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.  

Luxembourg’s national statistics office (STATEC) has released new inflation forecasts showing that consumer price growth is expected to ease to about 1.8% in both 2026 and 2027. This follows a sharp drop in the inflation rate at the beginning of 2026, largely driven by declining energy costs and government measures to reduce electricity prices, which helped bring annual inflation to lower levels earlier this year. STATEC noted that underlying inflation — which excludes volatile items such as energy — is projected to remain elevated at around 2.2% in 2026 due to continued rises in food and services prices. Experts point out that unfavourable weather conditions and supply-side factors could contribute to higher food inflation risks before moderating in 2027. The forecast also suggests that wage indexation — a mechanism that adjusts wages based on changes in consumer prices — may be triggered in the second quarter of 2026 if average inflation remains around the projected level. Such adjustments could support consumer purchasing power but also have implications for labour costs and business planning. Analysts highlight that the slower inflation outlook reflects broader trends seen in European economies, where falling energy prices and subdued price pressures have contributed to a general easing of inflationary forces across the region. While headline inflation is forecast to stay below 2%, policymakers and economists will continue to watch price developments in services and food sectors closely, as these are key drivers of inflation experienced by households. 👉 Read more: https://statistiques.public.lu/fr/actualites/2026/stn05-previsions-inflation.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 www.luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network.

Luxembourg health authorities have confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) at a private poultry flock in the municipality of Schengen, part of a wider rise in bird flu infections across Europe. The case was identified on February 5, 2026, prompting the Luxembourg Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture to issue urgent guidance to bird owners. The virus — known to be extremely contagious among birds — has been spreading along wild bird migration routes this winter, increasing the risk of spill-over into domestic flocks. Veterinary authorities are advising that all poultry be kept indoors and that contact with wild birds be strictly avoided to protect domestic birds from infection. Biosecurity measures such as feeding and watering birds in closed spaces, restricting access to outdoor areas, and reporting any sudden sickness or deaths to a veterinarian are being strongly recommended to help limit the spread. This development comes amid reports from the European Commission’s disease monitoring system that multiple European states are dealing with highly pathogenic H5N1 outbreaks in poultry, underscoring how widespread bird flu has become on the continent this season. Wild bird populations remain a key concern for disease transmission, as recent surveillance across Europe has documented extensive HPAI detections in migratory species, further highlighting the need for vigilance and strong preventive practices. Although the avian influenza virus causes serious disease in birds, officials note that the current strain’s risk to human health remains low, and standard precautions — such as avoiding direct contact with sick or dead birds — are advised. 👉 Read more: https://gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2026/02-fevrier/06-influenza-aviaire.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 www.luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network.

Luxembourg-based robotics firm R3 Robotics has raised €20 million in new financing to expand its AI-driven technology that automatically disassembles electric vehicle (EV) systems. The funding includes a €14 million Series A led by HG Ventures and Suma Capital, alongside €6 million in European grants, to scale its robotic platform beyond battery packs to full EV drivetrains and power electronics. The company, formerly known as Circu Li-ion, uses artificial intelligence and robotics to safely and efficiently take apart high-voltage EV components that are complex and hazardous for people to handle. This automation helps accelerate recycling and reuse of valuable materials as more EVs reach the end of their lifespan.  R3 Robotics is collaborating with recyclers and automakers and plans to expand operations in Germany and France while preparing for a U.S. market entry in 2026.  The funding and new technology rollout come as European regulations push for higher recycling rates and stronger domestic supply chains for critical materials used in clean-tech industries.  Read more: https://theaiinsider.tech/2026/02/06/luxembourgs-r3-robotics-secures-e20m-to-scale-automated-disassembly-of-electric-vehicle-systems/ 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.  

