A debate raging across the Council of the European Union has reignited after some digital ministers voiced opposition to a proposed definition of “sovereign cloud” that could effectively bar leading U.S. cloud-service providers from offering services in the bloc.  Countries such as Czechia, Finland, Luxembourg and Greece argued that an overly rigid definition, one focused solely on “European-based providers” — might hurt business operations, stifle cross-border collaboration, and limit access to advanced cloud technologies. Critics of the so-called “sovereign cloud” push say that although ambitions for digital autonomy are understandable, overly restrictive rules could backfire — reinforcing dependence on a small set of global “hyperscalers,” curbing innovation, and undermining Europe's competitiveness in cloud and AI infrastructure. A related tender from the European Commission to stimulate European cloud providers underscores that Brussels aims to develop an alternative cloud ecosystem — but whether this will birth a thriving local market or simply reshape dependencies remains uncertain. Read More - https://www.euractiv.com/news/eu-digital-ministers-push-against-cloud-sovereignty-definition-that-would-block-us/ Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

Indian biotech firm ATGC Biotech has teamed up with Israeli firm Luxembourg Industries to launch a 50:50 joint venture named Semiophore Ltd. — aiming to take Indian-developed pheromone and semiochemical crop-protection technologies global.  With a combined investment of USD 10 million, Semiophore plans to commercialise 18 advanced semiochemical products across markets from Israel and Brazil to Australia and Africa, tapping into what the partners describe as a multi-billion-dollar global opportunity.  Under the deal, ATGC Biotech brings the intellectual property, R&D and regulatory know-how, while Luxembourg Industries will handle manufacturing, regulatory compliance and marketing — aiming to roll out the first commercial batches by 2026, with full-scale distribution targeted for 2027. The partnership is being hailed as a milestone in sustainable, residue-free, climate-resilient agriculture — offering a shift from traditional chemical pesticides to behaviour-based, environmentally friendly pest control solutions.  Read more - https://www.fnbnews.com/Top-News/atgc-biotech--luxembourg-industries-unveils-semiophore-for-global-deployment-of-novel-pheromone-technologies-85495  Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu  

In recent years, Luxembourg has quietly but steadily been transforming into a major hub for international conferences, trade fairs, and business gatherings. In 2024 alone, the country hosted roughly 9,150 business events — a roughly 10 % increase over the previous year — drawing nearly 935,000 participants, many from abroad. A central reason behind this surge is the presence of top-tier venues like European Convention Center Luxembourg (ECCL), set in the modern business district Kirchberg. ECCL alone hosted over 160 events in 2024, accommodating large conferences and congresses with capacity for up to 1,500 people. To support this growth, Luxembourg has also seen a rise in infrastructure — including six new hotels opened over the past two years — and the total accommodation capacity has increased by 11% since 2019, now offering around 7,800 rooms. What makes Luxembourg stand out beyond logistics is its unique blend of business and leisure. Within a small footprint, the country offers rich cultural heritage, accessible multilingual environments, excellent connectivity across Europe, and a high standard of living. The trend of “bleisure” — where delegates extend their professional trips with leisure stays — is rising, with many choosing to explore the country’s attractions after conferences.  Sustainability is also central to Luxembourg’s conference-tourism push. Organizers increasingly gravitate to its “green event” credentials, supported by eco-certified venues, sustainable transport options, and an event-ready ecosystem that balances modern amenities with environmental awareness. As Luxembourg strengthens its infrastructure and expands its global appeal, it’s shaping up to be a top destination not only for business events — but for a richer, more sustainable kind of business tourism. Read more - https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/why-luxembourg-is-emerging-as-a-top-destination-for-international-conferences-the-role-of-eccl-kirchberg-and-new-hotels-key-developments-and-trends-to-watch/  Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu  

New data reveals that in 2022 alone, more than 1.1 million deaths across the European Union (EU) could have been prevented through timely treatment or public-health measures. The burden was far from evenly spread. Countries in Eastern and Baltic Europe — especially Latvia, Romania, Hungary, Lithuania and Bulgaria — reported the highest avoidable mortality rates, exceeding 470 deaths per 100,000 people. In contrast, countries in Western and Northern Europe, such as Sweden and Switzerland, recorded much lower rates, sometimes less than half those of Eastern Europe. Health experts warn that factors like varying public-health investments, unequal access to care, and differing risk-factor levels (such as smoking, alcohol use, and chronic disease prevalence) are driving the disparities. The findings underline a grim reality: for many EU citizens, countries, or health systems, timely intervention and stronger preventive measures could mean the difference between life and death. Read more: https://www.euronews.com/health/2025/12/02/more-than-1-million-deaths-avoidable-in-the-eu-which-country-has-highest-preventable-death  Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

Amazon Luxembourg is reportedly planning to lay off 470 employees in Luxembourg — a reduction that would amount to more than 10% of its workforce in the country. The job cuts are part of what sources describe as a new restructuring phase for Amazon Luxembourg. According to union representatives, the move has sparked concern about the impact on staff morale and job security, especially given Amazon’s strong global earnings.  Representatives from the company have not yet provided full clarity on which departments or job functions will be most impacted, but the scale of layoffs suggests a significant reshaping of their local operations. Observers feel this may reflect broader cost-cutting or efficiency-driven decisions within Amazon’s international arm. If you’re interested, I can also check how this could affect Luxembourg’s job market overall — that insight helps put the layoffs in a larger economic context. Read more - https://www.bwpeople.in/article/amazon-plans-470-job-cuts-in-luxembourg-582299  Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu  

