Luxembourg’s government has introduced a new draft bill aimed at giving authorities stronger powers to seize illegal gambling terminals operating in bars and other public places. The legislation, presented to the Parliamentary Justice Committee, targets unlicensed machines that often appear as internet kiosks but are used for gambling, raising concerns about their accessibility to minors and lack of regulation. Under the proposed rules, enforcement agencies would have a clearer legal path to confiscate these unauthorized devices, and bar owners who host them could face tougher penalties. Justice Minister Elisabeth Margue told lawmakers that the bill refines key legal definitions so that only games approved by the Luxembourg National Lottery can be offered.  To help businesses adjust, the draft includes a three-month transition period for compliance, while allowing some exceptions for traditional activities such as village raffles even when minors are present.  The move is part of a broader effort to overhaul Luxembourg’s gambling laws, with a second phase expected to focus on regulating online gambling. Margue has previously said the government is considering licensing the country’s sole land-based casino to operate online gaming, though questions about enforcement and technology like geo-blocking remain under review.  Read more – https://focusgn.com/proposed-legislation-grants-more-powers-to-seize-illegal-gaming-terminals-in-luxembourg   ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 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 new “Country Health Profile 2025” report released this week highlights the strengths and challenges of Luxembourg’s healthcare system. Produced in collaboration with the European Commission, OECD and European health observatories, the profile shows that Luxembourg performs well on key health outcomes and access to care, with high life expectancy and strong public coverage. In 2024, Luxemburgers enjoyed a life expectancy around 83.5 years, notably above the EU average, and access to quality healthcare services remains broadly high. The report acknowledges solid treatment outcomes and low rates of unmet medical needs, underscoring efficient service delivery. However, the profile also flags areas of concern. Healthcare spending per person and the share financed by public funds are among the highest in Europe, placing pressure on national budgets. Luxembourg also records relatively high rates of avoidable hospitalisations for chronic diseases, suggesting more work is needed on preventive care and integrated services. Challenges around workforce capacity were noted: while nurse density is strong, the number of practicing doctors per 1,000 inhabitants remains slightly below EU averages, which could affect long-term resilience as the population ages. The health profile aims to inform policymakers on how best to balance high service quality with sustainability, prevention, and efficiency improvements going forward. Read more: https://gouvernement.lu/en/actualites/.../2026+01-janvier+13-country-health-profile.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 has introduced a major change to how it subsidises solar panels on residential buildings, making it simpler and more affordable for homeowners and building owners. From January 4, the government now lets homeowners receive their subsidy directly through the installer’s invoice, removing the long wait previously associated with reimbursement schemes. This shift is meant to boost uptake of rooftop and façade solar systems across the country. Under the new model, only installers registered with the Ministry of Economy can pre-finance these subsidies — meaning they deduct the support amount right from the cost of installation. Prospective recipients must ensure they choose an accredited installer to benefit from this scheme.  To qualify, solar systems must have a minimum capacity of 2 kW and be oriented toward self-consumption. These can be mounted on roofs, façades, annexes such as garden sheds, or integrated into building structures. Battery storage systems paired with solar arrays also qualify for support.  Subsidy levels depend on system size: up to €10,000 for a 15 kW installation and up to €2,250 for a co-located 9 kWh battery. A transition period until March 4 lets residents choose between the new pre-financing scheme or the older reimbursement system if that better suits their needs.  The government says this measure will eliminate one of the biggest barriers to solar adoption — upfront costs — and will soon extend similar pre-financing support to energy renovations and heat pumps as part of its broader Klimabonus programme. Read more: pv-magazine.com/2026/01/13/luxembourg-revamps-subsidies-for-solar-on-residential-buildings .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 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 has announced a major reform of its childcare voucher system, known as chèque-service accueil (CSA). The changes were presented on 12 January 2026 by Education Minister Claude Meisch and aim to improve fairness, quality, and access to childcare. A central part of the reform is increased financial support from the state. Public contributions to childcare providers are being raised from €6 to €7 per hour per child, allowing structures to improve services and staffing. The government is also working to improve access to childcare places across the country. The reform focuses on reducing waiting times and ensuring that more families can find suitable care options close to home. Parents are expected to benefit from greater financial relief under the new system. The updated CSA model is designed to make childcare more affordable while ensuring that support is fairly distributed, regardless of household income. According to the ministry, the reform ensures that no family is left behind and that high-quality childcare remains accessible for all children in Luxembourg. Read more: men.public.lu/fr/actualites/communiques-conference-presse/2026/01/12-reforme-csa.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 national broadcaster RTL Luxembourg has officially announced the hosts for the Luxembourg Song Contest 2026, the televised show that will choose the country’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. The event is set to be one of the major entertainment highlights in Luxembourg’s music calendar. Veteran presenters Raoul Roos and Loïc Juchem are returning to lead the show once again, bringing their familiar and engaging presenting style to the stage. They will be joined this year by Hana Sofia, a well-known Luxembourgish actress with international credits in Germany and Portugal, adding fresh energy to the hosting lineup. The Luxembourg Song Contest 2026 will take place on 24 January 2026 at Rockhal in Esch-Belval, where eight acts will compete live for a chance to represent Luxembourg at the Eurovision Song Contest later in the year. The show will be broadcast live on RTL Télé Lëtzebuerg and streamed online, with commentary available in multiple languages. Competitors include a mix of solo artists and a band, each hoping to capture both jury and public support. Among the entries are songs like “I’m The Martian” and “Mother Nature”, showcasing a range of musical styles and talents from the Luxembourgish music scene. The winner of the national final will go on to perform at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, Austria, where Luxembourg returns as a competing nation after its recent comeback. Fans across the country are already eagerly awaiting the live broadcast and exciting performances. Read more: esctoday.com/202647/luxembourg-luxembourg-song-contest-2026-hosts-unveiled ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  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 has introduced a new tax credit in 2026 to encourage private investment in start-ups and strengthen the country’s business ecosystem. The measure is part of the government’s wider economic and employment reforms. Investors who put money into eligible Luxembourg start-ups can now claim a tax credit worth 20 percent of their investment. The credit is capped at €100,000 per year and is designed to support young companies during their early growth stages. Alongside this, the government has updated tax rules linked to employment. Employers who hire seasonal workers or trainees now benefit from higher wage limits that qualify for flat-rate taxation. The changes also affect certain sectors, including agriculture. Workers in these fields are now allowed to work longer continuous periods under the flat-rate tax system, offering greater flexibility for both employers and employees. According to the government, these measures aim to attract investment, support job creation, and make Luxembourg more competitive for start-ups and businesses. Read more: gouvernement.lu/en/actualites/toutes_actualites/articles/2025/12-decembre/nouveautes-2026.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.

We are pleased to offer the following courses in English: „Preparing for birth“ (intensive course, individual course). The intensive course consists of 3 sessions of 3 hours, come just as you are — you may attend alone or with someone  (partner, sister, friend, mum…) starting on February 12th. MamaYOGA – before birth and after birth with the baby, both courses consist of 5 or 6 sessions, and start on February 25th. Mama Dance – before birth and after birth with the baby, this course is a a mixed group of (pregnant) women and mothers with their babies. 4 sessions for each course, each session adapts to the needs of the group and progressively builds over time. February 3rd or March 10th and every following month new groups will start. Baby massage – for parents with babies aged 1–6 months, starting February 2nd. You can find the full overview of our courses here: www.liewensufank.lu/de/our-courses/ In addition, we offer the free Baby Hotline - and the Baby Hotline Café sessions in Itzig (check out the dates on our website). Consultations for parents (-to-be) are also available in English. Topics include breastfeeding, pregnancy, childbirth, baby-wearing, baby weaning, and much more. liewensufank.lu/de/our-consultations 

The Luxembourg Science Centre in Differdange is redefining how people of all ages experience science through interactive learning and hands-on exploration. Designed to engage children, families, students, and adults alike, the centre features nearly 100 interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and educational workshops. Visitors can actively explore a wide range of scientific topics, including mechanics, physics, robotics, space, and astronomy, in an environment that encourages experimentation and curiosity rather than traditional classroom learning. A highlight of the centre is its planetarium, which offers immersive shows focused on space and the universe. Supported by national and European funding, the centre has become an important educational and cultural attraction, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors each year and playing a key role in promoting science education across Luxembourg. Read more: openaccessgovernment.org/the-interactive-science-centre-in-luxembourg-brings-learning-to-life-for-all-ages/203425 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. 

Etihad Airways has officially announced the launch of nonstop flights between Abu Dhabi and Luxembourg, creating a new direct air connection between the two destinations. This will be the first scheduled Middle Eastern airline service to operate direct flights to the Grand Duchy. The route is scheduled to begin on 29 October 2026 and will operate three times per week using Etihad’s modern Airbus A321LR aircraft, designed for long-haul comfort and efficiency. The new service will be the only direct link between Luxembourg and the UAE capital. The flights are expected to benefit both business and leisure travelers, offering convenient access to Etihad’s global network and premium onboard services. The move reflects increasing demand for direct international connections and forms part of Etihad’s broader plan to strengthen its presence across Europe. Read more: aviationbusinessme.com/news/etihad-airways-to-launch-nonstop-luxembourg-flights 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 is under a yellow weather alert as MeteoLux warns of freezing rain overnight and into the early morning hours, increasing the risk of slippery and hazardous conditions nationwide. The alert is in effect from 3am on Sunday until 10am on Monday, with roads, pavements, bridges, and untreated surfaces most at risk of icing. As temperatures gradually rise later in the morning, icy precipitation is expected to turn into regular rain. Rainfall should ease between late morning and early afternoon, improving overall conditions as the day progresses. Overnight temperatures are forecast to range between -3°C and -1°C, climbing to -2°C to 0°C during the morning. Afternoon temperatures may reach 1°C to 3°C, with highs of up to 5°C expected by the evening. Winds will remain light to moderate, blowing at 10–20 km/h. Authorities advise residents to stay alert and allow extra time for travel. Read more: accuweather.com/en/lu/luxembourg/228714/weather-warnings/228714 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.