A seat that gives voice to everyone How Andrée Biltgen shows that leadership is not about power, but about inclusion When you first meet Andrée Biltgen, what strikes you isn’t her wheelchair ;  it’s her calm authority. She speaks with the quiet assurance of someone who has spent years listening, debating, and shaping ideas around the same table as everyone else. For over three decades, Andrée has been one of the key figures of Luxembourg’s associative world. She currently sits on the boards of RANA and Info-Handicap, two organisations that promote inclusion, autonomy, and equal opportunities for people with disabilities. But ask her what her role really means, and she’ll tell you that it’s not about representation ;  it’s about participation. “Being on a board isn’t about speaking for others,” she says. “It’s about speaking with them. That’s how real change begins.” From experience to influence Andrée’s story is not one of personal challenge. It’s a story of governance. She has spent years making sure that those who are directly affected by decisions can also help shape them. For her, a board of directors is not a formality ;  it’s a space where power becomes shared responsibility. Over time, she’s seen how a well-functioning board can transform an organisation from within. “When people with different backgrounds and perspectives work together, you make better decisions,” she explains. “It’s not always easy, but that’s what democracy looks like on a small scale.” Her contribution is both strategic and human. She ensures that the structures she serves remain anchored in reality ;  that every decision taken in the meeting room connects back to the people it affects outside of it. Changing perceptions, one meeting at a time Many people still imagine that board work is administrative, dry, or inaccessible. Andrée disagrees. “In every association, the board is where things start to move,” she says. “It’s where you decide what projects deserve support, how to use your resources, how to grow responsibly. It’s where action becomes vision.” Her own experience has shown her that sitting at the table changes everything ;  not only for her, but for everyone watching. “When people see someone like me taking part in decisions, it breaks the idea that you need to fit a certain profile. You just need to care and to commit.” That’s why she believes the DËST ASS VILL MÉI WÉI JUST E STULL! campaign matters. The campaign, led by the Agence du Bénévolat with the support of the Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees, aims to encourage citizens to take part in associative governance ;  to fill those empty seats that could bring new ideas and voices to the table. “Every empty chair in a boardroom,” Andrée says, “is a missed opportunity for society to hear something new.” What inclusion really means Inclusion is often spoken about as a goal. For Andrée, it’s a practice ;  something that happens in small, consistent gestures. It’s not about tokenism or quotas; it’s about normalising the presence of diversity in leadership. In her own work, she’s seen how a diverse board can strengthen an organisation’s resilience. “You build trust,” she says. “When people see that decisions are made by those who truly understand the issues, they believe in the process.” For her, inclusion and engagement are two sides of the same coin: you can’t have one without the other. “It’s not about charity or goodwill,” she adds. “It’s about democracy. Everyone should have a say.” Leadership through listening Andrée’s approach to leadership is quiet, but firm. She doesn’t dominate discussions; she anchors them. She sees her role as one of balance ;  ensuring that voices aren’t lost in the noise, that principles stay clear, and that progress doesn’t come at the expense of fairness. Her advice to anyone thinking of joining a board? “Don’t overthink it. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to be ready to learn and to listen. That’s where leadership begins.” A chair, a choice, a change For Andrée, a chair isn’t just a piece of furniture. It’s a statement of belonging. Sitting down at the table is a way to say: I’m part of this. I care. I want to help shape what comes next. Her message resonates far beyond her associations. It speaks to anyone who’s ever wondered if they’re “qualified” to get involved. Because the truth is, governance isn’t reserved for a few ;  it’s built by those who show up. So next time you see an empty chair in an association, think of what it represents. Not a gap, but a possibility. Every council, every committee, every association needs voices like Andrée’s ;  steady, thoughtful, grounded in experience. Not to speak for others, but to make sure that everyone gets to speak. Visit : benevolat.lu Campaign:  https://bit.ly/campagneadb2025

