What Are Processed Tips? Processed foods range from minimally altered ingredients to industrially manufactured products that bear little resemblance to their natural origins. The NOVA classification—widely used in health research—categorizes foods into four levels based on processing: Unprocessed or minimally processed foods: whole fruits, vegetables, grains, eggs, and fish. Processed culinary ingredients: items like oils, salt, sugar, and butter used for cooking. Processed foods: simple combinations of unprocessed foods with culinary ingredients—examples include cheeses, canned vegetables, and freshly made bread. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs): intensive, industrial formulations with additives uncommon in home kitchens—think sugary cereals, ready meals, soda, chips, and flavored yogurts. What Makes UPFs So Addictive UPFs are engineered to be hyper-palatable—they pack sugar, salt, fat, and artificial flavors in a way that hijacks the brain’s reward pathways, encouraging overconsumption. How Much Gets Consumed? A recent CDC report found that from mid-2021 to mid-2023, an average of 55% of daily calories consumed by Americans age 1 and older came from ultra-processed foods. Kids and teens topped the list at 62%, while adults averaged 53%. Despite being high, these numbers show a slight decline from prior years. Sandwiches (including burgers), sweet baked goods, savory snacks, and sugary drinks are the leading contributors to UPF calories. Health Risks Associated with UPFs Numerous studies link high intake of ultra-processed foods with hypertension, obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and even higher overall mortality. Consuming these foods often results in consuming hundreds of extra calories daily, with fewer essential nutrients and more sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats. Are All Processed Foods Bad? Not necessarily. Many packaged foods offer practical nutrition and convenience—whole-grain cereals, canned beans, frozen fruits, and yogurt can be part of a balanced diet if chosen wisely. The key is differentiation, not complete avoidance. New Evidence from Research A recent eight-week clinical trial showed that participants who eliminated UPFs and opted for minimally processed alternatives lost double the body weight—even with diets matched for macros and calorie content. This suggests components in UPFs may directly promote excess calorie intake and weight gain. Takeaways for Healthier Choices Know your categories: Use the NOVA framework to identify ultra-processed foods. Prioritize whole foods: Fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and lean proteins remain the healthiest staples. Be label-savvy: Watch for long ingredient lists, added preservatives, sweeteners, and unfamiliar chemical names. Allow occasional indulgence: UPFs aren’t forbidden—just keep them occasional, not foundational. Read More: What are processed foods? Experts break down their impact on health Join the Luxembourg Expats Community luxembourgexpats.lu

LUXEMBOURG CITY – Luxembourg has committed to a substantial investment in its next-generation defence satellite, GovSat-2, allocating $350 million (around €299 million) over the next 12 years. The government has also set aside an additional €200 million for a “strategic capacity reserve” to address potential geopolitical or operational challenges through 2040.  Public-Private Collaboration GovSat-2 is being developed under GovSat, a 50/50 public-private venture between the Luxembourg government and satellite operator SES. The satellite will be constructed by Thales Alenia Space using its proven Spacebus 4000B2 platform.  Enhanced Capabilities for Defence Communications Building on the success of GovSat-1—which launched in 2018—the new satellite will deliver enhanced military-grade connectivity, operating in the UHF, X-band, and Ka-band frequencies. It will feature advanced security upgrades, including anti-jamming capabilities and geolocation functions to support secure, mission-critical communications.  Strategic Commitment Luxembourg has committed to purchasing €75 million worth of GovSat-2 capacity over the next 12 years, equating to approximately €6.25 million annually, with flexibility to increase the allocation if needed.  Why It Matters The investment signifies Luxembourg’s continued leadership in satellite-driven defence communications. GovSat-2 will significantly bolster the country's sovereign military communication infrastructure while also serving allies across Europe, NATO, and other partner nations. The strategic reserve ensures resilience and operational readiness amid evolving global security dynamics. Read More: Luxembourg invests $350 million in GovSat-2 – SatNews Join the Luxembourg Expats Community luxembourgexpats.lu  

