A new Embraer E195-E2 regional jet operated by Luxembourg’s national airline Luxair made headlines after one of its first commercial flights to Milan was turned back to Luxembourg shortly after take-off in mid-January. The aircraft — part of a fleet renewal that includes six E195-E2 jets ordered by the airline — safely returned as a precautionary decision by the flight crew, and there were no reported technical faults.  The incident occurred within days of the aircraft’s official rollout into service, and it has stirred public conversation about the integration of the new jets into Luxair’s operations. Brazil’s aviation authority flagged operational guidance about engine behavior in very cold, low-visibility conditions, which has been interpreted by some aviation observers as a possible factor worth monitoring, though not a safety failure of the aircraft itself.  Luxair has stressed that the return was purely precautionary and part of responsible operational procedures, and that the Embraer E195-E2 remains a safe, modern aircraft with superior efficiency and performance. The airline’s leadership has publicly backed its decision to modernise the fleet with E2 jets, highlighting benefits such as lower emissions, reduced noise, and improved passenger comfort.  While the debate continues online and in aviation circles, experts note that such precautionary turnbacks are not uncommon in commercial aviation, especially with new aircraft types or specific weather-related procedures, and do not necessarily indicate long-term safety issues.  👉 Read more: airdatanews.com/aborted-flight-of-new-embraer-e195-e2-sparks-debate-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 luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network. 

Luxembourg is set to overhaul its carried interest tax regime starting with the 2026 tax year, aiming to strengthen its position as a hub for alternative investment funds and asset management professionals. The draft legislation, submitted in mid-2025 and under review in parliament, broadens the definition and scope of carried interest that qualifies for special tax treatment and clarifies the tax conditions under which different types of carried interest will be taxed.  Under the proposed rules, carried interest will be split into categories. Some types not tied to direct investment holdings may be taxed at a fixed preferential rate around 11–12 percent, while carried interest linked to a defined participation in a fund may be fully exempt from income tax if certain holding requirements are met.  The reform aims to eliminate the existing temporary regime and replace it with a permanent, clear framework that attracts fund managers, executives, and other professionals whose performance-based compensation is tied to investment returns. This legal certainty is expected to make Luxembourg more competitive compared with other financial centres.  Tax advisors say the changes are in line with broader government efforts to diversify the country’s financial ecosystem and support private equity and alternative investment activities as part of economic strategy for the next decade.  👉 Read more: pinsentmasons.com/out-law/analysis/luxembourg-reform-interest-tax  ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 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 launched a pilot programme that will allow doctors to prescribe physical activity to patients with certain chronic conditions as part of a stronger preventive health strategy. The initiative, starting in early 2026, targets adults living with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, or cancer, especially those who are inactive or not sufficiently active. Under the programme, doctors can issue a formal physical activity prescription that gives patients access to six months of supervised exercise classes through partner organisations.  The government’s health and sports ministries worked closely with national sports and medical groups to design the scheme, aiming to integrate structured exercise into medical care rather than treating it as an optional lifestyle choice. Qualified instructors, often through local associations focused on therapeutic sport groups, will tailor activities to the medical profiles of participants.  Doctors participating in the pilot have access to a digital platform where they can issue and manage prescriptions, helping streamline referrals and track patients’ progress. The programme will be evaluated throughout 2026 to assess its effectiveness, operational challenges, and patient outcomes.  Authorities hope this model will show that coordinated exercise interventions can reduce symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve quality of life — potentially forming a longer-term public health tool if it proves successful.  👉 Read more: gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/agenda.gouvernement2024+fr+actualites+toutes_actualites+communiques+2026+01-janvier+15-prescription-activite-physique.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. 

Health authorities in Luxembourg reported a noticeable increase in respiratory infections during the week of 5–11 January 2026. The weekly review showed influenza cases jumped sharply compared with the previous week, while COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) numbers also rose. Laboratory data indicated a 43% surge in flu cases, with nearly all infections identified as influenza A. RSV cases saw a slight uptick, mostly affecting young children, and COVID-19 cases increased modestly, though wastewater tests hinted at a complex trend. The government’s health ministry reminded the public that seasonal vaccination remains available and urged those over 65 and other vulnerable groups to get vaccinated. Officials also encouraged basic hygiene measures such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when ill to help reduce the spread of these common viruses. Read more: https://dirsante.gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites.gouvernement2024+fr+actualites+toutes_actualites+communiques+2026+01-janvier+15-infections-respiratoires.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 hosted a major conference on 20 January 2026 to help businesses and institutions apply the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act in real life. The event brought together more than 300 participants from small firms to large companies, as well as legal and public sector leaders.  Speakers including Minister Delegate Elisabeth Margue and Dr. Lucilla Sioli of the EU AI Office discussed how organisations can navigate the new requirements, manage risks, and ensure compliance with the AI Act’s rules. The sessions tackled topics from defining roles and responsibilities in AI use, to building national governance frameworks and encouraging AI literacy among workers. Participants also explored tools for compliance and ways Luxembourg can balance innovation with responsible AI use. Organisers framed the Act not just as a regulatory challenge but as an opportunity to lead in safe and ethical AI development. Read more: gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2026/01-janvier/20-margue-ai-act.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. 

