier this month and is awaiting formal accreditation, viewed as a routine formality. A career diplomat of two decades, he was Luxembourg’s ambassador to Thailand and has held senior posts at missions to the EU, UN, Warsaw and Moscow, plus served as diplomatic adviser to former PM Xavier Bettel. Chinese e‑commerce giant JD.com is attempting to buy Ceconomy AG, parent of electronics retailer MediaMarkt, despite EU objections that Beijing-backed subsidies may have financed the bid. MediaMarkt

An Amazon employee filed a complaint with the Labour and Mines Inspectorate (ITM), alleging workers who laboured on 23 June — the national holiday that coincided with Amazon’s Prime Day — were not paid the statutory holiday premium. Amazon says those who volunteered were paid and that it has received no ITM communication; it also describes the number involved as “limited.” The anonymous complainant says at least 50 people were affected and supplied SMS messages and payslips showing no extra holiday pay. The ITM confirmed receipt and can request records, carry out unannounced inspections and impose fines or other measures

Asylum rights group Passerelle says Luxembourg is breaching international rules by failing to register some asylum requests, risking that applicants— including an unaccompanied minor and a vulnerable woman—fall through the cracks. The NGO reported six unregistered cases in a single day and urged the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Immigration Directorate to stop the practice and meet their legal obligations to accept and assess every claim. Passerelle warns the lapse undermines reception and protection standards during the early stages of asylum procedures. Buying an average 108 m² home in Luxembourg would require a 20% deposit equal to about 27

The Chamber of Commerce has launched the “Luxembourg Spouse Programme” to help partners of newly arrived skilled workers enter the labour market. Orientation sessions are set for 29 September in person and 2 October online, covering the economy, job market and local support. Participants then select tailored pathways — including a “Pathway to Work” with the House of Training and Adem and a “Pathway to Entrepreneurship” via the House of Entrepreneurship — plus options for training, community integration and practical planning. The scheme, developed with the ministries of economy and labour, aims to boost retention of international talent. Registration is

The air quality has improved significantly after recent rain and stronger winds cleared smoke from the High Fens wildfires, authorities say. Readings that were “miserable” two days ago now range from good to very good across monitoring stations. Rain helped wash fine particles from the air, though experts warn levels should continue to be monitored as weather and ongoing emissions can change conditions quickly. The fires are not yet contained, so health officials advise caution: vulnerable people—those over 65, pregnant women, or with heart or lung issues—may choose to wear FFP2 masks if they experience discomfort. No general mask recommendation

Smoke from Belgium’s High Fens wildfire may linger for days, meteorologist Sven Rock warns, despite smoke no longer crossing the border. Fine particulate matter has remained elevated—reaching daily averages above legal limits in some stations—and light rain has been insufficient to clear the air. The government says masks are not broadly required, though vulnerable people may use FFP2 protection and should avoid exposure. Authorities advise switching off ventilation that draws outside air and avoiding travel to affected areas to let emergency services operate. City of Luxembourg has no immediate plans to introduce a tax on vacant retail premises, deputy mayor

Nearly 500 firefighters and some 120 vehicles are battling the fire that have scorched about 3,000 hectares of Belgium’s Hautes Fagnes, now mainly confined to its eastern front, with rain helping to slow progress. Difficult, poorly accessible terrain and burning peat mean containment will likely take weeks as crews “soak” the bog to prevent underground fires from reigniting. Air support — including Swedish Air Tractor planes, Dutch Chinook helicopters and incoming German and Norwegian reinforcements — is critical. Several villages and a German border neighbourhood were partially evacuated, and Walloon authorities released FFP2 masks for responders. A Liège prosecutor has

Luxembourg firefighters help battle a major wildfire in Belgium, LU-Alert faces criticism over delayed smoke warnings, and suicidal thoughts among workers have risen sharply.

Unions and opposition parties warn Luxembourg’s healthcare system could suffer after doctors rejected the new agreement with the National Health Fund CNS. The OGBL fears this could encourage a two-tier system, with patients facing unequal access depending on what they can afford. Hospital doctors say reform should focus on digitalisation, medical training and modern treatment methods, not only tariffs. Meanwhile, Health Minister Martine Deprez expressed surprise that the AMMD has already declared negotiations a failure, as the formal mediation process is still ongoing. She said that government proposals remain on the table and talks can continue and that some of

Low Rhine levels increase transport costs, the government considers miscarriage leave, doctors demand healthcare reforms, and algae close two Upper Sûre beaches.

