Valentine’s Day may be known today for roses, chocolates, and candlelit dinners, but its roots go far deeper than modern romance. The celebration traces back to Saint Valentine, a figure believed to have secretly performed marriages in ancient Rome despite a ban imposed by the emperor. His actions, symbolizing love and loyalty, later inspired the annual observance on February 14. The day’s romantic connection grew stronger during the Middle Ages. Writers such as Geoffrey Chaucer linked the date with courtly love in their poetry, helping shape the tradition of expressing affection through words. Around the same time, Europeans believed mid-February marked the beginning of birds’ mating season, further tying the day to themes of love and partnership. Handwritten Valentine notes began appearing centuries ago, long before printed greeting cards became popular. One of the earliest recorded Valentine messages dates back to the 15th century, showing that people have been exchanging heartfelt words for hundreds of years. By the 19th century, mass-produced cards turned the holiday into a widespread cultural tradition. Interestingly, Valentine’s Day is not celebrated the same way everywhere. In some countries, it is a day for friendships and family bonds, while in others, it carries unique customs — from anonymous gift exchanges to week-long love celebrations. Despite its evolution over time, the heart of the day remains the same: expressing appreciation and affection for those who matter most. Read more: livemint.com/entertainment/valentines-day-surprising-facts-behind-day-of-love-11771049896416.html Join Luxembourg Expats, the #1 homegrown community for expats in Luxembourg. Connect with people and businesses locally - discover expats focused local services, buy and sell items, find housing and apartment rentals and buys, events, discounts and meet people to make friends - all in one expats companion app in Luxembourg. Sign up free at luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network. 

Luxembourg’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, the song “Mother Nature” by singer Eva Marija, has been officially confirmed to stay in the competition after facing questions over its style. The song won the national final, the Luxembourg Song Contest 2026, securing top votes from both the jury and the public, and earned the right to represent the small European country in Vienna this May.  Earlier concerns had emerged about possible similarities between “Mother Nature” and another track, leading to talk of potential plagiarism. Broadcaster RTL Luxembourg held talks with music experts and rights groups, ultimately concluding that the song will remain Luxembourg’s official entry with only slight technical tweaks.  Eva Marija’s performance marks Luxembourg’s third consecutive Eurovision appearance since its return to the contest, bringing renewed excitement to fans in the Grand Duchy. She’ll be taking to the stage during the second semi-final in mid-May, hoping to make an impact for her country.  Eurovision watchers will be watching closely as preparations ramp up, with rehearsals and promotional events already underway across Europe. Luxembourg has a long history in Eurovision, and supporters hope this year’s campaign will be memorable. Read more: eurovoix.com/2026/02/11/luxembourg-mother-nature-cleared-for-eurovision-participation ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Join Luxembourg Expats, the #1 homegrown community for expats in Luxembourg. Connect with people and businesses locally - discover expats focused local services, buy and sell items, find housing and apartment rentals and buys, events, discounts and meet people to make friends - all in one expats companion app in Luxembourg.

Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden recently told an international forum that Europe must build stronger economic independence and not lean too heavily on outside powers, especially the United States. Speaking at a discussion hosted by Harvard’s Institute of Politics, Frieden stressed that shifting global tensions show the need for the continent to strengthen its own markets and energy supplies.  Frieden’s comments come amid a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, with issues like energy security and supply chains under scrutiny as world powers adjust foreign policy strategies. He said that while cooperation with other nations remains important, European nations should work more collectively for resilience.  The prime minister also pointed to recent global events, including political developments in the Arctic region, as reminders that Europe must be prepared for challenges and opportunities without overdependence on any single partner.  Frieden’s perspective underscores growing debate in European capitals about how the continent balances its traditional alliances with the need for self-reliance in the face of shifting global power dynamics.  Read more: thecrimson.com/article/2026/2/11/luxembourg-pm-iop ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Join Luxembourg Expats, the #1 homegrown community for expats in Luxembourg. Connect with people and businesses locally - discover expats focused local services, buy and sell items, find housing and apartment rentals and buys, events, discounts and meet people to make friends - all in one expats companion app in Luxembourg. Sign up free at luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network.