BRUSSELS – A new study has uncovered intriguing evidence that the state of our gut microbiome may play a causal role in chronic sleep disturbances, including insomnia. Unpacking the Gut–Sleep Connection Researchers analyzed genetic and microbiome data from nearly 387,000 individuals with insomnia alongside gut data from nearly 27,000 people. Their analysis revealed a bidirectional relationship: certain groups of gut bacteria increased the risk of insomnia, while the sleep disorder itself contributed to shifts in the abundance of these microbial groups. Fourteen bacterial groups were found to elevate insomnia risk by 1% to 4%, whereas eight others were linked to a 1% to 3% reduction in  Insomnia and Microbiome Imbalance The study also highlighted that people suffering from insomnia tended to have significantly lower levels of seven specific bacterial groups and elevated levels of twelve others, suggesting a complex interplay between sleep patterns and the gut  Possible Biological Mechanisms While connections between gut health and sleep quality have been noted before—largely through the gut-brain axis—this is among the first studies to suggest that gut bacteria could directly contribute to the development of sleep disorders. Researchers propose several potential pathways: gut-derived effects on serotonin and dopamine regulation, immune system shifts, inflammation, or other molecular changes tied to sleep cycles. Study Limitations & Future Directions Researchers acknowledge limitations, including a participant pool primarily of European descent and a lack of data on diet, lifestyle, or environmental factors. Despite these gaps, they emphasize that the findings open promising avenues for novel treatments, including prebiotic or probiotic interventions, or even gut microbiome manipulation, to tackle insomnia. Read More: Can’t sleep? Your gut health may be partly to blame, study finds | Euronews Join the Luxembourg Expats Community luxembourgexpats.lu  

Luxembourg has been ranked second in the world in the 2024 Environmental Performance Index (EPI), achieving a score of 75.0. This recognition reflects the country’s strong environmental policies, exceptional public health standards, and commitment to sustainability. Why Luxembourg Excels Outstanding Water and Sanitation Standards: With a near-perfect score of 99.8, Luxembourg ensures universal access to clean drinking water and advanced wastewater treatment systems. Nature Protection at Its Core: More than 50% of Luxembourg’s land is under environmental protection, safeguarding forests, rivers, and wildlife habitats. Sustainable Urban Planning: The country blends modern infrastructure with green spaces, reducing pollution while keeping cities vibrant and walkable. Strong Climate Policies: Investments in renewable energy, strict emissions controls, and sustainable transport systems have significantly improved air quality. Community Awareness: Environmental education and public participation in recycling, waste reduction, and green initiatives contribute to the country’s clean image. Top 3 Cleanest Countries in 2024 Estonia – 75.3 Luxembourg – 75.0 Germany – 74.6 Global Significance Luxembourg’s ranking strengthens its position as a global leader in environmental performance. This status not only benefits residents through better health and quality of life but also attracts eco-conscious visitors, investors, and businesses. The challenge ahead lies in maintaining this high standard amid growing urbanisation and climate change pressures. Read More: Top 10 cleanest countries in the world 2025 Join the Luxembourg Expats Community luxembourgexpats.lu 

Though often overlooked, zucchini is gaining recognition for its impressive nutritional profile and culinary versatility. A recent Well/Eat article highlights why this unassuming summer squash is making waves among health-conscious readers and home cooks alike. Nutritional Powerhouse Zucchini boasts an excellent vitamin and mineral content for a low-calorie food. Packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, antioxidants (such as carotenoids), fiber, and potassium, it's lauded for supporting digestion, bolstering the immune system, promoting heart and skin health, and aiding weight management. Its high water and fiber content make it particularly effective for improving digestive regularity and enhancing satiety. Vision and Immune Support The carotenoids and vitamin A in zucchini contribute to eye health, possibly helping to reduce the risk of age-related conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts. Meanwhile, its antioxidant properties—including polyphenols—shield the immune system and skin from oxidative stress. Culinary Creativity Beyond nutrition, zucchini shines in the kitchen. Staff at Eater shared standout recipes, from grilled zucchini with mint salsa verde to a moist cinnamon zucchini coffee cake. Others recommended salads, zucchini-infused ramen, and zucchini bread as clever ways to sneak greens into meals. Versatile and Accessible Zucchini's mild flavor makes it easy to adapt across cuisines. It can be eaten raw in salads, spiralised into "zoodles," baked into breads and cakes, grilled, or added to stews and ratatouille. Even zucchini flowers are edible delicacies, used in everything from tempura to stuffed appetizers. Quick Takeaways Nutrient-rich with low calories—great for health-conscious cooking. Offers powerful benefits for immunity, eye health, heart health, and digestion. Flexible for sweet or savory dishes—zucchini bread, grilled sides, salads, and more. Easy to keep on hand and integrate into everyday meal planning. Read  More : How Healthy Is Zucchini? - The New York Times Join the Luxembourg Expats Community luxembourgexpats.lu

