Luxembourg’s strong fiscal and economic fundamentals have secured its status as a top-rated sovereign borrower, with major credit rating agencies affirming its AAA credit rating and stable outlook. This reaffirmation reflects the country’s wealthy, competitive economy and robust public finances, according to recent reports from agencies such as Fitch and Scope Ratings. Fitch Ratings confirmed Luxembourg’s AAA score, citing factors such as low government debt, substantial fiscal buffers, and strong governance, even as potential growth and real GDP forecasts have been revised slightly lower for 2025. Scope Ratings also upheld the AAA rating with a stable outlook, highlighting Luxembourg’s prudent fiscal management and resilient external position, supported by a significant net external creditor status and a diversified, high-value economy. The stable outlook suggests that agencies see balanced risks in the medium term, with the country well-positioned to face external economic pressures despite its small, open economy and demographic challenges linked to an ageing population. This continued triple-A rating reinforces Luxembourg’s attractiveness to investors and helps ensure favorable conditions for accessing international capital markets, boosting confidence in its long-term economic outlook. 👉 Read more: https://gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2026/01-janvier/30-rating-aaa.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 health authorities reported a noticeable decline in influenza infections during the week of 19–25 January 2026, with lab-confirmed flu cases dropping from 872 to 740 – a decrease of about 15 % compared with the previous week. This marks the second consecutive week of decline, suggesting that the peak of the flu season may have passed.  Despite the drop, officials emphasised that flu activity remains high in the community, and the virus continues to circulate widely across the country. Health authorities are urging people, especially those at higher risk, to remain vigilant. In addition to influenza, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also showed a modest decrease in the same period, with confirmed cases falling by around 14 % from the previous week. Most RSV infections were reported among young children, indicating that the virus continues to pose risks to younger age groups.  By contrast, COVID-19 cases increased, rising from 65 to 88 confirmed infections during the week. Although overall numbers remain relatively low, the increase highlights ongoing transmission of the coronavirus alongside other respiratory pathogens.  Health officials continue to recommend vaccination for influenza, particularly for people aged 65 and over, and encourage simple preventive measures like hand hygiene and staying home when sick to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. 👉 Read more: gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2026/01-janvier/29-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 luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network. 

Luxembourg is recruiting candidates for United Nations Volunteer (UNV) assignments through the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, via its Directorate of Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Action. Twelve fixed-term volunteer positions are available. Selected candidates will be deployed as Volontaires des Nations unies (VNU) and will work with United Nations agencies on development cooperation and humanitarian programmes in different regions of the world. The assignments are offered for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of a one-year extension. Volunteers are recruited based on their academic background, skills, and professional experience under three UNV profiles: Associés, Spécialistes, and Experts. Eligible applicants must be either Luxembourg nationals or have legally resided in Luxembourg for a minimum of five years. Candidates must meet the education and experience requirements specified in the individual vacancy notices. An interest in development cooperation and humanitarian action is required, along with the ability to work in a team and live and operate in a developing country. Prior professional experience in development cooperation is considered an advantage but is not mandatory. Selected volunteers may be assigned to United Nations agencies including UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR, WFP, UN Women, as well as IFAD, OCHA, PAHO/WHO, UNFPA, and UNRWA. Interested candidates must consult the detailed job descriptions and apply directly via the official links provided by the Ministry. The application deadline is 15 February 2026. Further information and access to the vacancies are available on the official government website: https://cooperation.gouvernement.lu/fr/s-engager/appels-a-candidature/UNV.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.

