Stories

Luxembourg Expats has launched Elso, an AI buddy for life in Luxembourg - built directly into the platform to make expat life in Luxembourg easier, more connected and intuitive. Living in a foreign country is exciting. It can also feel unfamiliar at times. Building a social circle, finding a flat, understanding how things work, navigating paperwork, adjusting to new systems, knowing what’s happening this weekend - it can all be challenging. And often, you’re figuring it out on your own. Your Everyday Buddy in Luxembourg Elso is designed to feel natural to talk to. You don’t need to navigate menus or search through multiple sections. You can simply start a conversation. Ask about apartments in Kirchberg. Discuss practical questions about working life. Find out what events are happening this week and who shares your interests. Or just talk about how you’re finding life in Luxembourg so far. Elso pulls from what’s already featured on Luxembourg Expats - real housing listings, upcoming meetups, active community discussions and expat-friendly local services - and surfaces what’s relevant to you directly within the conversation. Whether you’re looking for a tax advisor, an insurance agent, a loan offer, a language school or other trusted services, Elso helps you discover businesses that are already featured in the Luxembourg Expats community. When You’re Navigating Things on Your Own Moving to and living in a new country often means handling a lot independently. New systems. New rules. New routines. Even small things - opening a bank account, understanding local processes, choosing the right neighbourhood, or deciding which event to attend - can feel convoluted when you don’t yet have a network around you. Elso offers a simple way to explore your options without pressure. It can help you understand what’s available, point you toward relevant discussions, or highlight services and events that might suit your situation. It can be practical. It can be conversational. It can help you with information and suggest meeting people for social activities. For Every Stage of Expat Life Whether you’ve just arrived in Luxembourg or have lived here for years, Elso can be your everyday buddy. The goal isn’t just efficiency. It’s making life in Luxembourg feel more manageable and more connected. Less time searching. More time living. Built on 13 Years of Community Luxembourg Expats has been enhancing the expat experience since 2012, connecting tens of thousands of internationals. Elso builds on that foundation by adding a conversational buddy to a platform that already brings together people, housing, discussions, events and expat-friendly businesses - making it easier to access the collective knowledge, services and opportunities within Luxembourg’s expat network. Available Now Elso is live in early beta at www.luxembourgexpats.lu, with the mobile app experience coming soon. Free access includes daily usage. Unlimited access is part of the LuxExpats Club membership luxembourgexpats.lu/club-membership Early users will help shape how Elso evolves. If you live in Luxembourg - or are planning a move - now is a good time to Elso it. --- Join our community luxembourgexpats.lu

Luxembourg has launched its first national Connectivity Report, providing a detailed look at the country’s telecommunications and digital infrastructure. The report was presented at an event in Luxembourg City attended by government officials, tech leaders, and industry experts.  The study shows that Luxembourg has excellent network coverage, with high-capacity fixed networks across over 95% of the country and 5G available to 99% of households, highlighting its strong digital foundation.  It also outlines key parts of the telecom ecosystem, such as education and workforce skills, domestic and international connectivity links, and cutting-edge research in areas like quantum communications.  Officials say the report will serve as a strategic tool to support ongoing investments, collaboration between public and private sectors, and Luxembourg’s role as a European digital hub.  By compiling data and future priorities, the report aims to help policymakers, investors, and industry players shape Luxembourg’s digital landscape for years to come. 👉 Read more: gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2026/02-fevrier/25-margue-luxembourg-connectivity-report.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 Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) is urging the public to avoid bringing pets into the country if their health status is unknown or documentation isn’t complete, after a case of rabies was confirmed in a puppy in neighboring Germany.  Although Luxembourg has been rabies-free since 2001, ALVA warns that importing animals without required checks could risk reintroducing the deadly virus to both people and animals.  The administration emphasizes that pets like dogs and cats should have a microchip, valid vaccination, and proper health certificates before entering the country. In some cases, a lab-verified rabies antibody test may also be needed.  People are encouraged to adopt pets from local, recognized shelters or licensed breeders and to contact a veterinarian promptly after arrival to confirm their pet’s health and paperwork.  ALVA’s appeal is a precaution to help keep Luxembourg’s citizens and animals safe from contagious diseases.  👉 Read more: gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2026/02-fevrier/23-alva-animaux-compagnie.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. 

The spring semester at the Institut national des langues Luxembourg (INLL) has officially started, welcoming more than 7,800 adults eager to learn new languages or improve their skills. The institute, which has sites in Glacis, Belval, and Mersch, is offering over 560 courses covering everything from Luxembourgish and French to Chinese, Spanish, Arabic, Korean, and Japanese.  In addition to the three administrative languages—Luxembourgish, German, and French—learners of all levels can explore many global languages, reflecting Luxembourg’s culturally diverse society.  Adults who want to join must take an online language test and attend an orientation interview if they’re not complete beginners. The courses mix in-person classes focused on literature, linguistics, and teaching skills with online learning components. The institute also runs the popular Luxembourgish podcast Poterkëscht, which has produced more than 169 episodes and has been listened to over 222,000 times, helping listeners dive deeper into the language and culture.  Future course registrations, including for September 2026, will open in June 2026, giving prospective learners time to plan ahead.  👉 Read more: gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2026/02-fevrier/25-rentree-institut-national-langues.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.  

From 25 February 2026, the United Kingdom has begun enforcing a major new travel rule that affects many visitors who previously did not need a visa to enter the country. Under this change, people from about 85 visa-free countries — including the EU, USA, Canada, Australia and others — must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they can board a flight, ferry or train to the UK. Carriers such as airlines are now required to check that passengers hold a valid ETA, or they may be refused travel. The ETA is a digital travel permission separate from a visa. It normally costs around £16 and is linked electronically to the traveller’s passport. Once approved, it allows multiple short visits — usually up to six months per trip — and remains valid for up to two years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner. Visitors should apply before planning to travel to avoid being denied boarding at the airport. This scheme was first introduced in a phased rollout over the last few years. It started with early applications in late 2023, expanded in 2025 to include many European nationalities, and is now being strictly enforced from today. Despite this requirement, British and Irish citizens are exempt and do not need an ETA to travel. Other exceptions also apply, but anyone who previously could enter without a visa now needs an ETA — even if they are only transiting through the UK on a connection flight. Travel experts and the UK Home Office say the new system aims to strengthen border security and modernise the UK’s entry procedures, but they advise travellers to check their ETA status online well ahead of departure to avoid problems. Read more: https://www.ein.org.uk/news/non-visa-nationals-require-digital-permission-travel-uk-today ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 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.

Health authorities in Luxembourg and across the EU have strengthened safety checks on baby formula products after several companies recalled certain batches due to potential contamination risks. Officials found that some ingredients may have been affected by a toxin known as cereulide, leading to widespread caution and market withdrawals.  Local inspections in Luxembourg detected only a small number of affected items, and no serious health problems directly linked to the recalled products have been confirmed so far. However, a few infants were reported to have suffered mild dehydration, raising concerns among parents and caregivers.  European food safety agencies say that because of rapid recalls and testing, the overall danger to children remains low, but they still advise parents to follow official guidance on safe formula use. Authorities are urging caregivers to check product codes and return or dispose of any formula identified in the recall notices.  The government also highlighted that routine monitoring systems helped spot the issue early and prevent a larger health problem, showing cooperation between national and EU food safety bodies.  Parents with questions or concerns are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals and official government updates on food safety. Read more: gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2026/02-fevrier/20-rappels-laits-infantiles.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. 

French retirement authorities are stepping up efforts to verify the status of pensioners living outside France, including those in neighbouring countries like Luxembourg. Officials want to make sure that retirees who receive French pensions overseas are still alive and eligible for payments. This move responds to concerns that current systems may not always receive automatic updates on deaths or changes in living situations for pensioners abroad, especially in countries without direct data exchange agreements. Under the checks, French pension systems such as Agirc-Arrco (which handles supplementary pensions) and the basic state scheme may require proof-of-life or other documentation from retirees living abroad. If pensioners do not respond to these requests, their payments could be delayed or stopped until the verification is completed. Authorities are encouraging retirees to keep their contact and residency details up to date to avoid any interruption in their pensions. While meant to protect public funds and prevent fraud, the process is something all French pensioners living abroad should watch carefully. Many retirees are now paying closer attention to deadlines and paperwork to ensure their benefits continue without issue. Read more: en.paperjam.lu/article/beware-for-french-pensioners-living-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.

Finnair is expanding its flight schedule across Europe by turning several seasonal routes into year-round services. The airline had originally planned these flights for summer 2026, but due to growing demand from passengers, it will now keep them operating through all seasons. The destinations now served every month include Luxembourg in the EU’s financial hub, sunny Valencia in Spain and Turin in Italy near the Alps. Flights to Luxembourg will increase to four per week in winter, while Valencia’s four weekly services continue into the colder months. Turin will have one winter flight per week, rising to two during the peak winter sports season. The move is part of Finnair’s strategy to offer reliable travel options for both business travellers and holidaymakers across the year. These year-round routes help people plan trips without worrying about seasonal flight gaps. In addition to these European links, Finnair is also growing its network by retaining other routes and by planning longer flights to destinations like Toronto and Melbourne later in 2026. The new schedule reflects broader trends in airline planning, where consistent connectivity is becoming more important as travel recovers across the continent. Read more: https://www.businesstravelnewseurope.com/Air-Travel/Finnair-to-expand-services-across-Europe ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 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.

Europe has raised serious concerns about the future of its trade relations with the United States after President Donald Trump said the U.S. will impose a 15 % tariff on imports from around the world. European officials warn this move could undermine a major trade agreement signed last year and threaten ongoing negotiations. The European Commission says it expects the U.S. to honor previously agreed terms and is seeking clear answers about how the tariff will be applied. Some European lawmakers have even proposed delaying approval of the trade deal until there is more certainty. Brussels has emphasized that an unpredictable tariff environment could disrupt markets and harm confidence in global trade. With Europe and the U.S. among the world’s largest trading partners, uncertainty over tariffs has sparked political and business unease on both sides of the Atlantic. Read more: https://www.newsonair.gov.in/europe-warns-u-s-trade-deals-at-risk-after-trump-imposes-global-15-tariff/ ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 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.

Colombia’s new visa-free travel arrangement is creating excitement in the global tourism industry, opening doors for Colombians to visit 131 countries without a visa. Popular European destinations like France, Greece, Malta, Spain, Luxembourg, and Portugal are now among the countries Colombians can travel to easily.  This visa change is expected to boost visits to these countries as travellers take advantage of easier travel rules. Tourism boards in Europe and beyond see this as a chance to attract more visitors from South America, strengthen cultural ties, and grow their hospitality sectors.  Experts say visa-free travel not only helps holidaymakers but also benefits airlines, hotels, and local businesses that rely on international guests. Countries included in the visa waiver are preparing to promote their attractions to Colombian travellers. Read more: travelandtourworld.com/news/article/france-joins-greece-malta-spain-luxembourg-portugal-and-more-as-tourism-booms-with-colombias-new-visa-free-travel-access-to-131-countries-all-you-need-to-know ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 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.