BRUSSELS – A coalition of 24 countries—including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Japan—issued a stark joint appeal on August 12, urgently warning that famine is unfolding before their eyes in the Gaza Strip. They called on Israel to immediately lift restrictions hampering humanitarian aid. Unprecedented Humanitarian Breakdown Foreign ministers declared that "humanitarian suffering in Gaza has reached unimaginable levels," stressing that urgent, concrete action is essential to halt and reverse the crisis. Their statement urged Israel to grant unconditional access to Gaza for the United Nations, international NGOs, and other humanitarian organizations. All possible border crossings and routes must be utilized to facilitate life-saving aid—ranging from food and fuel to medical supplies and clean water. NGO Presence At Risk Officials flagged new Israeli-imposed registration requirements that could force vital international NGOs to cease operations in Gaza imminently. Such a move would exacerbate the humanitarian collapse further. The coalition demanded that lethal force must not be used at food distribution points and that aid must not be politicized in any way. Worsening Conditions Under Fire Recent reports indicate that at least 227 people—over 100 of them children—have died from hunger since the conflict began in October 2023. Access to essential aid remains severely limited amid continuing military operations and logistical hurdles. This collective appeal underscores mounting global concern about the catastrophic scale of human suffering in Gaza and mounting pressure on Israel to restore unhindered humanitarian access. Read More : EU, UK and Japan urge action against ‘famine unfolding’ in Gaza | Courthouse News Service Join the Luxembourg Expats Community luxembourgexpats.lu    

BERLIN – The CEO of Mercedes-Benz, Ola Källenius, has issued a stark warning regarding the European Union’s proposed 2035 ban on new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, urging a full “reality check” on the ambitious policy. A Dire Forecast for Europe’s Car Industry Pressed by weak consumer demand, mounting Chinese competition, and sluggish electric vehicle sales, Källenius cautioned that the ban could "collapse" the European car market if enacted as planned. He predicted that many consumers would rush to buy petrol or diesel cars before the deadline, negating the intended environmental benefits of the ban.  Calls for a Technology-Neutral Transition As president of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), Källenius advocated for a more gradual, technology-neutral approach. Instead of setting a hard cutoff, he proposed incentivizing EV adoption through tax breaks and cheaper public charging infrastructure to strike a balance between decarbonization and economic stability.  Context and Industry Pressure The EU’s push to eliminate CO₂-emitting vehicles forms part of its broader climate goals, but the 2035 target is currently under review amid growing industry concern. Mercedes, among others, argues the timeline is unrealistic given existing market and regulatory pressures. Read More : Mercedes-Benz CEO questions EU's 2035 ban on CO2-emitting vehicles Join the Luxembourg Expats Community luxembourgexpats.lu   

Canada’s approach to immigration is undergoing a marked transformation — tightening at the entry point for tourists and recalibrating long-term skilled migration under a more selective system. For global travellers, and especially professionals based in Europe, this signals a shift from procedural convenience to strategic gatekeeping. More Questions at the Border: Canada’s New Rules for Tourists Beginning this summer, visitors to Canada — including citizens from visa-exempt countries like Luxembourg — may experience enhanced border checks. Canadian immigration officers now have broader discretion to: Question the purpose and duration of a visit Request proof of financial means, return travel, or accommodation Examine travel history, intent, and ties to home country Flag inconsistencies using AI-based risk tools The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) remains valid for short visits, but entry is no longer automatic. Even frequent travellers may be pulled aside for secondary screening, raising concerns about delays and uncertainty. This move comes amid a growing global trend: governments increasing surveillance and vetting of travellers to combat overstays, illegal work, and perceived security risks. Canada’s message is clear — “visa-free” is not the same as “question-free.” For EU-based travellers, particularly those with family or business links in Canada, the new rules require a more documented and prepared approach, even for leisure trips. Express Entry Overhaul for 2026 Simultaneously, Canada is preparing a strategic reset of its Express Entry immigration system, scheduled to launch in early 2026. While the core points-based structure remains, the new focus is on high-impact human capital — not just any skilled worker, but the right kind of future-ready leader. A new “Leadership and Innovation” category will be introduced, designed to prioritise: Entrepreneurs and startup founders Experts in artificial intelligence, climate tech, and biotech Professionals with a track record in global policy, sustainability, and innovation ecosystems Applicants under this category will benefit from expedited processing and tailored pathways, reflecting Canada’s ambition to align immigration with its long-term economic and technological agenda. Officials say this is not about closing doors — but about focusing on quality and alignment with national interests. For expats in Luxembourg and across Europe’s knowledge economy, the opportunity is clear — but the bar is rising. This Matters for Luxembourg’s Global Residents Luxembourg’s expat community is among the most internationally mobile in the EU — with many holding dual passports, working in global firms, or managing cross-border lives. Canada’s changes affect both the frequent traveller and the strategic migrant: Tourist visits now require stronger documentation, even for short family or business trips. Long-term relocation requires alignment with innovation sectors — no longer just meeting basic work experience and education criteria. These developments are part of a broader trend: immigration is moving away from volume and toward selectivity, driven by national competitiveness, security, and demography. For those eyeing Canada, the key takeaway is not fear — but readiness. Whether you're planning a trip or a future move, it’s time to treat borders not just as checkpoints, but as conversations — ones that demand clarity, purpose, and precision. Join the Luxembourg Expats Community luxembourgexpats.lu  

