Stories

Two years after it came into force, the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) has allowed users across the bloc — including in Luxembourg — to challenge and reverse nearly 50 million content moderation decisions made by online platforms.  Under the DSA, users have the right to appeal actions such as content removal, account suspension or “shadow banning,” giving them more control and transparency over how platforms handle their posts. So far, about 30 % of the more than 165 million decisions appealed through internal mechanisms have been overturned.  Most of the original moderation decisions were made under platforms’ own terms and conditions rather than legal requirements, highlighting the shift toward platform-driven content enforcement and the importance of user rights under the DSA.  The DSA has also brought other changes, including a ban on targeted advertising to minors and greater obligations for online marketplaces to tackle illegal goods and improve trader traceability, strengthening protections for EU users.  As the DSA continues to take effect, it is seen as a landmark regulation in digital policy, aiming to balance online safety, accountability and users’ rights across the European Union.  Read more: https://luxembourg.representation.ec.europa.eu/actualites-et-evenements/actualites/two-years-digital-services-act-allows-50-million-content-moderation-decisions-platforms-be-reversed-2026-02-17_fr?prefLang=en ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 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.  

The Luxembourg Ministry of the Economy has launched a new €3 million tender to support commercial and industrial solar energy projects, with a focus on systems producing between 30 kW and 200 kW of power.  Opened on 16 February 2026, the initiative offers investment aid through a competitive bidding process, and companies can submit their applications until 17 April 2026. The scheme aims to strengthen Luxembourg’s solar power framework and boost renewable energy adoption by businesses.  Projects located on business rooftops, facades or parking structures are eligible, and those that include battery storage will receive enhanced support to help encourage self-consumption and greater energy flexibility. The tender is divided into three main lots — standard, innovative, and carport solar systems — each with subcategories depending on whether storage is included, offering a range of options for commercial developers. To help companies prepare strong proposals, the government is hosting free informational webinars in late February and early March, where applicants can learn more about the requirements and incentives.  Read more: https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/18/luxembourg-launches-new-tender-for-ci-solar/ ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 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 weather on Thursday 19 February 2026 was cool with mixed cloud and precipitation, following the recent forecast from the national weather service MeteoLux. The forecast outlook leading up to the date showed daytime highs around 3 °C to 5 °C and night-time lows close to 1 °C, under typical late-winter conditions for the country. Skies were expected to be partly cloudy to overcast, with periods of light rain or snow showers — especially in the early morning and later in the evening. Winds were generally light to moderate, adding to the chilly feel typical of February weather in Luxembourg. MeteoLux’s forecast model also noted that road surfaces could remain damp, and occasional transitions between rain and snow were possible during the day as temperatures hovered near freezing. These mixed conditions are common this time of year in the Grand Duchy. Overall, 19 February was predicted to be cool and unsettled, with weak sunshine and brief showers rather than heavy precipitation — a pattern consistent with the late-winter climate for the region. For exact hourly conditions and any weather warnings or updates valid on the day itself, MeteoLux’s official forecasts provide the most current information. Know more - meteolux.lu/fr/meteo-au-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.  