LuxAI in collaboration with Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) and University of Birmingham — has launched the first large-scale study to explore at-home, robot-led early development support for autistic children using their social robot QTrobot.  The initiative aims to assess whether QTrobot, which can speak, gesture, and simulate facial expressions — can effectively support early childhood development and social learning in autistic children outside clinical or school settings.  If successful, this could mark a significant shift in autism therapy: offering more flexible, home-based support that reduces barriers for families who may not have easy access to traditional therapy centers. Experts hope the findings will inform future therapeutic models and expand access to early intervention worldwide. Read more: https://www.8newsnow.com/business/press-releases/cision/20251204LN35867/luxai-luxembourg-institute-of-health-and-university-of-birmingham-launch-the-first-large-scale-study-of-at-home-robot-led-early-development-support-for-autistic-children-with-qtrobot/ Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu  

Durham University has paid a special tribute to one of its most distinguished alumni by naming a new University College Boat Club (UCBC) vessel after Guillaume V, the newly ascended Grand Duke of Luxembourg. The christening honours both his time as a Social Sciences student at Durham and his recent rise to the Luxembourgish throne in October 2025. The naming ceremony reflects the strong bond between the University and its global alumni community. University officials highlighted that Guillaume V has remained a proud advocate for the institution, and the gesture celebrates the enduring connection international graduates maintain with Durham long after their studies end. The new rowing boat joins UCBC’s historic fleet on the River Wear, where the club — one of England’s oldest rowing institutions — trains and competes. The boat is expected to be a symbolic source of motivation for current student-athletes, representing global achievement and the values of ambition, leadership, and resilience. UCBC members expressed pride in honouring the Grand Duke and said they hope the boat will inspire future generations of rowers. The tribute also comes as Durham continues strengthening ties with alumni across the world, especially those contributing significantly to public life. Read more: https://www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/latest-news/2025/11/grand-duke-of-luxembourg-rowing-boat/ Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu  

A consortium of investors led by Marathon Asset Management — joined by Kinnerton Hill Capital and Littlejohn & Co., LLC — has completed an acquisition of EXALTA Group, the global medical-technology manufacturing platform previously backed by Montagu Private Equity. The deal was structured through a Luxembourg vehicle using a preferred-share financing arrangement.  EXALTA — formed earlier this year via the merger of three Montagu-owned companies (formerly operating as Tyber Medical, Intech, and Resolve Surgical Technologies) — delivers advanced MedTech manufacturing and integrated OEM solutions to medical-device makers around the world. The firm supports leading original equipment manufacturers in bringing new devices to market, combining regulatory readiness with global scale. With this acquisition, Marathon and its partners aim to leverage EXALTA’s manufacturing strength and global footprint to accelerate MedTech innovation and expansion. The transaction also highlights the growing trend of private-equity firms and credit investors backing healthcare infrastructure — especially capital-intensive manufacturing platforms — to meet increasing demand for advanced medical devices worldwide. Read more: https://www.mondaq.com/pressrelease/182422/a-consortium-led-by-marathon-asset-management-acquires-exalta-group  Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

Authorities in southern Luxembourg have launched a formal investigation into a dentist suspected of invoicing for dental services that were never provided. The probe began after a coordinated police operation on December 4, 2025, when officers searched both the dentist’s home and practice under a judicial warrant.  According to the public prosecutor’s office, the dentist is accused of preparing forged documents and submitting false claims to the Caisse Nationale de Santé (CNS), the national health insurance authority — effectively defrauding public funds. A substantial amount of paperwork and digital files were seized during the raid, and officials say detailed analysis of that material will be crucial to understand the full scope of the alleged fraud, assess the financial damage, and identify all parties involved.  Though the accusations are serious — including suspected forgery, misuse of documents, and subsidy fraud — the prosecutor emphasized that the dentist remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.  This case has drawn attention in Luxembourg and beyond, coming at a time when trust in the reimbursement and oversight mechanisms of public health services is under scrutiny. If the allegations are proven, it may prompt calls for tighter controls on billing practices and more rigorous audits across dental practices. Authorities say the judicial investigation is ongoing and additional updates will follow as the seized evidence is reviewed. Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

A major safety alert has been issued for certain Abbott glucose-monitoring sensors, after reports of seven deaths and more than 700 serious injuries worldwide linked to inaccurate blood-sugar readings. While the issue has dominated headlines abroad, the affected model is also used by diabetes patients in Luxembourg, making the recall directly relevant to local users. According to Euronews, faulty sensors may display dangerously incorrect high or low glucose values, which can lead patients to inject insulin or skip treatment based on false data. CNews reports that multiple batches distributed across Europe are involved, and users are urged to check reference numbers and request replacements if needed. Cardiovascular Business notes that millions of units are impacted globally, and medical experts warn that even a single incorrect reading can have life-threatening consequences. Luxembourg pharmacies and diabetes centres are already advising patients to verify their sensor codes and watch for abnormal readings, particularly dizziness, confusion, or unexpected glucose swings. Abbott is offering replacements for affected units, and doctors stress that patients should not stop monitoring glucose, but contact a healthcare professional immediately if something feels wrong. Read More - https://www.euronews.com/health/2025/12/05/faulty-glucose-monitors-linked-to-7-deaths-and-more-than-700-injuries-worldwide-heres-what?utm_source https://www.cnews.fr/sante/2025-12-05/rappel-massif-de-capteurs-de-glycemie-quelles-sont-les-references-concernees?utm_source https://cardiovascularbusiness.com/topics/clinical/heart-health/abbott-shares-safety-concerns-millions-cgm-sensors-7-deaths-reported?utm_source Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu