A major general strike across Portugal on 11 December 2025 is expected to disrupt flights and public transport and that disruption may reach Luxembourg Findel Airport (Findel), as travellers returning from Portugal could face delays or cancellations.  The strike called by Portugal’s leading labour unions in protest against the government’s proposed labour-law reforms — will affect airlines, airports, trains, metros and buses nationwide. The walk-out is the first general strike of this scale in over a decade, signalling widespread discontent among public- and private-sector workers.  Luxair, the flag carrier connecting Luxembourg with Portugal has warned that while the flights to/from Porto and Lisbon are currently scheduled, travellers should expect potential delays or disruption. Passengers flying into Luxembourg from Portugal on strike day are also urged to allow extra time for their journey, given possible problems with ground transport in Portugal.  For those planning to travel on 11 December, airlines and transport operators recommend checking the status of flights and public-transport services in advance. You may need to arrive at the airport earlier than usual, or consider rebooking if possible.  Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu  

Justice Minister Elisabeth Margue took part in an informal meeting of European justice ministers, focusing on strengthening judicial cooperation across the continent. The gathering brought together representatives from several countries to discuss common challenges in law and security. The discussions centered on improving cross-border legal processes and harmonising approaches to modern threats, including cybercrime and digital fraud. Participants also explored ways to streamline justice systems to make them more efficient and accessible to citizens. Margue highlighted Luxembourg’s commitment to supporting European collaboration and stressed the importance of transparent, modern justice practices. She noted that shared challenges require shared solutions. The meeting served as a platform to exchange expertise, build stronger partnerships, and prepare for future policy developments at the European level. Read more – https://gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2025/12-decembre/10-margue-conference-informelle-justice.html Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats appSignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu 

Luxembourg has officially introduced the Luxembourg Customs Clearance System (LUCCS), a new digital platform designed to simplify customs procedures. The goal is to make import and export operations faster, more transparent, and easier for companies to manage. The system replaces older manual processes with a streamlined electronic workflow. Traders can now submit customs declarations digitally, reducing delays and improving accuracy. Authorities say the new system will help businesses save time and avoid administrative bottlenecks. LUCCS is part of a wider national effort to modernise public services through digital transformation. With this upgrade, Luxembourg strengthens its position as a competitive logistics and trade hub in Europe. Officials emphasised that the new platform reflects Luxembourg’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and better service for both companies and customs officers. Read more –  gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2025/12-decembre/10-roth-luccs.html Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

Luxembourg is pushing forward in its mobility innovation goals, as Xavier Bettel and Lex Delles visited San Francisco to explore new possibilities in automated driving. The visit focused on strengthening cooperation with technology leaders and opening doors for joint projects in the field of intelligent mobility. During their meetings, the ministers discussed how Luxembourg could integrate advanced automated-driving technologies into its transport system. They also explored ways to attract innovative companies and research partnerships to the country. The trip highlighted Luxembourg’s ambition to remain competitive in the global tech landscape by connecting with Silicon Valley’s major players. Both ministers emphasized that smart mobility will be a key driver for future economic growth. Their agenda also included visits to technology companies and startups to identify solutions that could be adapted for Luxembourg’s mobility strategy. Read more – gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2025/12-decembre/10-bettel-delles-san-francisco.html Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

The government of Luxembourg has publicly reaffirmed its “strong” support for Montenegro on its path toward membership of the European Union. The statement, released recently, signals continuing political solidarity from one of the EU’s long-standing founding members. Montenegro is among the few Balkan states still navigating the complex accession process to join the EU. As of 2025, the country has made significant progress in meeting many of the EU’s requirements, though several chapters remain to be closed. Luxembourg’s renewed backing comes at a critical time — reinforcing Montenegro’s prospects and offering diplomatic support as the country undertakes reforms and negotiations. Such endorsements help build momentum within EU institutions and can influence the pace and tone of accession talks. For Montenegro, the reaffirmation is more than symbolic — it could translate into concrete political goodwill, encouragement for continued reforms, and a clearer signal to other EU member states to keep the door open. Read more - en.vijesti.me/news-b/politika/785882/Frieden-Luxembourg-will-continue-to-strongly-support-Montenegro's-path-towards-the-European-Union Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

In a landmark enforcement under the Digital Services Act (DSA), the European Commission has slapped a €120 million fine on X (formerly Twitter) for failing to comply with transparency and user-safety rules. This is the first non-compliance decision since the law, which targets large online platforms, came into force. The violations cited include allowing anyone to buy a “blue checkmark” verification badge — triggering concerns over impersonation and deception — failure to maintain a public advertising repository with clear data on who funded ads, and placing unnecessary barriers that prevent independent researchers from accessing public platform data. For the Commission, this fine isn’t about restricting speech, it’s about enforcing baseline transparency and consumer-protection norms. As one expert noted, the fine reflects “normal, boring requirements” rather than censorship. The decision sends a strong signal, big tech platforms now face real consequences under DSA rules. X has reportedly been given a deadline to comply or face further penalties. Meanwhile, the case is being watched closely around the world, as it could reshape how social-media giants operate across borders. Read more - dw.com/en/eu-imposes-120-million-fine-on-elon-musks-x-for-breaking-digital-rules/a-75033724 Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

On 6 December 2025, Luxembourg reaffirmed its commitment to global development by contributing €2 million to the European Investment Bank (EIB)-managed FEMIP Trust Fund. The new funding brings the total size of FEMIP to €72 million — reinforcing the fund’s ability to deliver technical assistance across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.  The FEMIP Trust Fund, originally established in 2004, supports project preparation and implementation in non-EU countries bordering the Mediterranean. So far, it has backed nearly 100 grant operations, which in turn have facilitated close to €6.7 billion in total investments, including €3.8 billion provided by the EIB through loans.  According to EIB President Nadia Calviño, Luxembourg’s latest contribution strengthens the institution’s capacity to back infrastructure, social programs, and sustainable-development projects in a region that needs stability and growth. The Luxembourg Finance Minister Gilles Roth said the move underscores the country’s long-standing role as a major donor, and aligns with broader EU goals of fostering economic resilience, social inclusion, and opportunity beyond Europe’s borders.  Read more - europeansting.com/2025/12/08/luxembourg-contributes-e2-million-to-eib-managed-femip-trust-fund-for-projects-preparation-and-implementation-in-the-mena-region  Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

Recent health experts are challenging the long-held belief that getting exactly 7–8 hours of sleep is the universal “right” formula. While that number remains a useful guideline, what seems to matter just as much, if not more — is sleep quality, consistency, and a calming bedtime routine. The article argues that people often feel unrested not because they slept too little, but because their sleep cycle is disrupted or their pre-sleep habits (screens, stress, inconsistent timing) interfere with restorative rest. Moreover, experts suggest tuning into your body’s natural rhythm rather than rigidly aiming for a set number. For some, slightly more or less sleep — as long as it’s regular and undisturbed, may be perfectly fine. Especially in a world filled with late-night screen time and irregular schedules, focusing on sleep hygiene (dim lights before bed, regular wake/sleep times, minimal distractions) could significantly improve well-being. In short: don’t just count the hours — manage how you sleep. After all, a peaceful, consistent routine may be more beneficial than chasing a “magic” sleep number. Read more - edition.cnn.com/2025/12/08/health/sleep-hours-night-routine-wellness Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

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