Haff Réimech sits quietly in the Moselle valley at the meeting point of vineyard slopes and river plain, a mosaic of ponds, reed beds and successional habitats that has grown out of former gravel and sand excavations. Over decades the abandoned pits filled with groundwater and slowly transformed into a rich wetland ecosystem that today supports an extraordinary variety of life in a surprisingly compact area. The site combines open water, marsh, wet meadows and scrub, and the changing water levels and plant succession create a shifting patchwork of habitats that wildlife — especially birds — uses in different seasons. This wetland plays an outsized role for migratory and breeding birds. More than 250 bird species have been recorded in the area, making it one of the most important birding sites in the country. Surveys have documented dozens of species protected under European bird conservation rules, and the site holds several water-bird species that are particularly rare elsewhere in the country. At different times of year the ponds host breeding birds such as reed specialists and grebes, while autumn and spring migrations bring waves of passage species and winter visitors that rely on the refuge the ponds provide. Plant life at Haff Réimech is notable for its diversity and for the presence of many species that are rare in the surrounding region. Seasonal fluctuations in water depth expose mudflats and shallows where specialised aquatic and semi-aquatic plants flourish; published surveys list roughly thirty plant species of regional conservation concern. The variety of vegetation zones — from open water to reed beds, wet grassland and scrub — also supports an abundant invertebrate fauna, including a rich assemblage of dragonflies and damselflies that delights naturalists and photographers alike. The area is managed to balance conservation, education and low-impact recreation. Trails and discreet observation hides give visitors the chance to watch wildlife without disturbing sensitive breeding areas, and an interpretation centre near the reserve helps explain the site’s ecology and the story of its regeneration from industrial use into habitat. While one pond is used for limited recreational activities, most of the wetland is set aside for nature, and a management plan guides how different zones are used and protected to maintain ecological function. Haff Réimech is also important at a larger scale: its ponds and reedbeds act as stepping stones for migratory birds travelling along the river corridor, and its wetlands contribute to local water quality and flood buffering. The site’s conservation value is increased by the surrounding cultural landscape of vineyards and hedgerows, which together form a varied matrix that benefits many species. That combination of local habitat quality and regional connectivity is why the area has been recognised under international wetland and habitat protection frameworks. Despite its success, the reserve faces familiar pressures: habitat succession that can reduce open water area, invasive or introduced species, and the need to reconcile human use with wildlife needs. Continued monitoring, careful water-level management and targeted habitat work — for example creating shallow bays, maintaining reed margins and protecting breeding islands — are used to keep the site in a condition that supports both specialist and widespread species. For photographers, birdwatchers and anyone curious about how nature heals and re-engineers the landscape, Haff Réimech is a vivid example of ecological resilience. From the first warblers in spring to the winter flocks on the open water, the reserve offers repeated reminders that thoughtful protection and adaptive management can turn former extraction sites into biodiversity havens. Read More : Natura 2000: Luxembourg’s contribution to European nature conservation - Luxembourg Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

Luxembourg saw a steady rise in asylum activity in October 2025, according to new data released by the Directorate of Immigration. The country registered 184 applications for international protection during the month, an increase from 154 in September but still well below the 254 applications recorded in October of the previous year. Over the first ten months of 2025, Luxembourg has received 1,516 asylum requests, slightly fewer than the 1,562 registered over the same period in 2024, indicating a modest overall decline. Applicants in October came from a wide range of countries, with Eritrea topping the list with 27 individuals seeking protection. Syria followed with 18 applicants, while Somalia and Sudan each recorded twelve. Ten people from Venezuela submitted applications, along with nine from both Afghanistan and Algeria. Smaller numbers arrived from Iraq, Turkey and Ukraine. Looking at the cumulative figures for 2025 through the end of October, Eritrea remained the largest country of origin with 286 applicants, followed by Syria with 176. Other significant groups included nationals from Algeria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, Turkey, Colombia, Somalia, Morocco and Ukraine, reflecting diverse and continued geopolitical pressures around the world. In addition to asylum requests, Luxembourg also registered 125 applications for temporary protection in October, nearly identical to the 123 recorded the previous month. Since January, the country has received 958 applications for this status. Ukrainian nationals continued to make up the overwhelming majority of these cases, with 114 applications submitted in October alone. Year-to-date, Ukrainians accounted for 881 requests, representing 92% of all temporary protection claims. The remaining applications came from a mix of countries, including Algeria, Morocco, Armenia, India and others. The latest figures underscore Luxembourg’s ongoing role as a destination for people seeking safety amid conflict, instability and humanitarian crises. While overall asylum numbers remain relatively stable, the continuing dominance of Ukrainian applicants in temporary protection reflects the lasting impact of the war and the Grand Duchy’s continued commitment to providing refuge. Ministry of Home Affairs - The Luxembourg Government Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

