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.

The government of Luxembourg confirmed that leading credit agency Moody’s has reaffirmed the country’s coveted AAA credit rating with a stable outlook. This endorsement reflects strong confidence in Luxembourg’s economic policies and financial health, even as global markets remain uncertain.  Moody’s highlighted Luxembourg’s resilient institutions, solid governance, and sound budget management as key reasons for the top rating. Officials noted that careful fiscal planning has kept public finances stable and helped maintain investor trust. Despite higher defence spending and moderate debt growth expected in the coming years, the country’s economic fundamentals remain firm.  The rating agency also forecast modest growth ahead, suggesting real GDP could rise in the next few years as activity rebounds from recent slowdowns in construction and other sectors. This balanced outlook underscores confidence in Luxembourg’s ability to weather economic challenges.  Local authorities welcomed the news, emphasizing that the stable rating supports Luxembourg’s attractiveness to foreign investors and reinforces its role as a reliable financial and business centre in Europe. The government sees this affirmation as validation of its long-term policy strategies.  Analysts say retaining AAA status helps keep borrowing costs low and strengthens Luxembourg’s position in global markets, which could benefit sectors beyond finance in the years ahead. Read more: gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2026/02-fevrier/14-luxembourg-moodys.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 City has become one of Europe’s most appealing homes for expatriates, thanks to its high quality of life and strong opportunities for work and family life. According to international surveys and rankings, Luxembourg consistently places among the top countries in the world for overall living standards — a result of its safety, economic stability, and peaceful environment.  One of the biggest draws for expats is the job market and economy. Luxembourg’s unemployment rate is low, wages are competitive compared with many other European countries, and key sectors like finance, technology and services continue to grow. Recent tax incentives for foreign workers have made the country even more attractive for international professionals.  The city’s multilingual and multicultural society also helps newcomers settle in quickly. French, German, Luxembourgish and English are widely used, making day-to-day life and work easier for people from around the world. Many expat families also choose from a range of international schools and benefit from Luxembourg’s well-regarded education system.  Luxembourg excels in public services too — its healthcare system is universal and efficient, and public transport is free nationwide, allowing residents to travel easily by bus, train or tram. Its central location in the heart of Europe means cities like Paris, Brussels and Frankfurt are just a few hours away, which is ideal for both business and leisure travel.  Finally, the city’s friendly naturalization process makes it possible for long-term residents to become citizens, and many expats choose to make Luxembourg their permanent home. With strong infrastructure, good services and a welcoming international community, Luxembourg City continues to attract skilled workers, families and professionals from every continent.  Read more: thecentral.lu/luxury-apartments-luxembourg-city/live-in-luxembourg-city/8-good-reasons-to-live-in-luxembourg-city-as-an-expat 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. 

Valentine’s Day may be known today for roses, chocolates, and candlelit dinners, but its roots go far deeper than modern romance. The celebration traces back to Saint Valentine, a figure believed to have secretly performed marriages in ancient Rome despite a ban imposed by the emperor. His actions, symbolizing love and loyalty, later inspired the annual observance on February 14. The day’s romantic connection grew stronger during the Middle Ages. Writers such as Geoffrey Chaucer linked the date with courtly love in their poetry, helping shape the tradition of expressing affection through words. Around the same time, Europeans believed mid-February marked the beginning of birds’ mating season, further tying the day to themes of love and partnership. Handwritten Valentine notes began appearing centuries ago, long before printed greeting cards became popular. One of the earliest recorded Valentine messages dates back to the 15th century, showing that people have been exchanging heartfelt words for hundreds of years. By the 19th century, mass-produced cards turned the holiday into a widespread cultural tradition. Interestingly, Valentine’s Day is not celebrated the same way everywhere. In some countries, it is a day for friendships and family bonds, while in others, it carries unique customs — from anonymous gift exchanges to week-long love celebrations. Despite its evolution over time, the heart of the day remains the same: expressing appreciation and affection for those who matter most. Read more: livemint.com/entertainment/valentines-day-surprising-facts-behind-day-of-love-11771049896416.html Join Luxembourg Expats, the #1 homegrown community for expats in Luxembourg. Connect with people and businesses locally - discover expats focused local services, buy and sell items, find housing and apartment rentals and buys, events, discounts and meet people to make friends - all in one expats companion app in Luxembourg. Sign up free at luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network. 