Local authorities and environmental partners in Luxembourg have launched a cross-border effort to clean up litter and debris along the banks of the Alzette and Chiers rivers. The initiative runs from late February into early March 2026, with teams from 13 Luxembourg communes working together to remove waste that harms waterways and wildlife. The campaign targets plastic, metal scrap, construction residues and other trash that accumulate along river edges and flood zones, threatening both water quality and natural habitats. Communes participating in the Alzette partnership include Esch-sur-Alzette, Dudelange and Bettembourg, while Differdange and Pétange are among those joining the Chiers cleanup efforts. Organizers say the mobilization complements ongoing river restoration projects and environmental protection plans, helping make waterways healthier and more resilient for the future.  Read more: https://environnement.public.lu/fr/actualites/2026/fevrier-2026/mobilisation-intercommunale-pour-le-nettoyage-des-berges-de-l-alzette-et-de-la-chiers.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 www.luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network.  

The Luxembourg government has unveiled a fresh education plan aimed at modernizing learning for primary school children, starting from the 2026–2027 school year. The new curriculum outlines updated learning goals and core skills pupils should master by the end of each stage of their early schooling, reflecting current societal needs and educational research. The plan was introduced by Claude Meisch, Minister of Education, and Luc Weis, director of the pedagogical research coordination service, who said the changes are designed to better equip students for future challenges. While details are gradually being rolled out, officials emphasize a modern framework that aligns teaching with real-world skills.  This update follows ongoing efforts to improve equity and learning outcomes across Luxembourg’s multilingual and diverse school system, building on earlier reforms. The changes will take effect in phases, giving schools and teachers time to adjust to the updated standards and expectations. Read more: https://gouvernement.lu/en/actualites/agenda.gouvernement2024%2Bfr%2Bactualites%2Btoutes_actualites%2Bcommuniques%2B2026%2B02-fevrier%2B06-meisch-plan-etudes.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 www.luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network.  

In a significant regulatory development, Luxembourg's financial watchdog has taken a measured step toward integrating digital assets into mainstream European investment products. The Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) announced on February 4, 2026, that Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS) funds may now gain indirect exposure to crypto assets, capped at 10% of net asset value. This marks a notable reversal from the regulator's position as recently as February 2024, when UCITS funds were categorically prohibited from crypto exposure of any kind. The updated guidance, detailed in the CSSF's revised FAQ on crypto-assets and collective investment undertakings, establishes strict parameters for how these highly regulated retail investment vehicles can participate in the digital asset market. The Framework: Indirect Access Only Under the new rules, UCITS cannot purchase cryptocurrencies directly. Instead, they must gain exposure through eligible transferable securities such as exchange-traded products (ETPs) and exchange-traded notes (ETNs) that meet existing UCITS regulatory standards. Crucially, these products cannot embed derivatives, reflecting the regulator's emphasis on transparency and risk management. The CSSF's guidance emphasizes that crypto-assets present specific risks including volatility, liquidity challenges, and technological vulnerabilities that could significantly affect a fund's risk profile. Investment managers are required to conduct case-by-case assessments of how crypto investments impact their funds and update their risk management policies accordingly. The regulator also expects UCITS planning crypto exposure to inform the CSSF of their intentions and ensure investors receive transparent, timely updates through properly revised fund documentation. Aligning with European Regulatory Momentum Luxembourg's decision follows guidance from the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), which indicated in 2025 that limited indirect crypto exposure could fit within UCITS rules under approved financial securities. The move positions the CSSF ahead of other major European regulators, including Ireland's Central Bank, which continues to block crypto exposure in UCITS products. This regulatory shift occurs against a broader European backdrop of evolving digital asset frameworks. The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) became fully applicable on December 30, 2024, establishing comprehensive rules for crypto-asset service providers and issuers across the EU. Luxembourg implemented MiCAR into national law in January 2025, designating the CSSF as the sole competent authority and creating a streamlined regulatory pathway for crypto businesses. Market Implications As Europe's largest fund domicile, Luxembourg manages trillions of euros in UCITS assets, making the CSSF's decision particularly influential for the broader European market. Industry observers suggest the regulatory change is likely to prompt other jurisdictions to reconsider their stance on crypto exposure for retail investment products. Eric Baumgartner, head of legal EMEA at 21Shares, noted that opening UCITS to crypto ETNs will require issuers to meet rigorous criteria under the Eligible Assets Directive. Meanwhile, legal experts predict Luxembourg's proactive stance may accelerate similar reforms in Ireland and other European fund hubs. However, the practical impact may be evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Asset managers are expected to introduce UCITS with limited crypto sleeves for portfolio diversification and marketing relevance, rather than launching crypto-heavy strategies. The move represents crypto's normalization as "just another risk factor" within the traditional financial system, similar to how commodities or emerging markets were gradually integrated into regulated investment products. Ongoing Safeguards The CSSF maintains strict anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) requirements for funds investing in crypto assets. Investment fund managers must conduct comprehensive due diligence to understand the provenance of crypto assets and mitigate illicit finance risks. Depositaries holding crypto assets for investment funds must adapt their operational measures to address unique custody challenges while ensuring regulatory compliance. The regulator's cautious approach reflects a balance between fostering innovation in Luxembourg's financial sector and maintaining the robust investor protections that define UCITS products. With clear rules now in place, institutional investors and pension funds can begin exploring how digital assets might fit within diversified portfolios under a regulated framework that prioritizes transparency and risk management. --- Join Luxemborug expats - the trusted community for expats luxembourgexpats.lu

Luxembourg continues to stand out as a safe, well-organized, and traveler-friendly destination in the heart of Europe. Visitors can move around the country with ease thanks to efficient public transport, clean city spaces, and a generally calm environment that makes it appealing for tourists, professionals, and families alike. While overall safety levels are high, travelers are encouraged to stay mindful in busy locations. Like many European cities, crowded areas such as train stations, shopping streets, and popular attractions can attract occasional pickpocketing or small thefts, especially during peak hours. Simple precautions go a long way. Keeping personal belongings secure, staying aware of surroundings on public transport, and avoiding unnecessary display of valuables can help visitors enjoy their trip without disruption. Using well-lit routes and remaining attentive in crowded spaces further adds to a smooth travel experience. There are no travel restrictions or warnings for visiting Luxembourg, and most trips are completed without incident. By following basic safety habits, travelers can comfortably explore the country’s historic sites, vibrant city life, and scenic landscapes with confidence. ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 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. 

A new statistical snapshot by Eurostat shows that about 68% of people in European Union households owned their own homes in 2024, a bit lower than the 69% recorded in 2023. This slow decline highlights shifting housing trends across the EU’s 27 member countries.  The data reveal that home ownership was most common in Romania (94%), followed closely by Slovakia (93%) and Hungary (92%), where large majorities live in homes they own.  By contrast, Germany stood out as an exception, with a majority of residents renting rather than owning properties — about 53% of households were tenants — followed by Austria and Denmark, where renting is also common.  Eurostat’s figures also suggest that rising urbanisation, changing housing preferences, and economic factors may be influencing how Europeans decide between buying and renting.  Read more: ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20260205-1 ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 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.  

On 5 February 2026, air travel across Europe was seriously disrupted as winter weather and operational issues led to widespread flight delays and cancellations at major hubs such as Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle, and Frankfurt.  Reports show roughly 2,200 flights were delayed and dozens more cancelled across the continent, leaving many passengers stuck or forced to rebook. Staff shortages and heavy fog were among factors worsening the situation, with Paris-CDG alone seeing over 135 delayed flights and several cancellations. Ryanair and Aer Lingus, two of Europe’s busiest carriers, were particularly affected by knock-on delays from key connecting airports, impacting travellers on both short and long-haul routes.  The disruptions added to ongoing concerns about air travel reliability this winter season, already flagged by previous reports of high delay numbers across Europe.  Read more: https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-02-05/ie/2200-flights-delayed-across-europe-ryanair-and-irish-travellers-caught-in-continent-wide-disruption/?utm_source=chatgpt.com  .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 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.