Luxembourg continues to rank among the strongest performers in the OECD when it comes to population health and access to medical services, according to the 2025 edition of the Health at a Glance report. The country enjoys a life expectancy of 83.4 years, significantly above the OECD average, and performs well across several key indicators, from preventable mortality to patient satisfaction. Only a small share of residents report poor health, and suicide rates remain well below international averages, underlining the country’s overall favourable public health conditions. Across major health risks, Luxembourg shows a mixed profile. Smoking levels are similar to other OECD nations, but alcohol consumption is notably higher. Physical activity, however, is an area where Luxembourg stands out positively, with only 15% of adults reporting insufficient exercise compared to an OECD average twice as high. Obesity rates are also modest, and air pollution levels remain relatively low, reinforcing the benefits of the country’s environmental and lifestyle conditions. Access to care is one of Luxembourg’s greatest strengths. The entire population benefits from core coverage, and satisfaction levels with healthcare quality remain exceptionally high. Only about 1% of residents report unmet medical needs, far below the OECD average, and the system offers strong financial protection through mandatory prepayment mechanisms that cover the vast majority of costs. Childhood vaccination rates are nearly universal, reflecting the system’s emphasis on early and preventive care. Despite these strengths, the report highlights several areas of concern. Hospital outcomes after acute medical events show room for improvement, such as higher-than-average mortality following heart attacks. Avoidable hospitalisations are also more frequent than the OECD benchmark, suggesting potential gaps in preventive or primary care follow-up. Meanwhile, although Luxembourg spends heavily on health per person—one of the highest levels in the OECD—prevention accounts for only a small share of total health expenditure, leaving long-term efficiency gains uncertain. The country benefits from a strong medical and care workforce, including a higher-than-average number of doctors, nurses and long-term care staff relative to its population. Hospital and diagnostic capacities are also solid, though the use of generic medicines remains limited, which may contribute to higher system-wide costs. Overall, Luxembourg’s health system stands out for its generous access, high satisfaction, strong workforce and excellent health outcomes. Yet rising spending pressures, combined with gaps in prevention and some clinical outcomes, indicate that maintaining this high performance will require careful, forward-looking planning. The OECD’s findings suggest that while Luxembourg’s foundation is strong, strengthening preventive care and improving cost efficiency will be essential priorities in the years ahead. Read More : Health at a Glance 2025: Luxembourg Health at a Glance 2025 - Health Portal - Luxembourg Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

Luxembourg officially launched its annual tree-planting season on Thursday, 13 November 2025, as the Hëllef fir d'Natur Foundation opened this year’s National Tree Day campaign in Hollenfels. Supported by the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity, the event marked the start of a nationwide effort to promote tree planting, environmental education and climate protection. The ceremony brought together several key figures, including Patrick Losch, President of the Hëllef fir d'Natur Foundation; Paul Mangen, Mayor of Helperknapp; Environment Minister Serge Wilmes; and Michel Leytem, Director of the Nature and Forests Administration. Young pupils from cycle 3 of Helperknapp’s primary school also participated, contributing to the symbolic first plantings of the season. Around twenty trees of various species — including chestnut, apple, sour cherry, plum, walnut, wild pear, field maple, maple and lime — were planted during the event. National Tree Day serves each year as both the official start of the planting season and the launch of the foundation’s annual fundraising drive, encouraging municipalities, associations, companies and citizens to plant and care for trees and hedges, important allies in the fight against climate change. The initiative continues on Saturday, 15 November, when more than 40 municipalities, organisations and companies across Luxembourg will host their own planting activities, demonstrating the growing national commitment to preserving and restoring natural landscapes. Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity - The Luxembourg Government Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