The drinking‑water reserves remain secure for now, officials said, with the Upper Sûre reservoir well below its maximum but far above the threshold that would trigger technical measures. Water quality tests showed “very good” results with no blue‑green algae, and Sebes supplies roughly 90% of the country, though authorities warned that a dry autumn and winter could cause shortages next summer. On Wednesday, the country will see a major partial solar eclipse—about 90% obscuration—with the event running roughly from 19:00 to 21:00. it will be the deepest eclipse here since 1999. Totality will occur only along other tracks in Spain

Three people receive suspended prison sentences over immigration offences, while low river levels disrupt freight transport and vandals damage dozens of graves in Bettembourg.

STATEC has lowered its inflation forecast for this year to 1.8 percent, while Luxembourg recorded a sharp rise in road deaths and CMCM warned members about a phishing scam.

Luxembourg’s interior minister defended Spain’s handling of the Ceuta crossings, while three men were reportedly convicted in a migrant benefit fraud case and low river levels forced another shutdown at Cattenom.

Luxembourg’s ethics committee supports broader access to fertility treatments, while the DP youth wing challenges government policy, dozens face trial over an illegal rave, and July brings near-record sunshine.

The upper lake at Weiswampach closes because of blue-green algae, municipalities ban fires around the Upper Sûre Lake, children learn safer gaming habits, and Luxembourg City prepares to reopen the Pétrusse minigolf course.

Luxembourg’s forests face growing climate stress, one in five workers may leave their jobs, the Defence Directorate apologises for AI-generated military banknotes and Filmland closes its Kehlen studios.

Environmental groups including Votum Klima, CELL, ASTM and Greenpeace staged a small protest at Findel airport on Earth Overshoot Day to denounce plans to expand the site, noting Luxembourg hit its national overshoot on 17 February (second earliest globally) and urging investment in high‑speed rail instead of aviation growth as inconsistent with the country’s climate commitments. Esch‑sur‑Alzette plans to revive and tighten a vacancy tax, with mayor Christian Weis saying a draft bill will go to council in the autumn proposing levies of up to €10,000 depending on flat size and vacancy duration to deter speculative empty units. A vacancy

Depression accounted for the largest share of sick-leave days, central bank staff will test the digital euro, and Findel Airport is preparing for record passenger numbers.

Around 750 workers receive permission to work during the summer shutdown, rental costs climb above €1,900 for apartments, and MeteoLux warns of temperatures reaching 36°C.

Since its 24/7 hotline launch on 1 May, Luxembourg’s National Centre for Victims of Violence (CNVV) has recorded exponential demand, receiving roughly one call every six hours and totaling 667 victims since opening in April 2025. About 40% received on‑site support and 80 percent of cases involved domestic violence. The minister said CNVV and the newly created Luxembourg Agency for Integrity in Sport serve complementary roles and that CNVV refers sport‑related cases to ALIS for specialised follow‑up. Home Affairs Minister Léon Gloden confirmed he joined a police night patrol in the Gare district on 14 July after 10pm and wore

Politicians welcomed the CSSF’s decision not to extend approval for the contested Israel bonds beyond 31 August, but criticised its earlier authorisation and the regulator’s lack of prior consultation. Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel and LSAP MP Franz Fayot praised the move while stressing the need to avoid antisemitism when criticising Israeli policy. Fayot added that the EU should end double standards and that member states could take unilateral measures if necessary. The European Commission urged Luxembourg to finalise pending reforms to access‑to‑documents law, saying draft changes first announced in 2023 remain incomplete and need clearer, enforceable guarantees for journalists and

Family allowances will rise from 1 January 2027: child benefit increases €45/month for under‑12s and €60/month for older children, and the school‑start grant will be €175 (ages 6–11) and €325 (12+ ) from August 2027. A means‑tested top‑up for school‑age children (up to €3,000/year) will also be introduced, with eligibility extended slightly above the usual income cutoff to reach more households. National Health Fund (CNS) posted a €102 million deficit for 2025 as spending outpaced revenue, driven chiefly by rising outpatient costs. Insured numbers rose to close to 1 million, and a strategic working group has proposed measures to stabilise