Luxembourg’s financial regulator has eased disclosure rules for semi-transparent exchange-traded funds, aligning its approach with that of the Central Bank of Ireland. The Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier now requires ETF issuers to publish full portfolio holdings at least quarterly with a delay of up to 30 days, instead of monthly reporting. This change is designed to make semi-transparent ETFs more appealing to active fund managers who want to protect proprietary trading strategies while still ensuring market liquidity.  Under the new guidance, authorised participants and market makers will receive up-to-date portfolio information to maintain efficient ETF trading, but must adhere to strict confidentiality agreements. This brings Luxembourg’s rules in line with Ireland’s recently updated regime, and reflects growing competition among European fund jurisdictions to attract innovative ETF products.  The relaxed transparency requirements address concerns from active managers about front-running — where publicly disclosed holdings could be used against a fund’s strategy. By limiting disclosure frequency and securing sensitive data with confidentiality clauses, Luxembourg aims to balance investor protection with competitive fund innovation.  Luxembourg was an early adopter of semi-transparent ETF structures and is considered a leading hub for cross-border investment funds in Europe. The regulator’s latest move could encourage more asset managers to domicile creative ETF strategies in the country rather than elsewhere. This regulatory change not only strengthens Luxembourg’s position in the European ETF market but also highlights continued efforts by European financial centres to adapt to investor needs and global trends.  Read more: etfstream.com/articles/luxembourg-regulator-relaxes-semi-transparent-etf-rules-in-line-with-cbi ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 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 European Commission has launched BE READY, a new European Partnership aimed at improving pandemic research and preparedness. Unveiled on 17 February 2026, the initiative brings together 81 organisations from 27 countries to strengthen Europe’s ability to anticipate, prevent and respond to future health crises. With €120 million in funding from the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, BE READY will support collaborative research focused on understanding emerging pathogens and developing diagnostics, therapies and vaccines.  The partnership builds on years of investment in health research and aims to improve coordination between national and EU-level institutions. Under BE READY, annual joint transnational calls will encourage cooperation across borders and disciplines, allowing scientists to address pandemic threats more efficiently and effectively.  Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva emphasised the importance of building strong scientific foundations, saying the initiative will reinforce Europe’s leadership in innovation while prioritising citizens’ health. Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib added that BE READY focuses on real resilience by ensuring quicker access to crucial medical tools when crises hit.  The first call for research projects is expected to focus on investigating the pandemic potential of emerging pathogens and developing innovative medical countermeasures. This approach aims not only to respond to immediate threats but also to create long-term infrastructure and collaboration frameworks across the EU.  By coordinating research priorities and funding, BE READY represents a significant step in strengthening Europe’s preparedness landscape and improving health security across member states and beyond.  Read more: luxembourg.representation.ec.europa.eu/actualites-et-evenements/actualites/commission-launches-new-european-partnership-strengthen-pandemic-research-and-preparedness-2026-02-17_fr?prefLang=en ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 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. 

Travellers from Poland, Austria, Czechia, Denmark, Netherlands, France and Luxembourg are facing continued and extended internal border checks when crossing into Germany, as the German government maintains stronger security controls. These measures, initially introduced to address migration and security concerns, remain in force and are expected to cause longer wait times for travel and transport.  Under Schengen rules, member states can temporarily reintroduce internal borders for national security reasons. Germany’s continued checks affect road and rail routes connecting it with neighbouring states, meaning travellers may be stopped for passport or ID checks, proof of accommodation, or other documentation before being allowed entry.  The move reflects broader regional border control trends, with several countries retaining temporary checks into 2026 due to concerns such as irregular migration and organised crime. For commuters and tourists crossing between Luxembourg and Germany, frequent identity checks could add notable delays to daily travel and holiday plans. Transport companies and travel planners are advising travellers to allow extra time for cross-border journeys and to carry all necessary documents, as spot checks may occur without prior notice at key crossings.  While these measures are described as temporary by authorities, their extended application underscores ongoing security challenges within Europe’s integrated travel area and highlights the need for travellers to stay informed about evolving border requirements.  Read more: travelandtourworld.com/news/article/poland-joins-austria-czechia-denmark-netherlands-luxembourg-and-france-in-facing-germanys-new-border-checks-are-you-ready-for-longer-waits-at-the-border-and-a-delay-to-your-tra ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 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.

Luxembourg tourists — along with visitors from many European countries — are facing new travel changes as destinations adjust rules to respond to crowding and sustainability concerns. One of the most notable updates comes from Italy’s island of Capri, which plans to introduce stricter limits on tour group sizes and visitor behaviour starting in summer 2026.  Under the new system, guided tour groups visiting Capri will be limited to a maximum of 40 people to reduce overcrowding on the small island. Guides will no longer be allowed to use loudspeakers for large groups, and traditional group markers like flags or umbrellas will be banned — replaced by more subtle identifiers.  These regulations are designed to protect the environment and quality of life for both locals and visitors by controlling the overwhelming influx of tourists that can reach up to 50,000 per day in peak season.  Citizens and tour operators across Europe — from Germany and France to Luxembourg and Spain — are preparing for these changes, which may require new plans for travel itineraries and group tours. While the regulations focus mainly on group restrictions, individual tourists and small parties are less likely to feel direct impact, but larger organised travel will need to adapt.  Travel experts believe such measures signal a broader shift toward sustainable tourism management across Europe, encouraging sightseers to explore destinations in ways that preserve cultural heritage and local life for the long term.  Read more: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/luxembourg-joins-hungary-germany-poland-france-denmark-spain-and-more-than-twenty-eight-countries-across-europe-in-facing-stricter-travel-curbs-as-italy-enforces-harsh-new-photography-rules-and/ 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.  

