Hospitals in Luxembourg are seeing an increase in young people suffering from school phobia, a condition marked by severe anxiety symptoms and a reluctance to attend school. Though no official figures exist on the exact number of children affected, experts warn the problem is widespread and often hidden. Panic attacks, stomach aches, headaches, tremors, and difficulty breathing are among the most common symptoms. Anxiety at the heart of the problem According to Dr. Ghazi Dali, child psychiatrist and head of the 0–13-year-old inpatient unit at the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (CHL), school refusal can stem from multiple causes: family problems, bullying, social difficulties, fear of failure, or performance anxiety. Data from the Ministry of Education in 2024 showed that 30% of the 481 students monitored by the Psychosocial and School Support Center (CePAS) struggled with anxiety disorders, with pre-teens particularly affected. Demand surges at school reopening “With the start of the school year, demand for appointments is exploding,” said Dr. Dali. The CHL has eight regular beds for children with school phobia; six were already full last week. Before hospitalization becomes necessary, treatment often begins with therapy, and in some cases, medication. Many children arrive via the emergency room, where severe anxiety leaves them unable to cope with classes. Education inside the hospital For children requiring longer stays, the CHL runs morning lessons at its Kannerklinik school from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. These sessions help maintain academic rhythm while also allowing specialists to detect potential learning difficulties. Hospitalization can last days or months, but the ultimate goal is a gradual return to regular schooling. Dr. Dali stressed the need for more resources to support this transition, such as dedicated staff to accompany children between school and hospital. “School phobia has always existed—it appears wherever there is school,” he said, while calling for better structures to ensure young patients can reintegrate smoothly and regain confidence. Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free: luxembourgexpats.lu   

As lawmakers in Luxembourg reviewed an external evaluation of the University of Luxembourg, masked protesters gathered outside the Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday to voice serious concerns about the institution’s internal practices. Wearing Anonymous-style masks, demonstrators held banners reading “Yes to student housing, no to autocracy” and “Yes to academic excellence, no to harassment”. They also distributed flyers accusing the University’s leadership of abusive management, harassment, and interference in democratic processes. Protesters claimed that staff have resigned, sought transfers, or filed complaints due to alleged power abuse, while also warning that the University’s educational mission is being undermined to the detriment of both students and future employers. The protest comes amid longstanding complaints about student housing shortages, an issue repeatedly raised in public debate. Official responses The Ministry of Higher Education acknowledged the concerns but stressed that anonymous allegations fall outside its scope. It highlighted the University’s adoption of a whistleblowing policy to ensure breaches of the law can be reported securely and without fear of retaliation. The University of Luxembourg responded by noting that, while problems can arise in any institution, it has invested significant effort in strengthening internal procedures. Since 2022, protections have been reinforced through the Collective Bargaining Agreement, with multiple support channels available to staff or students facing harassment. The University also confirmed ongoing work to expand affordable student housing. While the masked demonstration was small, its accusations strike at the heart of debates over governance, accountability, and student welfare at Luxembourg’s only public university. Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free: luxembourgexpats.lu   

The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (Alva) has issued a recall of several Blédina brand products after tests revealed an excessively high level of aflatoxin B1, a type of mycotoxin. These toxic substances, produced by certain molds, can contaminate food and pose health risks if consumed repeatedly over long periods. The alert has been classified at orange level, which corresponds to a medium risk. Authorities emphasize that occasional consumption is unlikely to cause harm, but prolonged intake could have adverse effects. The affected Blédina products were distributed in multiple retail outlets across Luxembourg. Alva has urged consumers not to consume these items and instead return them to the reception desk of their point of purchase for a refund or safe disposal. Officials describe the contamination as a one-off incident rather than a systemic issue. Still, this recall follows previous cases in Luxembourg involving cereals and baby foods, underlining the importance of continuous monitoring and strict food safety standards. For parents, health authorities stress that there is no immediate danger, but they recommend checking pantries carefully and discarding any products matching the recall notice. Read More : Rappel de produits Blédina: Évitez la consommation en raison de mycotoxines - L'essentiel Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free: luxembourgexpats.lu   

Luxembourg’s space sector is set to play an increasingly central role in the country’s economy, with projections pointing to the creation of around 2,000 jobs and a contribution of up to 5% of GDP within the next ten years. At the heart of this growth is SES Satellites, a company that has transformed from a modest local operator into one of the world’s leading players in the satellite industry. Philippe Glaesener, Senior Vice-President of SES in charge of Space and Defence missions, shared insights this week on L’essentiel Radio. He recalled joining the company in the late 1990s, when SES managed just four satellites mainly dedicated to television broadcasting. Today, following its merger with Intelsat, SES operates a fleet of 120 satellites and ranks among the world’s top three satellite operators—holding its ground even as Elon Musk’s Starlink dominates with more than 8,000 satellites. The industry itself has undergone major shifts. Traditional geostationary satellites, orbiting 36,000 km above Earth, are now being complemented by satellites placed at an average altitude of 8,000 km. These lower orbits reduce latency and open up new opportunities for sectors such as banking, communications, and government services. Another turning point came with SpaceX’s reusable launch technology. SES was the first commercial customer of Elon Musk’s company, and the partnership has reduced launch costs by about 50%. “For a company like ours, this is essential,” noted Glaesener. Innovation continues to accelerate. SES recently signed a contract with Impulse Space for a “space tug” system that will drastically cut the time needed to position satellites in orbit—from several months to just a few hours or days. Despite the growing number of satellites in orbit (nearly 10,000 known today), Glaesener reassured that the risk of collision remains low thanks to strict coordination and varied altitude zones. SES is betting on partnerships with start-ups to remain agile in a sector where technology evolves at breakneck speed. “The potential is enormous,” said Glaesener, emphasizing Luxembourg’s commitment to space as a driver of innovation and growth. Read More : SES Satellites vise 2 000 emplois et 5% du PIB dans le secteur spatial - L'essentiel 

