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. 

Young women in Luxembourg are being invited to take part in the 2026 “Diplomat for a Day” competition, a unique opportunity hosted by the British and Canadian embassies to give students a taste of international diplomacy. Winners will spend a day with embassy officials on March 10, 2026, joining discussions and observing real diplomatic work and leadership activities. The initiative celebrates International Women’s Day and aims to encourage girls to explore careers in global affairs, leadership, and international relations, especially in a field where women have historically been underrepresented.  Participants will gain first-hand insights into how embassies operate, the challenges diplomats face, and the importance of cross-border cooperation on issues like human rights and equality.  The competition builds on similar programs run in other European cities that have helped young women develop confidence, networking skills, and a deeper understanding of how global policies are shaped.  Read more: gov.uk/government/news/luxembourg-enter-the-diplomat-for-a-day-competition 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.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a plan to ban large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes in the United States, aiming to make homeownership more affordable for average families and young buyers. He declared on social media that “people live in homes, not corporations,” and said he will ask Congress to turn the policy into law, though specific implementation details and legal authority haven’t yet been outlined. The move targets major Wall Street firms and private equity groups that have bought up tens of thousands of houses to rent out, a trend critics say has tightened supply and driven up prices in many housing markets. Stocks of some real estate investors, including Blackstone, dropped after the announcement, reflecting market concern about the potential impact. Supporters of the plan argue it will help first-time buyers compete and slow corporate dominance in the housing market, particularly where competition from well-funded buyers has priced out individuals. Trump said he may discuss broader housing affordability policies at the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos. However, housing experts caution that large institutional investors account for only a small share of the total housing stock, and that restricting their purchases may not significantly ease overall prices without addressing broader supply shortages.  Read more: reuters.com/world/us/us-will-ban-large-institutional-investors-buying-single-family-homes-trump-says-2026-01-07 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.

From 1 January 2026, several changes affecting families, taxpayers and social support will come into force in Luxembourg. These measures are part of the government’s officially published “Nouveautés 2026” and apply to everyday situations such as family taxation, retirement planning and support for older residents. Family-Related Tax Measures A new targeted tax credit will apply for parents in shared custody situations. Parents whose child does not live permanently in their household due to alternating residence arrangements, and who do not benefit from tax class 1a, may apply for a tax credit of up to EUR 922.50 per child. This measure applies specifically to the 2025 and 2026 tax years and is intended to address situations where parents contribute financially but do not qualify for existing family-based tax advantages. This tax credit must be requested through the tax declaration process and is not applied automatically. Tax Adjustments Supporting Working Individuals and Retirement Planning Several tax adjustments entering into force in 2026 affect individuals nearing retirement or planning for long-term financial security. A new tax allowance is introduced for individuals who are eligible for early old-age pension but choose to continue working until the legal retirement age of 65. This allowance allows a reduction of taxable income of up to EUR 9,000 per year, provided the eligibility conditions are met. In parallel, the annual deductible ceiling for contributions to voluntary retirement savings contracts (third-pillar pension schemes) will increase from EUR 3,200 to EUR 4,500. This change applies to eligible retirement provision contracts and is intended to strengthen incentives for private pension savings. Social Support Adjustments for Older Residents As part of the 2026 measures, adjustments will be made to social support mechanisms for older residents. This includes updates to the complément pour personnes âgées (COMPA) and related pension-linked benefits. These changes are designed to reflect current living costs and ensure continued support for older residents with limited income. The updated parameters apply from 1 January 2026 and are administered through the existing social security and pension systems. Key Points for Residents • New family-related tax credit for parents in shared custody arrangements • Higher deductible limits for voluntary retirement savings • New tax allowance for individuals who continue working beyond early pension eligibility • Adjustments to social support mechanisms for older residents • All measures apply from 1 January 2026 unless otherwise specified Residents affected by these changes should review their tax situation ahead of the 2026 tax year and consult official guidance when submitting tax declarations or applying for benefits. Official Sources Government of Luxembourg – Nouveautés 2026 (official list of tax and social measures effective from 1 January 2026) https://gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/articles/2025/12-decembre/nouveautes-2026.html Ministry of Family, Solidarities, Living Together and Childcare https://mfamigr.gouvernement.lu/ Administration des Contributions Directes (Luxembourg tax administration) https://impotsdirects.public.lu/ Caisse Nationale d’Assurance Pension (pensions and COMPA information) https://cnap.public.lu/