A sweeping cloud of Saharan dust is set to drift across Luxembourg and the Greater Region, bringing hazy skies and an unusual ochre glow over the country from Wednesday night through at least Friday evening. A strong southerly wind carried sand particles from the Sahara Desert into France on Wednesday afternoon, with the dust plume reaching Luxembourg during the night between Wednesday and Thursday. The phenomenon is expected to persist for several days, tinting the sky with warm yellow and orange tones that may last until Saturday. While the event often creates striking visual effects and offers unique photo opportunities, residents—especially car owners—are advised to take precautions. If a layer of dust settles on vehicles, experts recommend avoiding immediate brushing or wiping, as the fine sand grains can scratch paintwork. Instead, cars should be gently rinsed with water to prevent damage. With the hazy conditions likely to continue through the end of the week, Luxembourg’s skies may look dramatically different—beautiful for photographers, but a reminder for motorists to handle their vehicles with care. connexionfrance.com/practical/saharan-sand-to-cover-cars-and-buildings-in-western-france/752666 Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

Luxembourg’s latest IMF Article IV Consultation for 2025 paints a picture of an economy that remains fundamentally strong, even as several risks continue to weigh on the outlook. According to the International Monetary Fund, Luxembourg maintains solid macroeconomic fundamentals, supported by a sound fiscal position, a resilient financial sector, and stable public finances. The country continues to benefit from its role as a major European financial hub, with the investment fund industry and banking sector showing robust capital buffers and healthy liquidity levels. Despite these strengths, the IMF cautions that the overall growth environment remains modest. External demand has softened due to slower economic performance in key trading partners, and this continues to affect Luxembourg’s export-oriented sectors. The Fund also highlights that financial conditions remain tight across Europe, creating a more challenging environment for investment and lending. These factors, combined with evolving global uncertainties, contribute to a more subdued growth profile compared to previous years. A key concern identified in the report is the vulnerability in Luxembourg’s real estate market. The IMF notes that elevated property prices, high household indebtedness, and rising financing costs create potential stress points, especially if economic conditions weaken more sharply than anticipated. While the banking system is well-positioned to absorb shocks, the Fund stresses that close monitoring of real estate-related risks should remain a policy priority. Overall, the IMF’s assessment reflects a nuanced outlook: Luxembourg’s economic foundations remain solid, but persistent external and domestic pressures call for continued vigilance. The Fund suggests that targeted reforms — particularly those supporting housing supply, productivity, and long-term competitiveness — would help reinforce the country’s resilience. For businesses, policymakers, and investors, the message is clear: Luxembourg remains stable and well-managed, yet the coming years will require careful navigation as global and regional conditions continue to shift. Read More : imf.org/en/news/articles/2025/06/04/pr-25177-luxembourg-imf-concludes-2025-art-iv-consultation?utm_source Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