Countries including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Luxembourg are increasingly turning to social media to power tourism growth and economic recovery. By using platforms like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, tourism boards and travel businesses are reaching global audiences with engaging content and targeted advertising that drives travel interest.  In 2024 alone, advertising on these digital platforms helped contribute billions to national economies — with $5.6 billion added to the U.S. GDP, $3.7 billion in the EU27 and $0.7 billion in the UK — while also supporting tens of thousands of jobs across the travel sector.  These platforms play a role throughout the traveler's journey, from inspiring initial interest to helping with planning and sharing experiences, making them powerful tools for both large destinations and smaller tourism businesses looking to stand out.  Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and immersive media are enhancing the way destinations promote themselves and connect with potential visitors, leading to deeper engagement and stronger brand visibility.  Experts say this trend is likely to continue as destinations invest more in digital storytelling and creator-led campaigns that resonate with global audiences.  Read more: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/us-joins-uk-france-italy-germany-luxembourg-and-other-countries-in-implementing-the-power-of-social-media-to-boost-tourism-and-generate-billions/ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ Join Luxembourg Expats, the #1 homegrown community for expats in Luxembourg. Connect with people and businesses locally - discover expats focused local services, buy and sell items, find housing and apartment rentals and buys, events, discounts and meet people to make friends - all in one expats companion app in Luxembourg.Sign up free at www.luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network.  

Luxembourg is stepping up its oversight of company ownership records by strengthening the legal framework governing its business registers. Recent legislative reforms give the Luxembourg Business Register (LBR) more tools and powers to verify, monitor and enforce compliance with corporate reporting duties. Under changes effective from early 2025, entities must provide accurate and timely information not just to the Trade and Companies Register (RCS) but also to the Register of Beneficial Owners (RBE) — which lists the individuals who ultimately control companies. These updates are aimed at aligning national rules with international transparency and anti-money-laundering standards. The reforms stem partly from a European Court of Justice ruling that restricted public access to beneficial ownership data on privacy grounds, prompting Luxembourg to adjust how data is shared and used while still preserving compliance and enforcement mechanisms. New administrative sanctions and more active oversight measures — including direct communication channels between the LBR and registered entities — are expected to improve the reliability and update frequency of ownership information. Officials say ongoing monitoring will continue to ensure that the register remains a useful tool for transparency, legal compliance and economic integrity. Read more: https://www.paminsight.com/epc/article/luxembourg-tightens-beneficial-ownership-register-monitoring ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Join Luxembourg Expats, the #1 homegrown community for expats in Luxembourg. Connect with people and businesses locally - discover expats focused local services, buy and sell items, find housing and apartment rentals and buys, events, discounts and meet people to make friends - all in one expats companion app in Luxembourg.Sign up free at www.luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network.

A fresh co-development funding programme has been launched to strengthen the film industry in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. The initiative offers a €50,000 grant per project aimed at fiction and animated film development, encouraging producers and creative teams in the region to work together from the earliest stages of production. The programme is part of a two-year pilot scheme supported by the main national film funds — including Film Fund Luxembourg, Nederlands Filmfonds and Wallonia-Brussels Film and Audiovisual Centre — which aim to build stronger artistic cooperation and shared creative networks across the Benelux region.  Applicants must already have initial development backing from one of the partner funds to be eligible, and projects will be evaluated collectively each year to select three that best demonstrate innovative storytelling potential.  Organisers hope the grant will not only boost creativity but also increase the international visibility of Benelux cinema by helping projects secure robust co-production structures and financing before they reach production.  The first application window runs through 1 April 2026, and filmmakers from all three countries are being encouraged to apply.  Read more: filmfund.lu/en/news/launch-of-the-benelux-co-development-exchange ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... Join Luxembourg Expats, the #1 homegrown community for expats in Luxembourg. Connect with people and businesses locally - discover expats focused local services, buy and sell items, find housing and apartment rentals and buys, events, discounts and meet people to make friends - all in one expats companion app in Luxembourg.Sign up free at www.luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network.  

Luxembourg continues to attract wealthy individuals and families by offering a strong legal and financial framework that supports international wealth management and structuring. The country’s financial centre is known for its stability, regulatory clarity, and wide range of investment and planning tools useful for long-term asset protection. Financial professionals note that Luxembourg’s legal environment offers multiple structures — such as specialised investment vehicles, insurance-based solutions, and tax-efficient frameworks — that help high-net-worth clients protect, diversify and transfer wealth across borders. These tools are especially valuable in estate planning and succession strategies. One popular option for investors and affluent families is life insurance-linked products that offer flexibility, legal protection and often favourable tax treatment, making them suitable for safeguarding assets and planning generational wealth transfers. Experts also highlight the country’s deep financial expertise, strong regulatory oversight, and access to international markets as reasons why global wealth managers and private banks choose Luxembourg as a hub for their operations. As global demand for sophisticated wealth planning grows, Luxembourg’s financial ecosystem — with its robust legal frameworks and professional services network — is expected to remain a preferred destination for international wealth structuring. 👉 Read more: international-adviser.com/utmost-wealth-how-luxembourgs-framework-empowers-international-wealth-structuring .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Join Luxembourg Expats, the #1 homegrown community for expats in Luxembourg. Connect with people and businesses locally - discover expats focused local services, buy and sell items, find housing and apartment rentals and buys, events, discounts and meet people to make friends - all in one expats companion app in Luxembourg. Sign up free at luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network.