Noise pollution remains a challenge in Luxembourg despite progress over the past decade. With growing mobility across Europe—more cars, trains, and planes—the European Commission had aimed to cut noise exposure by 30% between 2017 and 2030. But according to Environment Minister Serge Wilmes, this goal is unlikely to be met, either at the European level or in Luxembourg. The latest figures show that while the share of people affected by noise has decreased compared to 2011, the overall numbers remain high. Road traffic continues to be the biggest source of nuisance, while aircraft-related noise has seen a noticeable rise. In Luxembourg: Around 163,000 residents were exposed to road noise in 2021, or 25.5% of the population (down from 30% in 2011). About 28,000 people were exposed to railway noise, representing 4.4% of residents (slightly down from 5.4% in 2011). Nearly 70,000 residents experienced aircraft noise, affecting 11% of the population (an increase of 17,000 compared to 2011). Read More : Luxembourg: A quarter of the inhabitants suffer from car noise - The essentials Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free: luxembourgexpats.lu   

Dudelange is preparing for a landmark celebration as it becomes one of the five official stops on the tour of Luxembourg’s newly inducted Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie on Saturday, 4 October. The Grand Ducal couple is scheduled to arrive in the southern city at 5:40 p.m., where they will remain for about an hour to attend a specially curated dance performance. Their visit marks an important moment for Dudelange, highlighting its role as a vibrant cultural hub. A Day of Festivities in NeiSchmelz The city’s NeiSchmelz district will be the heart of the celebrations, with events running from morning until late into the night. The program includes concerts, a giant aperitif, an old-fashioned fair, artistic workshops, and DJ sets, all designed to engage residents across generations. To ensure everyone can share in the excitement, the Grand Ducal couple’s arrival and their time in Dudelange will be broadcast live on a giant screen set up in the car park of the Opderschmelz cultural centre. A Rare Opportunity for Residents In a special gesture, the municipality is offering 40 residents of Dudelange the chance to be part of the official welcoming ceremony. Selected participants will accompany the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess during their visit and attend the exclusive dance performance. Interested locals are invited to register by email at ville@dudelange.lu ,with places limited to the first 40 applicants. A Proud Moment for the City Mayor Dan Biancalana expressed his pride in hosting the royal visit: “Dudelange is a city on the move, known for its cultural events and transformation. It is both a joy and an honour to welcome the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess.” The mayor acknowledged the tight timeframe for preparations, noting that planning only began in the spring. Nevertheless, he emphasised that all municipal services are fully mobilised to deliver a program worthy of the occasion. Part of a Wider Tour The stop in Dudelange is one chapter in the wider national tour of Grand Duke Guillaume, who was recently sworn in as head of state following the abdication of his father, Grand Duke Henri, after 25 years of service. Each stop on the tour aims to connect the new sovereign with communities across the country, reinforcing the monarchy’s bond with the people. With festivities blending tradition, culture, and civic pride, Dudelange is ready to write itself into Luxembourg’s history as the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess embark on their first steps together in this new era. trounwiessel.lu Trounwiessel – Invitatioun fir 40 Diddelenger Bierger*innen – Ville de Dudelange Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free: luxembourgexpats.lu

Luxembourg is stepping up its defences against cybercrime. Finance Minister Gilles Roth announced this week that the government will subsidise cybersecurity tools for the public, following a recent wave of online attacks and fraud cases that left several residents facing financial losses. Cybersecurity as National Defence Speaking after a meeting of the Parliamentary Finance Committee on Monday, Roth said the incidents highlighted the urgent need to strengthen protection for individuals and businesses alike. He stressed that cybersecurity is not just a matter of financial stability but also of national defence. “Cyberattacks should be treated as attacks on NATO itself,” Roth declared, underlining that Luxembourg’s financial hub — one of Europe’s most important — cannot afford to appear vulnerable. He promised to unveil concrete “action plans” in the coming months. Among the first steps will be reinforcing the Financial Intelligence Unit of the public prosecutor’s office, part of a broader strategy to improve national resilience against cyber threats. Protecting Residents and the Financial Centre The minister argued that government subsidies for security tools, such as anti-fraud systems and digital protection measures, would help guarantee a higher national level of cybersecurity. “The state should not hesitate to provide direct support,” he said, linking stronger defences to Luxembourg’s international reputation as a secure and reliable financial centre. Banking Access Also on the Agenda Alongside cybersecurity, Roth addressed another long-running concern: the difficulty companies often face in opening a bank account in Luxembourg. Despite reforms, many firms continue to complain about restrictive procedures. Roth suggested a system inspired by France, where rejected applications can be reviewed by the central bank. In Luxembourg, he proposed that public institutions such as Spuerkeess or POST Group could step in to ensure companies and individuals have access to at least one account. However, he emphasised that any changes must not compromise financial oversight. “Access must not come at the expense of strict controls and security rules,” he cautioned. A Balancing Act The dual focus on cybersecurity and banking access reflects Luxembourg’s ongoing challenge: defending itself against digital threats while maintaining the trust and competitiveness of its financial centre. With cyberattacks growing in frequency and sophistication, Roth’s announcement marks a clear signal that Luxembourg intends to strengthen its digital defences at both the national and individual levels. Ministry of Finance - The Luxembourg Government Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free: luxembourgexpats.lu    

