About this Episode
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 to remove or cover standing water, clean containers weekly, and keep gutters clear to limit breeding sites.
Luxembourg has no plans to introduce a national tourist tax, the government said after Prime Minister Luc Frieden suggested revenue from the EU’s upcoming ETIAS travel-authorisation system could be considered as an EU funding source. Frieden’s remarks prompted parliamentary question. In a joint reply he, Economy Minister Lex Delles and Finance Minister Gilles Roth confirmed the idea has been discussed but stressed that a national tourist levy is “not envisaged.” ETIAS will require visa‑exempt visitors to obtain authorisation for a €20 fee once it becomes operational, expected late 2026. Any use of ETIAS fees as EU “own resources” would need assessment at the European level. Several Luxembourg municipalities already charge local tourist taxes under municipal authority.
Luxembourg’s Trade and Investment Office (LTIO) in Tel Aviv will remain open even as the government considers unilateral measures against Israel, the foreign ministry confirmed. Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel said Luxembourg might adopt trade-related actions independently after EU members failed to agree on sanctions targeting certain Israeli ministers, whose rhetoric he called “repugnant.” Bettel cautioned any national measures would be largely symbolic and have limited practical impact, noting low trade volumes with the occupied territories and that existing law would need revising to enable sanctions. The LTIO will continue to support Luxembourg firms in Israel.