Activists in Luxembourg are accusing the government of failing to maintain acceptable hygiene and living conditions at some asylum reception centres, sparking a contentious public debate. According to advocacy groups, facilities housing refugees and asylum seekers have shown signs of poor cleanliness, maintenance problems and insufficient services.  The criticism comes amid broader concerns about the conditions in temporary and longer-term accommodation sites, where activists say basic standards for hygiene and dignity should be upheld for all residents regardless of their status. Some human rights observers also point to wider structural issues in reception systems across Europe.  Government representatives have countered these claims by emphasising that efforts are underway to improve conditions, citing standards set by national reception authorities and external funding mechanisms designed to support migrant integration and shelter quality.  Official reviews by human rights bodies have also highlighted specific concerns about certain centres, noting that in some cases facilities lack adequate space and indoor bathroom access — issues that authorities say they are addressing. The clash highlights ongoing tensions in Luxembourg’s asylum system, as the government balances public resources and political pressures while civil society pushes for more humane and dignified living conditions for all individuals seeking protection. 👉 Read more: infomigrants.net/en/post/69749/luxembourg-activists-and-government-trade-blame-over-low-hygiene-standards-at-asylum-centers ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Join Luxembourg Expats, the #1 homegrown community for expats in Luxembourg. Connect with people and businesses locally - discover expats focused local services, buy and sell items, find housing and apartment rentals and buys, events, discounts and meet people to make friends - all in one expats companion app in Luxembourg. Sign up free at luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network. 

Growers in Luxembourg are pushing back strongly against recent claims that apples grown in the country may be unsafe due to pesticide residues. A European study found multiple pesticide traces in apples sold across the EU, including samples from Luxembourg, which raised concerns about what some activists call a “pesticide cocktail.” Jean-Claude Müller, president of Luxembourg’s National Fruit Growers’ Association, said the claims are misleading and unfairly paint local growers as dangerous. He stressed that the detected residues are well below legal safety limits set by EU authorities and that modern testing methods can find tiny traces that don’t pose health risks. Environmental organisations, like the Mouvement écologique, argue that even low levels of different pesticides combined could have long-term effects, especially on children, and want more action to reduce chemical use. They also highlighted that apples from several European countries showed multiple residues in the study.  Government officials and food safety authorities have reassured the public that Luxembourg apples are safe to eat and regularly tested, with no samples exceeding official limits over many years. They also note that initiatives such as integrated pest management are helping reduce chemical use in orchards. The debate reflects wider European discussions about how best to balance agricultural production with public health concerns, as regulators consider updated approaches for evaluating mixtures of pesticide residues.  👉 Read more: https://www.freshplaza.com/europe/article/9809372/luxembourg-growers-dispute-apple-pesticide-risk-claims/ .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... Join Luxembourg Expats, the #1 homegrown community for expats in Luxembourg. Connect with people and businesses locally - discover expats focused local services, buy and sell items, find housing and apartment rentals and buys, events, discounts and meet people to make friends - all in one expats companion app in Luxembourg. Sign up free at www.luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network.  

Canada and Luxembourg have taken significant steps to deepen cooperation across economic, security, and educational sectors, following a high-level visit by Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden to Ottawa from February 7 to 9, 2026. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighted Luxembourg’s role as a major financial hub, NATO ally, and a key source of foreign investment, underlining the strategic importance of the relationship.  One headline outcome of the meetings was the launch of the 2026 Canada-Luxembourg Financial Sector Policy Dialogue, which will bring officials together to work on financial stability, sustainable finance, fintech innovation, and capital markets cooperation. This dialogue is intended to strengthen financial ties and advance shared priorities in global markets.  The leaders also welcomed the creation of the McGill Luxembourg Centre for Finance and a new Master of Management in Finance program, designed to expand academic research collaboration and increase opportunities for student exchanges and talent development, benefiting both nations’ financial communities.  In addition to economic and educational initiatives, Canada and Luxembourg reaffirmed their shared commitment to supporting Ukraine and committed to enhanced cooperation on defence, security resilience, and supply chains — including discussions on establishing a Defence, Security and Resilience Bank to facilitate long-term, low-cost financing for strategic defence projects.  The visit highlighted growing bilateral trade prospects in advanced sectors — including aerospace, space technologies and infrastructure — and reflected both countries’ desire to build stronger economic and security partnerships in an increasingly complex global environment.  👉 Read more: https://energi.media/news/canada-luxembourg-relations-partnerships/ ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... Join Luxembourg Expats, the #1 homegrown community for expats in Luxembourg. Connect with people and businesses locally - discover expats focused local services, buy and sell items, find housing and apartment rentals and buys, events, discounts and meet people to make friends - all in one expats companion app in Luxembourg. Sign up free at www.luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network.