LONDON – British tourists heading to Europe will confront stricter border procedures under the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which introduces biometric checks and enhanced documentation requirements. Fingerprint and Facial Scans Mandatory Each Entry From late 2025, UK visitors to the Schengen Area will be required to submit fingerprints and facial scans upon every border crossing. Due to delays in automated systems, including mobile app verification, travellers—especially those arriving by car or coach—will have to exit vehicles for the biometric checks. This change could add an estimated six minutes per vehicle during peak travel periods. The Port of Dover has expanded inspection areas to handle the new procedures and manage increased traffic flow during holidays. Phased Rollout with Continued Passport Stamping The EES will launch gradually starting October 12, 2025, across 29 Schengen countries, and full implementation is expected by April 2026. During this transitional phase, both biometric data collection and traditional passport stamping will be in effect. New Pre-Travel Authorisation Coming in 2026 Looking ahead, the EU will introduce the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). UK travellers will need to apply online in advance, pay a modest fee (likely between €7–€20), and obtain travel authorisation valid for up to three years. ETIAS aims to pre-screen visitors and enhance overall border security. Key Takeaways for UK Travellers Expect longer border processing times due to biometric checks. Manual passport stamping will continue until the system is fully operational in April 2026. Prepare for a new online authorisation (ETIAS) expected to be required by late 2026 for entry into Schengen countries.  Read more :https://www.thenational.scot/news/25381365.uk-tourists-facing-stricter-eu-border-checks-new-rules/ Join the Luxembourg Expats Community luxembourgexpats.lu  

 Europe is entering a perilous phase as another searing heatwave unfolds across the continent, with temperatures forecast to climb 10–15 °C above seasonal norms, particularly affecting Spain, Portugal, France, and beyond. Extreme Heat, Widespread Disruption Regions in Spain and Portugal are expected to experience staggering highs of up to 44 °C, while southern France has already endured heat in the low 40s, prompting emergency alerts. France has reported a catastrophic wildfire in Aude—its largest in 75 years—which has claimed one life and injured multiple firefighters and civilians. Heatwave Spread and Escalation A shifting high-pressure system is driving the sweltering air mass northward. By midweek, temperatures of 35–40 °C are expected in northern France and parts of England, with western Germany and Poland seeing temperatures climb into the low-to-mid 30s. Greece and Turkey continue to battle multiple active wildfires. Broader Mediterranean and Atlantic Reality The extreme heat is already having severe impacts across the Mediterranean, with southern France, the Western Balkans, and other areas reporting temperatures exceeding 40 °C. Countries including France, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Hungary have issued high-level heat and fire alerts. Evacuations and infrastructure disruptions are underway in several regions. A Climate Crisis on Display Europe is warming at nearly twice the global average rate. This relentless heatwave, combined with prolonged drought and dry vegetation, is fueling widespread wildfire risk and straining emergency response systems. Scientists warn that this summer may go down as one of the hottest on record. Read more: theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/11/weather-tracker-europe-heatwave-spain-portugal-north-america?utm_source Join the Luxembourg Expats Community luxembourgexpats.lu