Esch-sur-Alzette has become the first city in Luxembourg to experiment with electric vehicle (EV) charging stations built directly into public street lights. Two pilot charging points were unveiled this week on Rue d’Ehlerange, offering a new solution for residents who do not have access to private garages or driveways. Charging Where You Park Mayor Christian Weis (CSV) explained that the idea came from a simple observation: many households in Esch, particularly in Rue d’Ehlerange, own electric vehicles but are forced to park on the street. “By integrating charging points into street lamps, we provide these residents with practical access to electromobility,” he said. Alderman for Urban Mobility, Meris Sehovic (Déi Gréng), emphasized the accessibility of the initiative: “This system opens the door to EV ownership for people who didn’t previously have charging options. It’s cheap, simple to install, and transforms existing infrastructure into something modern and useful.” How It Works Each street lamp has three electrical phases. For this project, one phase is dedicated exclusively to slow charging. According to Sehovic, it is a “low-tech, low-cost solution” that could significantly accelerate EV adoption by making charging points widely available in residential areas. The two charging points, marked in yellow and black, can be activated with any charging card. Pricing remains the same as for other public charging stations, but parking rules have been adapted. Residents of Rue d’Ehlerange can charge without time limits if they display their residential sticker, while non-residents may park and charge for up to two hours with a valid ticket. What’s Next The pilot project could soon expand. Both Weis and Sehovic confirmed that the municipality is developing a plan to identify other streets where this system could be replicated. “Two more charging stations could follow in the near future,” said Sehovic. Esch has long positioned itself as a pioneer in mobility innovation. The city already operates around 130 charging points, with 30 more planned by 2026. With this new street light system, Esch is once again testing creative ways to adapt public infrastructure to the needs of the future. Read More : Esch-sur-Alzette: Charge your car on... a street light pole - The essentials Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free: luxembourgexpats.lu   

On Monday morning, as schools reopened after the summer break, around a hundred demonstrators gathered outside the Chamber of Deputies in Luxembourg City. Despite the rain, the group — made up largely of women from political and social associations — raised their voices to demand that the right to abortion be enshrined in the Constitution. The demonstration, organized by Family Planning, coincided with ongoing committee discussions on a bill introduced by déi Lénk deputy Marc Baum. The proposal, which aims to formally safeguard the right to abortion (voluntary termination of pregnancy), has already received a favorable opinion from the Council of State. Fatima Rougi, president of Planned Parenthood, emphasized the importance of constitutional protection: "Including the right to abortion in the Constitution is very important to protect it from any political change or rise of extremes." She noted that while Luxembourg may appear broadly supportive, opposition voices still emerge whenever the issue is raised. The recent reversal of abortion rights in the United States has heightened concerns about the fragility of such protections. Marc Baum, addressing the crowd before entering the committee meeting, expressed hope that the bill would gain traction: “I will present the eight opinions and await the exchange with the other deputies. Many, including from the majority, have already voiced their support.” This optimism was echoed by LSAP MP Taina Bofferding, who stressed that Parliament ultimately holds the decision-making power: “I think we have a majority.” While abortion remains legal in Luxembourg, the debate highlights a lack of full consensus on the issue — a reminder that rights once thought secure may still require active defense. Read More : Des manifestants réclament l'inscription du droit à l'IVG dans la Constitution - L'essentiel Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free: luxembourgexpats.lu  

Police in northern Luxembourg have arrested two individuals linked to the theft of multiple construction machines over the weekend. The case began early Sunday when authorities received a report of a missing mini-excavator from a construction site in Wahlhausen. Shortly after, investigations revealed that a second mini-excavator and a trailer had also vanished from the area. Thanks to GPS tracking technology installed on one of the stolen machines, officers were able to trace its location. The suspects were subsequently identified in Hosingen, where police intervened and made the arrests. Both individuals were presented before an examining magistrate on Monday morning. While thefts from construction sites are not new in Luxembourg, police stress that GPS tracking systems have proven increasingly effective in recovering stolen heavy machinery and deterring organised theft networks. Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free: luxembourgexpats.lu