Luxembourg’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, the song “Mother Nature” by singer Eva Marija, has been officially confirmed to stay in the competition after facing questions over its style. The song won the national final, the Luxembourg Song Contest 2026, securing top votes from both the jury and the public, and earned the right to represent the small European country in Vienna this May.  Earlier concerns had emerged about possible similarities between “Mother Nature” and another track, leading to talk of potential plagiarism. Broadcaster RTL Luxembourg held talks with music experts and rights groups, ultimately concluding that the song will remain Luxembourg’s official entry with only slight technical tweaks.  Eva Marija’s performance marks Luxembourg’s third consecutive Eurovision appearance since its return to the contest, bringing renewed excitement to fans in the Grand Duchy. She’ll be taking to the stage during the second semi-final in mid-May, hoping to make an impact for her country.  Eurovision watchers will be watching closely as preparations ramp up, with rehearsals and promotional events already underway across Europe. Luxembourg has a long history in Eurovision, and supporters hope this year’s campaign will be memorable. Read more: eurovoix.com/2026/02/11/luxembourg-mother-nature-cleared-for-eurovision-participation ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 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 Prime Minister Luc Frieden recently told an international forum that Europe must build stronger economic independence and not lean too heavily on outside powers, especially the United States. Speaking at a discussion hosted by Harvard’s Institute of Politics, Frieden stressed that shifting global tensions show the need for the continent to strengthen its own markets and energy supplies.  Frieden’s comments come amid a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, with issues like energy security and supply chains under scrutiny as world powers adjust foreign policy strategies. He said that while cooperation with other nations remains important, European nations should work more collectively for resilience.  The prime minister also pointed to recent global events, including political developments in the Arctic region, as reminders that Europe must be prepared for challenges and opportunities without overdependence on any single partner.  Frieden’s perspective underscores growing debate in European capitals about how the continent balances its traditional alliances with the need for self-reliance in the face of shifting global power dynamics.  Read more: thecrimson.com/article/2026/2/11/luxembourg-pm-iop ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 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.

Countries including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Luxembourg are increasingly turning to social media to power tourism growth and economic recovery. By using platforms like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, tourism boards and travel businesses are reaching global audiences with engaging content and targeted advertising that drives travel interest.  In 2024 alone, advertising on these digital platforms helped contribute billions to national economies — with $5.6 billion added to the U.S. GDP, $3.7 billion in the EU27 and $0.7 billion in the UK — while also supporting tens of thousands of jobs across the travel sector.  These platforms play a role throughout the traveler's journey, from inspiring initial interest to helping with planning and sharing experiences, making them powerful tools for both large destinations and smaller tourism businesses looking to stand out.  Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and immersive media are enhancing the way destinations promote themselves and connect with potential visitors, leading to deeper engagement and stronger brand visibility.  Experts say this trend is likely to continue as destinations invest more in digital storytelling and creator-led campaigns that resonate with global audiences.  Read more: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/us-joins-uk-france-italy-germany-luxembourg-and-other-countries-in-implementing-the-power-of-social-media-to-boost-tourism-and-generate-billions/ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 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 stepping up its oversight of company ownership records by strengthening the legal framework governing its business registers. Recent legislative reforms give the Luxembourg Business Register (LBR) more tools and powers to verify, monitor and enforce compliance with corporate reporting duties. Under changes effective from early 2025, entities must provide accurate and timely information not just to the Trade and Companies Register (RCS) but also to the Register of Beneficial Owners (RBE) — which lists the individuals who ultimately control companies. These updates are aimed at aligning national rules with international transparency and anti-money-laundering standards. The reforms stem partly from a European Court of Justice ruling that restricted public access to beneficial ownership data on privacy grounds, prompting Luxembourg to adjust how data is shared and used while still preserving compliance and enforcement mechanisms. New administrative sanctions and more active oversight measures — including direct communication channels between the LBR and registered entities — are expected to improve the reliability and update frequency of ownership information. Officials say ongoing monitoring will continue to ensure that the register remains a useful tool for transparency, legal compliance and economic integrity. Read more: https://www.paminsight.com/epc/article/luxembourg-tightens-beneficial-ownership-register-monitoring ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 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.

A fresh co-development funding programme has been launched to strengthen the film industry in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. The initiative offers a €50,000 grant per project aimed at fiction and animated film development, encouraging producers and creative teams in the region to work together from the earliest stages of production. The programme is part of a two-year pilot scheme supported by the main national film funds — including Film Fund Luxembourg, Nederlands Filmfonds and Wallonia-Brussels Film and Audiovisual Centre — which aim to build stronger artistic cooperation and shared creative networks across the Benelux region.  Applicants must already have initial development backing from one of the partner funds to be eligible, and projects will be evaluated collectively each year to select three that best demonstrate innovative storytelling potential.  Organisers hope the grant will not only boost creativity but also increase the international visibility of Benelux cinema by helping projects secure robust co-production structures and financing before they reach production.  The first application window runs through 1 April 2026, and filmmakers from all three countries are being encouraged to apply.  Read more: filmfund.lu/en/news/launch-of-the-benelux-co-development-exchange ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 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 continues to attract wealthy individuals and families by offering a strong legal and financial framework that supports international wealth management and structuring. The country’s financial centre is known for its stability, regulatory clarity, and wide range of investment and planning tools useful for long-term asset protection. Financial professionals note that Luxembourg’s legal environment offers multiple structures — such as specialised investment vehicles, insurance-based solutions, and tax-efficient frameworks — that help high-net-worth clients protect, diversify and transfer wealth across borders. These tools are especially valuable in estate planning and succession strategies. One popular option for investors and affluent families is life insurance-linked products that offer flexibility, legal protection and often favourable tax treatment, making them suitable for safeguarding assets and planning generational wealth transfers. Experts also highlight the country’s deep financial expertise, strong regulatory oversight, and access to international markets as reasons why global wealth managers and private banks choose Luxembourg as a hub for their operations. As global demand for sophisticated wealth planning grows, Luxembourg’s financial ecosystem — with its robust legal frameworks and professional services network — is expected to remain a preferred destination for international wealth structuring. 👉 Read more: international-adviser.com/utmost-wealth-how-luxembourgs-framework-empowers-international-wealth-structuring .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 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.