UK-based wealth manager Norman K has launched its first office in Luxembourg as part of its European expansion strategy. The company, which already has offices in Paris, Nice, London and Geneva, aims to strengthen its presence in Europe’s leading private banking hub. The new Luxembourg subsidiary will be led by Nicolas L’Hermite as CEO and Nicolas Mayer as Sales Director, both bringing deep experience from major banks such as BNP Paribas. Their expertise is expected to help grow the firm’s wealth management and advisory services locally.  Norman K said it plans to build its business organically this year, focusing on investment consulting, corporate advisory, financing and tailored wealth solutions for clients. Luxembourg, known as the largest UCITS fund hub in the EU and a key private banking centre, offers a strategic base for the firm’s future growth. Read more: funds-europe.com/uk-wealth-manager-norman-k-opens-luxembourg-office ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 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 launched a new form of government bond to help fund national defence, and it was met with quick success. In less than a day, all €150 million worth of defence bonds offered for public subscription were fully allocated, showing strong interest from investors.  The three-year bonds carry a fixed interest rate of 2.25% and are designed to support national and security projects. Luxembourg residents can invest from as little as €1,000 up to €150,000 per person per bank. The interest earned is exempt from income tax for residents, making the bonds attractive to many.  Finance Minister Gilles Roth said the rapid uptake reflects public confidence in Luxembourg’s finances and willingness to contribute to the country’s long-term security goals. Partner banks helped distribute the bonds, which will also be listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.  Under the government’s broader defence strategy, this financing tool offers citizens a way to invest directly in defence while earning a steady return. The Treasury will report annually on how the funds are used, ensuring transparency around the projects supported by these bonds.  This first issuance marks an innovative step in Luxembourg’s approach to public funding for national priorities.  Read more: https://gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2026/01-janvier/16-roth-defence-bond.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’s Customs and Excise Administration reported strong results in road safety enforcement during 2025. Officers working on the country’s roads issued fines totalling €1,462,056 to drivers and transport companies that broke traffic laws or failed to meet their legal obligations. The customs unit says these checks are important because Luxembourg is a major transit route for international transport, and unsafe or illegal practices can put other road users at risk. The fines reflect serious and repeated violations of road safety and transport regulations. Officials emphasised that their daily controls help protect everyone on the road and ensure fair competition among transport companies by cracking down on fraudulent behaviour. The administration’s work highlights how customs authorities are not only involved in border checks but also play a role in maintaining safety and legal standards within the country’s transport network. Overall, the strong enforcement effort aims to promote safer roads and discourage dangerous or unlawful conduct in the transport sector. Read more: gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2026/01-janvier/19-douanes-securite-transports-routiers.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 education system is updating the way students learn music, especially the traditional music theory known as solfège. The government says the current format needs to better reflect modern musical practices and help students enjoy and stick with musical training. Under the changes, solfège will become part of a more engaging musical formation programme when the 2026–2027 school year begins. Instead of focusing mainly on abstract theory, lessons will include more singing, movement, and practical activities that connect directly to making music. Education officials believe this will make music education more lively and relevant for young learners, helping them build real confidence and skills. The new structure also reorganises courses into a clear five-year progression that students can follow from an early age. Teachers will receive updated manuals and special training ahead of the reforms, and the way students are evaluated will also shift to balance exams with continuous learning throughout the year. This change aims to breathe new life into music classes and reduce the number of students who drop out because they find traditional solfège too difficult or dull.  Read more - gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2026/01-janvier/19-meisch-reforme-solfege.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. 

Starting February 25, the MamaYOGA with Baby class will run from 3:00 – 4:00 PM  Feel free to join, we are happy to see you soon! liewensufank.lu/de/cours/mamayoga-after-birth