Parliament approved a bill amending the 2023 Affordable Housing Act to boost delivery and make the rules easier to apply. Social housing projects may claim 15% more in eligible costs, aiding renovations and conversions. Municipalities and syndicates can now receive remuneration for invested capital, retroactive to 1 October 2023. Allocation rules were adjusted to recognise single‑parent households and to give large social landlords limited discretionary quotas. Tenants will be required to provide a rental guarantee. Rules on under‑occupation were tightened, with landlords given up to three years to offer alternatives. The changes aim to expand affordable stock as the Fond

MPs criticised the handling of the ALPHA literacy pilot when its reports were presented to the education committee, raising transparency concerns over an embargoed LUCET scientific report and the late availability of a peer review.  Opposition members questioned the sample size and the strength of conclusions, and some said the evidence showed little change despite the disruption of reform, while ministers defended proceeding with the rollout to all public primary schools in 2026/27 and offered future exchanges with report authors. Deutsche Bank’s Mapping the World’s Prices placed Luxembourg top for quality of life among 69 global financial hubs for the

Foreign minister Xavier Bettel accused the European Commission of delaying concrete action against Israel as EU foreign ministers met in Brussels to discuss possible sanctions. He declared the commission’s options paper on restricting trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank arrive “too late” after two years of calls and amounted to a basis for debate rather than a decision-ready proposal. Bettel backed a full ban on settlement imports, rejected arguments that sanctions would bolster Israeli extremists ahead of October elections, and argued targeted trade measures could be adopted by qualified majority rather than unanimity. During the late‑June heatwave,

Google’s planned 34‑hectare data centre in Bissen drew fresh criticism from Mouvement écologique after an Öko‑Institut study said the current design could use up to 950 GWh a year — roughly the electricity consumption of all Luxembourg households. It also stated emissions could be cut by up to 97% with measures such as exclusive renewables, waste‑heat reuse, battery storage instead of diesel generators and natural cooling. The environmental group warned it would take legal action if planning permission were granted without greater transparency and tougher standards, while Bissen’s mayor said water and noise questions had been addressed. Luxembourg City unveiled

Five employees of the General Department of Immigration were dismissed amid a large criminal probe into illegal immigration and corruption, authorities said. Minister Léon Gloden said he had been informed of the case in April 2025 and that the department itself had filed initial reports in January 2023. Three staff were dismissed after searches, one was remanded in custody, and two further employees were sacked following additional searches this week at the Immigration Directorate, the Ministry of Higher Education, several companies and private homes. The public prosecutor said the investigation, opened in summer 2023, concerned suspected corruption, influence peddling, money

Prime Minister Luc Frieden said underlying housing problems had not changed despite signs of recovery, noting demand remained high while supply stayed low. He said the government would focus on increasing supply by simplifying procedures, mobilising building land and boosting public and private construction. Data showed mortgage lending had partially rebounded to more than €5.8 billion last year but authorised residential units fell sharply in the last 2 years. Construction employment declined by 7 percent and close to 10 000 households were registered as seeking affordable rental housing on 1 April. CSV MP Laurent Mosar broke ranks by publicly proposing

The Justice Ministry wants to speed up criminal trials in serious cases. The Government Council approved a bill creating an accelerated procedure for offences including drug trafficking, domestic violence and violent robberies. The reform was presented by Justice Minister Elisabeth Margue. It allows prosecutors to send cases directly to criminal court when evidence is already considered strong enough. This would avoid lengthy preliminary investigations in selected cases while the ministry says defence rights would remain protected. Suspects must be informed of the charges, have access to a lawyer and case file, and may request release. Parliament has yet to approve

The Greens urged the government to act after the recent heatwave, presenting a five‑point plan calling for immediate and long‑term measures including increased subsidies for municipalities and households to plant vegetation and open public green spaces, investment in heat‑proofing public buildings (schools, hospitals, care homes), and the adoption of a national heat‑protection plan that would set predefined measures tied to temperature thresholds. The Ministry of Education published results showing 74% of candidates passed this year’s final secondary‑school exams on their first attempt, up one percentage point on 2025; 17% were set for resits and 9% failed. Pass rates were 82%