If you've been thinking about buying a car this year, stop thinking. Autofestival is happening RIGHT NOW – started January 24, ends this Sunday February 2. That's 3 days left. But here's the part most people miss: while the festival itself ends Sunday, the bank financing deals run until the end of February. Which means you still have time to make a smart decision instead of a rushed one. What Is Autofestival and Why Does It Matter? For 62 years, Luxembourg's entire car industry has concentrated into 10 days every January. This year's edition runs from January 24 to February 2, 2026, with 90 dealerships opening their 170 showrooms across the country. The numbers tell you why this matters: dealers generate up to 35% of their annual turnover during Autofestival and the following two months. That's not marketing hype – that's actual industry data from Fedamo, the car dealers federation. When a third of annual sales happens in two months, dealers are motivated. Inventory is stocked. And most importantly for you, banks offer their best financing rates of the year. The Real Opportunity: It's Not About the Festival, It's About the Financing Everyone focuses on the Autofestival weekend. The crowds. The balloons. The test drives. But the actual financial opportunity extends beyond Sunday. Banks like BIL are offering promotional car loan rates until February 28. That's 4 full weeks after the festival ends. BIL's current offer: 4.35% fixed rate Zero processing fees through Feb 28 (for young people under 28) Enhanced rates for buyers under 30 Quick calculator that doesn't require your phone number Check what your monthly payment would be: bil.com/static/autofestival/index-en.html?utm_source=Luxexpats&utm_campaign=Autofestival The calculator takes 2 minutes. You put in the car price and loan term. It shows you the actual monthly cost. That's it. No commitment, no callback unless you want one. The Smart Play: Visit During the Festival, Buy After Here's what nobody tells you. This weekend (January 31-February 2) will be packed. Dealerships are open on both Sundays (January 25 and February 1), which normally never happens in Luxembourg. Test drives are booked solid. Salespeople are juggling multiple customers. The smart move: go this weekend to look, test drive, and narrow down your choices. Then come back next week when it's quiet to actually negotiate and buy. The financing rates are identical whether you buy on February 1 or February 25. But your leverage and the salesperson's attention are much better when you're not competing with 50 other people. What's Actually Different About Car Buying in 2026 In 2025, electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids together accounted for 34.7% of new car registrations in Luxembourg – more than one in three new cars. Hybrids specifically rose from 4.1% in 2019 to 29.3% in 2025. This isn't theoretical. Walk into any showroom and half the floor space is electric or hybrid. The government still offers incentives: Up to €6,000 for new electric vehicles €1,500 for used electric vehicles (introduced in 2024) Must keep the vehicle for 36 months (changed from 12 months in October 2024) But here's the catch: the growth rate of fully electric vehicles is leveling off. After years of explosive growth, the market is stabilizing. Electric vehicles dropped slightly from 27.4% of new registrations in 2024 to 26.9% in 2025. Why? Uncertain economic climate, tax conditions, and constraints around CO2 calculations, according to Fedamo. Translation: if you were waiting for electric cars to get cheaper or better, that moment is now. They're not getting dramatically better or cheaper next year. This is the market. The Financing Math: What You'll Actually Pay Let's stop with vague percentages and talk real numbers. Example 1: €20,000 used car BIL rate (4.35%) over 60 months Monthly payment: ~€371.5 Processing fees: €0 (waived until Feb 28 for people under 28) Example 2: €30,000 new hybrid BIL rate (4.35%) over 60 months Monthly payment: ~€557.25 Processing fees: €0 (waived until Feb 28 for people under 28) After the auto festival exclusiveness, rates go back to standard rates. For simulating yourself, click this link: bil.com/static/autofestival/index-en.html?utm_source=Luxexpats&utm_campaign=Autofestival Luxembourg’s Car Loan Tax Advantage (That Many Expats Miss) Luxembourg allows taxpayers to deduct car loan interest from their taxable income, up to €672 per person per year, under the “special expenses” category. This deduction category also includes certain insurance premiums (such as car and home insurance), which means the €672 cap applies to the total of all these expenses combined. You cannot stack unlimited deductions—but many expats do not fully use this allowance. Example impact over time Maximum deductible amount: €672 per year Over a 5-year car loan: up to €3,360 in deductible interest At a typical marginal tax rate of 25–35%, this can translate into approximately €800–€1,200 in real tax savings (and potentially more for higher earners or dual-income households) What About Used Cars? Autofestival primarily features new vehicles, but used car sections exist at most dealerships. The financing works the same. BIL's 4.35% rate applies to both new and used. The Environmental Shift Is Real Average CO2 emissions from newly registered vehicles dropped 7.7% in 2024 to 99.3g/km – a 38.2% decrease over six years. By comparison, Germany discontinued EV subsidies and saw emissions increase by 4.2%. Luxembourg's approach is working. The car fleet is genuinely getting cleaner. Diesel vehicles dropped from 41.9% of new registrations in 2019 to just 9.9% in 2025. They're becoming niche. If you're buying a diesel in 2026, you should have a specific reason (long-distance driving, towing, etc.). It's no longer the default. Who Should Actually Buy During This Period Buy now if: You were planning to get a car in 2026 anyway Your current car is dying or already dead You've done your research and know what you want The monthly payment fits comfortably in your budget You work, study, or get a pension in Luxembourg (qualification requirement) The Next 72 Hours: What to Do Friday, January 31 (Today): Make a shortlist of 3-5 models you're interested in Check BIL's calculator to see what monthly payments would be: bil.com/static/autofestival/index-en.html?utm_source=Luxexpats&utm_campaign=Autofestival Book test drives for Saturday (call ahead, slots fill up) Saturday, February 1: Visit dealerships, test drive, ask questions Take notes on exact prices and options Don't feel pressured to buy today Remember: dealerships are also open Sunday and financing continues all month Sunday, February 2: Last day of Autofestival If you found what you want and the numbers work, move forward If you need more time, that's fine – BIL's rates continue until Feb 28 Monday, February 3 - Friday, February 28: Dealerships back to normal hours and pace Same financing rates, quieter environment Better time for actual negotiation Use the calculator, compare offers, decide Try it: bil.com/static/autofestival/index-en.html?utm_source=Luxexpats&utm_campaign=Autofestival Takes literally 2 minutes and you'll know exactly what you'd pay monthly. What Happens After February 28 Life goes on. Car dealerships don't close. Banks still offer loans at standard rates. But: Processing fees come back for young people as well Rates return to standard levels (>5%) Promotional young adult rates disappear Dealer motivation decreases About BIL's car loan: Available until February 28, 2026. Requires economic link to Luxembourg (employment, studies, or pension). Rate and terms subject to credit approval. Full details at bil.com. This article explains available options but is not financial advice. Quick Links: BIL Car Loan Calculator: bil.com/static/autofestival/index-en.html?utm_source=Luxexpats&utm_campaign=Autofestival Fedamo (Participating Dealerships): fedamo.lu SNCA (Vehicle Registration): snca.lu Luxembourg EV Subsidies: guichet.lu/en/citoyens/transports-mobilite/achat-location-vehicule/aide-achat-vehicule

The United Nations Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan has received a significant contribution of $2.3 million from the government of Luxembourg, with officials saying the funds will help expand essential services and strengthen long-term resilience in the crisis-hit country. The donation comes at a time when Afghanistan continues to face serious humanitarian and economic challenges, including ongoing needs for health care, basic services, and climate-resilience programs. Luxembourg’s support is part of broader international efforts to address these needs through pooled multilateral mechanisms. The UN Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan channels resources from donor governments to priority projects that aim to improve the lives of vulnerable populations, with a focus on community services, livelihoods and infrastructure. Luxembourg’s contribution is expected to support both emergency relief and longer-term development goals. UN officials and partner agencies have welcomed Luxembourg’s donation as an important step in maintaining and expanding aid to Afghan communities, particularly those affected by years of conflict, displacement and climate-related hardships. This contribution adds to a history of Luxembourg’s humanitarian support for Afghanistan and reflects the country’s ongoing commitment to international development and cooperation through United Nations systems. Read more: 8am.media/eng/luxembourg-contributes-more-than-2-million-to-afghanistan .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 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 2026 Luxembourg Euro Meet, one of Europe’s key early-season swimming competitions, is underway from January 30 to February 1 at the Centre National Sportif et Culturel d’Coque in Luxembourg-Kirchberg. This international meet attracts elite swimmers from across the continent and offers opportunities to post fast times and compete at a high level. Among the most anticipated matchups this weekend is between Dutch Olympic medallist Caspar Corbeau and British rising star Filip Nowacki, aged 18, both expected to challenge each other in the breaststroke events. Corbeau arrives after recent victories at international meets, while Nowacki follows up a breakout 2025 season that included new national junior records in major events. Organisers have also highlighted entries from other top performers, including Olympic champions and experienced international competitors, making the event a strong field for fans and scouts alike. This edition has been requested to serve as a qualifying meet for the 2027 World Aquatics Championships, further increasing its competitive importance. The Luxembourg Euro Meet has a long history of drawing some of the world’s best swimmers, with past editions featuring high-profile athletes and record performances. For many competitors, this event is not just about medals but also about gaining momentum early in the season. Spectators can expect a packed schedule of heats and finals across various strokes and distances, with the atmosphere often electric as swimmers aim for personal and national bests. Read more: swimswam.com/corbeau-nowacki-showdown-expected-at-this-weekends-luxembourg-euro-meet ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  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 health and food safety authorities have issued a major recall of baby milk formulas after an ingredient used in many products was found to be contaminated with a toxin called cereulide, produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus. The recall affects 31 different infant formula products from various brands sold in Luxembourg since early January, and officials are urging parents not to use these products under any circumstances. The contaminated ingredient is an omega-6 fatty acid oil rich in arachidonic acid (ARA), which is added to many formulas to resemble components of breast milk. This toxin can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain within hours of ingestion, and is notably not destroyed by cooking or boiling, making product removal from shelves critical. The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) is working closely with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other EU member states to track and remove all affected batches through the European rapid alert system, because the same contaminated ingredient may have been supplied to several manufacturers across Europe. So far, no confirmed widespread illnesses among infants have been reported in Luxembourg, though authorities are monitoring the situation closely with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). A suspected single case of illness potentially linked to the contamination has been investigated, but health officials say the overall risk remains low while caution is maintained. Parents are advised to check the specific product and batch numbers on official recall lists published on the Luxembourg food safety portal or the LU-Alert app and to consult a doctor immediately if symptoms occur after feeding an affected product. Read more: gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/agenda.gouvernement2024+fr+actualites+toutes_actualites+communiques+2026+01-janvier+29-rappel-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.