On 13 February 2026, the Luxembourg Government held its regular Council meeting under the leadership of Prime Minister Luc Frieden. During the session, ministers discussed current international and European political issues as well as domestic economic and social topics.  One major approval was to support a new investment segment called “Sub-Fund 3 – Vintage 4” within the Digital Tech Fund S.C.A. SICAR, which is designed to help finance early-stage startups in technology sectors. The government confirmed its intention to invest in this fund to further strengthen Luxembourg’s innovation ecosystem.  The cabinet also reviewed and approved amendments to several national laws. These changes modernise rules for parental representation, update financial sector oversight, and align national legislation with new EU directives on supervision, sanctions, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks.  Environmental protection measures were also backed during the meeting. Ministers agreed on bills relating to air quality, including defining new evaluation and management zones to ensure cleaner air — part of the EU’s broader air quality directive implementation.  Collaboration agreements were approved with the Fondation Restena to co-finance major European infrastructure projects under the Connecting Europe Facility, aimed at improving transport, energy and digital networks throughout the region.  Read more: https://gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2026/02-fevrier/13-conseil-gouvernement.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 set for cool and unsettled weather on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, as winter continues to hold on into the second half of February. Temperatures will remain relatively low for the season, with highs around 5 °C (41 °F) and lows near -1 °C (30 °F) — typical for Luxembourg this month. February weather usually sees cold days with limited sunshine and occasional precipitation, including rain and sleet periods. Cloud cover will dominate much of the day across Luxembourg City and surrounding areas, with intermittent patches of rain and light snow expected. Some sleet or wet snow showers may occur, reflecting a winter-like mix rather than heavy snow accumulation. Wind will be moderate, creating a chilly feel especially in open areas. Morning conditions are forecast to start off mostly cloudy, with periods of light precipitation likely through much of the day. Locals and visitors should prepare for wet ground and occasional slushy conditions on roads and pavements, particularly in the early hours and late afternoon. Sunlight will be limited, with only a few hours of weak sunshine breaking through the clouds — consistent with February averages, which typically see about three hours of sunshine per day. Humidity will remain moderately high, adding to the brisk feel of the day. Overall, residents can expect a cold, moist day with a mix of rain and snow, so warm clothing and careful travel preparations are advised if moving around the city. As winter conditions continue to influence the forecast, dress in layers and be ready for changeable weather throughout the week. Read more: https://www.meteolux.lu/?lang=fr ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 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.

Tourism in Europe saw dynamic growth last year, with Malta and Luxembourg standing out among destinations that outpaced larger markets such as France, Spain, and Italy. New figures show both countries have expanded their tourism appeal, attracting more visitors and boosting revenues across sectors. In Malta, strong tourism numbers continued in 2025, with over 4 million visitors and nearly €4 billion in tourism spending, reflecting robust demand and effective strategic marketing. Growth was broad-based, with higher visitor numbers during traditionally slower months and increased daily spending per tourist, helping Malta lead the EU in overnight stays. Malta’s tourism sector also benefited from expanded air connectivity and a focus on sustainable travel experiences. Upgrades to infrastructure and targeted campaigns helped spread visitor demand beyond peak summer months, strengthening the industry’s long-term appeal. In Luxembourg’s case, tourism growth has been supported by niche cultural attractions, picturesque landscapes, and efforts to diversify offerings. Its strategic location in the heart of Europe, combined with investments in high-quality tourism experiences, helped draw travellers seeking both relaxation and culture. Experts say that these smaller European destinations succeeded by offering unique experiences and emphasizing sustainability, quality, and diversification — a strategy that might help them keep growing even as competition increases across the continent. Read more: travelandtourworld.com/news/article/malta-and-luxembourg-overtakes-france-spain-italy-greece-sweden-and-others-in-propelling-european-tourism-growth-and-revenue-with-a-surge-in-tourist-arrivals-last-year ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 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.