The government said it would publish a practical “Let’s prepare” crisis guide in September or October and introduce a “resilience bonus” for public infrastructure after an Ilres survey found residents feared cyberattacks, flooding and extreme weather. The guide will list steps households should take to be self‑sufficient for 72 hours, and the bonus will encourage designing public buildings to double as emergency shelters with kitchens and camp beds. Police and the public prosecutor warned of a growing online phenomenon—described as “extremist violent nihilism”—in which perpetrators groom and blackmail children and adolescents (mainly 8–17) into committing violent acts, self‑harm or suicide,

Luxembourg sent a second aid flight to Venezuela in coordination with Belgium, with two experts from the CGDIS humanitarian intervention team (HIT), alongside generators, tents and other emergency supplies from Luxembourg’s stock and Belgian contributions. The deployment followed an earlier dispatch of five Luxembourg specialists and came after satellite estimates that about 58, 000 buildings had been damaged or destroyed. UN reports of roughly 50,000 people missing and a provisional official toll of 1,700 dead and 5 000 injured. Findel airport is expected to welcome about 1.2 million passengers this summer as part of a record year projected at 5.7

Three of five former officers were sentenced over a May 2023 assault at Gare police station. One ex‑officer received three years’ prison with two suspended and a €5,000 fine for punching a detained, intoxicated man. A colleague who stood nearby got a two‑year sentence, fully suspended, and a €2,000 fine. A third officer present but off duty was handed three years with two suspended and a €5,000 fine. The station’s police chief was convicted of attempting to falsify a report: he received three years’ prison with two suspended, a €5,000 fine, a five‑year ban from public office, teaching and firearm

The official National Day celebrations concluded with the traditional Te Deum mass at Notre Dame cathedral, marking Grand Duke Guillaume’s first official birthday as head of state. The ceremony, attended by dignitaries including Prime Minister Luc Frieden, involved prayers for the Grand Duke, political leaders, and the well-being of the country, with Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich leading the proceedings. This year, notable absences included members of the extended Grand Ducal family, and there was no sermon due to the heat. The mass featured musical interludes and ended with the national anthem, with the Grand Ducal couple receiving a standing ovation. Authorities

A private aircraft had a minor accident while landing at Luxembourg’s Findel Airport yesterday afternoon, prompting the closure of the runway. The incident caused disruptions, including delays for incoming Luxair flights, which were forced to circle before landing. Emergency teams from the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS) confirmed their intervention at the scene but have not provided further details. Lux-Airport has indicated that air traffic is currently on standby, with delays and possible cancellations anticipated as the situation is assessed. Luxembourg will be under a red weather alert starting today due to exceptionally high temperatures, with forecasts indicating

The Chamber of Deputies has engaged in discussions regarding the statutes affecting approximately 30,000 self-employed individuals. Following calls for reforms, Green MP Sam Tanson emphasized the need for modernized protections for self-employed workers, especially concerning access to unemployment support and better crisis management. The session revealed dissatisfaction with current administrative complexities, as many self-employed persons do not operate large businesses and often face precarious situations. Opposition members criticized the government’s lack of actionable follow-through on promised reforms, urging more transparency and involvement in the reform process. Meanwhile, Economy Minister Lex Delles acknowledged past inadequacies and committed to enhancing support systems

Ukraine’s embassy in Luxembourg has urged the Philharmonie to cancel an upcoming concert by Russian-Austrian opera singer Anna Netrebko, citing her historical ties with the Kremlin and support for Vladimir Putin as problematic amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. They argued that promoting figures associated with Russia’s cultural establishment risks normalizing the state’s aggressive policies. Despite this, the Philharmonie defended the concert as a “place of dialogue,” asserting that selecting artists does not reflect political views. Netrebko, who has condemned the invasion of Ukraine in the past, has stated that she does not align with any political party or leader

The parliament has approved a bill that aligns with a broader European Union directive on managing asylum seekers and refugees, passing the legislation just days before the EU’s implementation deadline. The bill aims to establish a screening center in the Gare district, allowing for rapid identification and processing of asylum seekers, including security and health checks. However, lawmakers criticized the expedited process, with some expressing concerns that the government rushed the bill through without adequate analysis or consultation. Opposition members and the Green party argued that the focus of the law leans more towards control rather than protection, warning that

The government has officially signed a tripartite agreement with employers and unions, aimed at addressing economic challenges through a comprehensive resilience package. This agreement includes a €200 increase in the minimum wage, cuts in fuel duties, subsidies for electricity and heating, and support for heat pumps and energy renovations. The deal reflects concerns over rising energy prices and inflation, which have significantly impacted households and businesses. Notably, it establishes a permanent tripartite monitoring committee to oversee the implementation of these measures and track economic developments. The Tax Administration is currently facing delays of four to six weeks in processing tax

A woman has been arrested in Rome over a possible link to the Caritas Luxembourg fraud case. Italian media identify her as Clarissa La Porta from Turin. She is alleged to have helped set up shell companies and bank accounts in several European countries. Parts of the €61.2 million missing from Caritas’ accounts were reportedly moved through these structures. Italian media say Luxembourg issued a European arrest warrant. La Porta was taken to a Rome prison after her arrest. Opposition parties have criticised tomorrow’s vote on Luxembourg’s implementation of the European Union asylum and migration pact. The LSAP, the Greens,

The OECD has criticized Luxembourg for failing to implement necessary reforms amidst rising economic challenges exacerbated by global events, particularly the war in Iran, which has significantly increased fuel prices. The report highlights that nearly one in two workers in the country are cross-border commuters, making them vulnerable to rising costs. Despite government efforts, including increased taxes and a gradual restriction on early retirement, Luxembourg’s pension system faces long-term sustainability issues due to a shrinking workforce and a growing number of retirees. As public discontent rises, the OECD warns that the economic fallout stems from delayed domestic reforms rather than

Police have issued a warning about a text scam originating from a Filipino phone number, which claims that recipients owe unpaid fines and purports to be from the Grand Ducal Police. Authorities emphasized that such messages do not follow official procedures, as formal notifications are always sent by post. They also cautioned that messages appearing to come from Luxembourg numbers may be faked through ID spoofing, creating the illusion of legitimacy. The police urged anyone receiving such communications to refrain from reacting under pressure and to verify the authenticity by contacting the police directly through official channels. They are additionally

Luxembourg is facing a pressing issue as Lactalis has announced it will cease purchasing milk from local farmers at its Ekabe plant, affecting around 70 dairy producers and leaving them without a key market for their 55 million liters of milk. This decision is attributed to a global overproduction of milk and intense competition in international markets, coupled with significant financial losses for the company in Luxembourg. In response, representatives from the affected farmers, the agriculture ministry, and stakeholders are exploring alternative options, including negotiations with potential buyers like Luxlait and Arla in Germany. As the situation develops, the urgency

The OGBL and LCGB unions have proposed a joint package ahead of upcoming tripartite talks, emphasizing the need for a permanent job-protection unit, a higher solidarity tax on large companies, and a €7 billion investment fund. They argue that economic challenges should be addressed through investment and training rather than social cuts or wage pressures. The proposed job-retention unit would offer individual support and training to employees facing layoffs. Additionally, the unions are advocating against any general cuts in corporate tax, suggesting instead that large companies maintain their current rates while small businesses receive relief. They also demand an immediate

Luxembourg has prepared for the EU Digital Identity Wallet rollout and has committed to a free national app by year‑end that will let citizens store official documents and complete administrative procedures digitally. Officials have said the wallet will interoperate with MyGuichet and LuxTrust and will require banks to adapt customer identification processes. Supporters have praised expected efficiency gains for public services and businesses, while critics have warned of excessive data centralisation and cybersecurity risks. The government has promised an information campaign to explain user control and data‑sharing limits before launch. Global oil prices have risen as holiday travel has boosted

Red Cross social housing project, medical treatment for undocumented migrants and film industry concerns

New passports, higher state aid to businesses and Ukrainian startups at Luxembourg venture days

continued price pressure on households, finalization agenda tripartite meeting and push for labour sector reforms