Luxembourg, though one of Europe’s smallest countries, has a remarkable claim in the world of gastronomy: it is home to a restaurant that once held the official Guinness World Record for the largest wine list commercially available in a single restaurant. This achievement was not just a local brag — it was recognized and certified internationally. The record-setting restaurant is Restaurant Chiggeri, located in Luxembourg City, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. On 31 December 2008, Chiggeri’s wine list contained 1,746 different wine varieties, all of which had been offered on the menu for more than six months. This astonishing diversity of wines was officially documented and recognized by Guinness World Records on 15 September 2009. What made Chiggeri’s list especially notable was not just its size, but the breadth and depth of regional representation. The selection included wines from Luxembourg itself, neighboring European producers, and regions from farther afield — offering diners an unparalleled opportunity to explore a vast spectrum of taste, style, and heritage under one roof. It’s important to note that this Guinness World Record refers to a specific moment in time: the count of varieties as of late 2008. Since then, other restaurants around the world have developed even larger wine lists — for example, some establishments now list many thousands of labels. Nevertheless, Chiggeri’s achievement remains a verified historical record and a point of pride for Luxembourg’s culinary scene. Today, Restaurant Chiggeri continues to be celebrated for its extensive wine offerings and fine dining experience in Luxembourg City, attracting wine lovers, tourists, and local connoisseurs alike. Even if the official record may have moved elsewhere, the restaurant’s legacy as one of the most ambitious wine lists ever assembled persists into 2026. ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 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 agreed to invest in Danish renewable energy by committing to a long-term purchase of green electricity, boosting its clean energy strategy and supporting Denmark’s strong wind power sector. The landlocked Grand Duchy pledged at least DKK 332 million (about EUR 44.5 million) to buy renewable power generated by Danish plants between 2025 and 2030. The deal was announced at the North Sea Summit in Hamburg, where European leaders discussed energy cooperation and shared goals for expanding renewable infrastructure. Luxembourg’s purchase will primarily tap into Denmark’s offshore wind resources, which are among the most developed in Europe, helping the small country import clean energy that counts toward its climate targets. Under the agreement, Luxembourg can buy up to DKK 1.19 billion (around EUR 160 million) worth of green power through long-term contracts with Danish producers. This kind of cross-border power purchase agreement reflects growing cooperation in the EU’s renewable energy markets, especially where geographic constraints limit domestic production. Denmark has been a leader in offshore wind energy and is actively expanding capacity, including large projects like the Thor offshore wind farm and coordinated efforts through North Sea partnerships aiming for tens of gigawatts of clean electricity generation by 2030. For Luxembourg, which has limited space for its own renewables but ambitious climate goals, such deals are a practical way to secure clean energy imports, support European renewable integration, and reduce its carbon footprint while contributing to broader EU renewable targets. Read more: gouvernement.lu/en/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2023/02-fevrier/08-turmes-danmark-energie.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 is home to a single UNESCO World Heritage Site, officially listed as “City of Luxembourg: its Old Quarters and Fortifications.” This designation covers the historic core of Luxembourg City, including its Old Town and the remains of its extensive defensive structures. The origins of the city date back to 963, when the first fortifications were established around the early stronghold known as Lucilinburhuc. Over the centuries, Luxembourg’s strategic location in Europe made it a highly contested fortress. Successive rulers—including Burgundian, Spanish, French, Austrian, and Prussian powers—expanded and reinforced the city’s defences, transforming it into one of the most formidable fortified sites on the continent. Its military importance later earned it the nickname “Gibraltar of the North.” In 1994, the Old Quarters and Fortifications of Luxembourg City were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in recognition of their outstanding universal value. Today, the site stands as a remarkable example of military architecture integrated into a living city, where historic fortifications, urban development, and natural landscapes coexist in a unique and well-preserved setting. ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 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.