The traditional Winterlights celebration in Luxembourg City is set for its official launch on Friday, November 21. The festivities promise a magical end to 2025 with illuminations, Christmas markets, concerts, exhibitions, shows, and various entertainment throughout the capital. The spectacular display of lights and decorations will adorn the city from November 21 until January 11, 2026. The lights will be illuminated daily from 6 a.m. until sunrise, and then again in the evening from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. (Sunday to Thursday) or until midnight (Friday and Saturday). For the special holidays of December 24, 25, 26, and 31, the lights will stay on an extra hour, until 1 a.m. Illuminations and DecorationsThe capital's streets will be decorated with 1,334 decorations, featuring a total of 3,707 patterns. This includes classic displays like the illuminations in Kinnekswiss Park, Amélie Park, Rue Philippe-II, Rue de la Boucherie, Place des Martyrs, and the Pfaffenthal Elevator. The popular giant gifts at the intersection of Avenue de la Liberté and Avenue de la Gare, Place Wallis, and the 2D trees on Avenue de la Gare and Boulevard Royal will also return. New illuminations for 2025 will be introduced at Boulevard Roosevelt, the entrance to the Grand-Rue, Place d'Armes, and Place de la Constitution. In total, the celebration will feature more than 78 km of garlands, comprising over 1.3 million 100% LED light points. Christmas Markets and Attractions In addition to the lighting, approximately one hundred wooden chalets and various attractions will be deployed across the Ville-Haute and Gare districts from November 21 to January 4, 2026. -"Lëtzebuerger Chrëschtmaart" (Place d'Armes): This market will host 38 chalets, the traditional nativity scene, the "The Chaos of the Four Elements" merry-go-round, and the magical "Wanterzuch" train. A 12-meter-high Christmas tree, decorated with fairy lights and gold, red, and green baubles, will be the center piece. -"Wantermaart" (Place de la Constitution): Located at the base of the "Gëlle Fra," this market will feature 40 chalets, a 13-meter "golden tree", a giant pyramid, a 32-meter Ferris wheel, trampolines, and two merry-go-rounds ("Jungle Tour," "Mon Beau Sapin"). Panoramic gastronomy will offer views of the Pétrusse valley and the Adolphe bridge. -"Wanterpark" (Kinnekswiss): The open-air skating rink returns to the municipal park. The nearly 800 temporary ice rink (including 500 covered) will be accompanied by a gastronomic village with five chalets and musical programming provided by 30 DJs. Visitors can follow a giant heart from Avenue Amélie or the light decorations from the Schuman roundabout or Avenue de la Porte-Neuve to find it. -"Niklosmaart" (Place de Paris): Fourteen chalets will offer sweet and savory delicacies, handmade Advent wreaths, decorative items, textiles, and games. The square will be adorned with the "Niklosbam," a 22-meter tree composed of 350 fir trees, 51 giant candles, and 285,000 LED light points. A historic acrobat attraction will also be installed. -"Winterkids" and "Adventskalennerhaus" (Place Guillaume II): This market is specifically tailored for children and families, offering cooking and object-creation workshops, puppet theater, singing and music shows, and reading sessions. New additions this year include a giant slide and a flying reindeer ride. Another novelty is the "Adventskalennerhaus," a chalet with an Advent calendar façade where a new window will open daily from December 1 to 24. Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

The government of Luxembourg is set to triple its subsidies for municipal night transport services starting in 2026. This significant financial boost is a key measure aimed at expanding alternatives to private car use and consequently improving road safety across the country. Beginning in 2026, the state's annual financial support to municipalities for their various night transport options, which include services such as the Late-Night Bus, Night Rider, and Night Bus, will see a substantial rise. The subsidy per municipality will increase from €1,500 to €4,500. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Mobility, this threefold increase in funding is specifically intended to strengthen and bolster these services, reinforcing their role as viable and safe alternatives to driving private cars, particularly during late-night hours. Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

A month-long campaign to raise awareness of violence against women, known as Orange Week, is organizing more than 80 events across the country, running until December 10. This year's events officially began with the screening of the documentary "Black Box Diaries" by Shiori Ito this Thursday evening at the Cercle Cité. The campaign takes place every year from the end of November to December 10, bringing attention to violence against women and girls. The significant increase in participation is noteworthy; Anik Raskin, the administrative director of the National Women's Council, stated that there are now over 80 events, compared to less than 20 eight years ago. She expressed satisfaction that the initiative, launched eight years ago, has become an established part of the landscape in Luxembourg. The calendar of Orange Week demonstrates that the focus is expanding beyond domestic violence. Raskin noted that discussions are increasingly including other forms of violence, which also has an impact on political life. She is optimistic that future years will bring more statistics on these various forms of abuse, such as cyberviolence, economic violence, and sexual violence. Key events for the 2025 edition include the official launch on November 20 at the Merl Cultural Centre, a solidarity walk on November 22 in Luxembourg, and the formation of a human chain on November 25 at Place Guillaume, in front of the capital's city hall. The National Women's Council is also encouraging public support through a solidarity sale featuring orange candles, hats, and umbrellas. People are encouraged to light an orange candle on November 25 for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls and submit photos, which the CNFL has committed to publishing on its networks. Throughout the campaign, many public buildings and private companies will be illuminated in orange to visually show their support. Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu