Luxembourg City has revealed plans for a large modern sports complex to replace the historic Josy Barthel Stadium. The project will be located in the Hamm district and includes an international-standard athletics stadium and training facilities. Additional features include a multi-sports hall, green public spaces, and improved infrastructure for athletes and visitors. The development will focus on sustainability, with eco-friendly construction methods and energy-efficient systems. Construction is planned in phases between 2026 and 2029, aiming to boost sports and community life in the capital. Read more: https://www.lessentiel.lu/fr/story/projet-le-futur-grand-site-sportif-de-luxembourg-ville-se-devoile-103473052 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.

Belgium and Luxembourg successfully tested a new cross-border alert plan during a joint police exercise on 17 December 2025. The drill simulated a serious crime where suspects crossed the border several times, requiring fast coordination between police forces. Authorities practiced setting up a virtual security ring, allowing officers to react quickly to major incidents such as terrorism or organised crime. The alert plan was signed in May 2024 and officially became operational in July 2025, improving communication between both countries. Officials say the test proved the system works and strengthens public safety on both sides of the border. Read more: https://www.visahq.com/news/2025-12-18/be/belgium-and-luxembourg-drill-new-cross-border-alert-plan/ Join Luxembourg Expats, the #1 homegrown community for expats in Luxembourg. Connect with people and businesses locally - discover expats focused local services, buy and sell items, find housing and apartment rentals and buys, events, discounts and meet people to make friends - all in one expats companion app in Luxembourg. Sign up free at www.luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network.  

Health authorities in Luxembourg reported a strong rise in respiratory infections during the second week of December 2025. Influenza cases showed the sharpest increase. Laboratory data revealed that flu cases rose by more than 50%, mainly caused by influenza A. Children and teenagers were the most affected age groups. Cases of RSV also increased, particularly among young children. Hospitals are monitoring the situation closely as winter illnesses spread. At the same time, COVID-19 infections went up, supported by higher virus levels detected in wastewater monitoring systems. Officials are encouraging vaccination, good hygiene, and caution in crowded spaces to reduce further spread. Read more: https://cad.gouvernement.lu/en/actualites.gouvernement2024%2Bfr%2Bactualites%2Btoutes_actualites%2Bcommuniques%2B2025%2B12-decembre%2B18-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 www.luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network.  

Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden took part in the European Council meeting held in Brussels from 17 to 19 December 2025. The summit brought together EU leaders to discuss major political and economic matters. One of the main topics was continued support for Ukraine, along with Europe’s role in global security and diplomacy. Leaders also exchanged views on current international conflicts. Economic stability and the future of the EU budget were also high on the agenda. Discussions focused on competitiveness, growth, and protecting European interests. During the visit, Frieden also represented the Benelux countries at a meeting with leaders from the Western Balkans, stressing cooperation and regional stability. The meetings aimed to strengthen unity within the EU while preparing for future challenges facing Europe. Read more: gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2025/12-decembre/17-frieden-conseil.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 government has approved adjustments to the country’s pension system, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, as part of efforts to secure long-term financial stability. The changes aim to balance pension finances up to 2042 and preserve reserve funds until 2050. Key elements include gradually aligning the actual retirement age with the legal age of 65, as many currently retire earlier, and increasing the total contribution rate from 24% to 25.5% to strengthen the system’s resources. Other reforms being discussed involve flexible recognition of study years and a phased approach to pension contributions and entitlements, giving workers more clarity on long-term planning. These measures come after broad public consultation under the “Schwätz mat!” initiative, which sought input from citizens, experts, and stakeholders on how to adapt the pension structure responsibly. Read more: https://m3s.gouvernement.lu/en/campagnes/lancement-schwatzmat-systeme-retraite1.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.

A European Under-21 football qualifying match between France and Luxembourg was postponed after the Luxembourg U21 team’s bus was involved in a traffic accident in Brittany, France. The vehicle reportedly left the road after the driver became unwell, leaving the team shaken.  Several players, staff members, and the driver suffered minor injuries, and emergency services helped transport those affected to local medical facilities. Because of this, UEFA agreed to delay the match.  Originally scheduled in Lorient as part of the Euro U21 2027 qualifiers, the game has now been pushed back to October 3, 2026, giving the team time to recover from the shock and ensure everyone’s safety.  Both football federations expressed their support for the Luxembourg squad and praised the quick response from first responders on the scene. Read more: https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/france-vs-luxembourg-u21-football-match-postponed-why-reason-bus-crash-injuries-news/article70015952.ece 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 Prime Minister Luc Frieden has urged European leaders to ensure Ukraine has the resources needed to continue its defence against Russia’s invasion. Speaking ahead of a key European Council meeting, he emphasised that borders cannot be changed by force and that the EU must provide means to help Ukraine withstand the war.  Frieden outlined that EU leaders are exploring ways to finance Ukraine beyond the current plan, which includes about €90 billion in support through 2026. Options being discussed include using frozen Russian assets in a zero-interest loan or EU joint borrowing, similar to pandemic-era financing.  He said there are two main options on the table and stressed the need for unity among EU states, especially if future support from partners like the United States becomes uncertain.  The broader discussions come as the EU seeks to balance defence, economic, and political strategies in the face of ongoing conflict in Ukraine.  Read more: https://au.news.yahoo.com/ukraine-means-survive-war-luxembourg-081347082.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.  

Amazon has announced one of its largest job reductions at its European headquarters in Luxembourg, cutting about 370 roles, roughly 8.5% of its workforce — the biggest layoffs in the country in roughly 20 years. The move is part of Amazon’s global restructuring and push toward new business priorities like artificial intelligence.  Many affected employees are foreign workers from countries such as India, the US, Australia, Egypt, and Tunisia. These workers face extra pressure because Luxembourg rules generally give them only about three months to find a new job if they lose their current one, or they may have to leave the country. The layoffs were slightly reduced from an earlier plan of 470 cuts after negotiations under EU labour laws, but the decision still sparked concern among workers and unions. Amazon says the changes reflect business needs and local strategy, and that severance packages go “well beyond industry benchmarks,” but unions have criticised the move, noting the company’s favourable tax setup in Luxembourg.  Read more: livemint.com/companies/news/amazon-layoffs-8-5-pc-370-employees-cut-tech-hub-luxembourg-how-indian-foreign-workers-difficult-question-why-job-market-11766109934352.html Join Luxembourg Expats, the #1 homegrown community for expats in Luxembourg. Connect with people and businesses locally - discover expats focused local services, buy and sell items, find housing and apartment rentals and buys, events, discounts and meet people to make friends - all in one expats companion app in Luxembourg. Sign up free at luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network. 

The United Kingdom has agreed to rejoin the European Union’s well-known Erasmus student exchange programme starting in January 2027, a significant step after leaving the scheme following Brexit. Under this new deal, British students will once again be able to study, train or do work placements in EU countries without additional foreign fees, just like before the UK exited the programme in 2020.  The government said the UK will contribute around £570 million for its first year of participation, which has been negotiated at a discount compared with earlier terms. The return to Erasmus is expected to benefit more than 100,000 people, including university students, apprentices, adult learners and educators.  Rejoining the scheme is seen as part of broader efforts by the UK government to strengthen ties with the EU after years of post-Brexit negotiations. Leaders from both sides have described the deal as a positive step for young people and international cooperation in education and training.  Supporters say this move opens up valuable cultural and career-building opportunities for a new generation of UK students, while critics have raised concerns about the cost and whether it represents a step back toward closer EU alignment.  👉 Read more: bbc.com/news/live/c4g654qgl83t?at_link_id=3906B154-DB2E-11F0-B78E-AF17F865F583 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 Academy Awards — one of Hollywood’s biggest nights — will soon have a new home online instead of on traditional broadcast TV. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has agreed to a multi-year deal with YouTube that gives the platform exclusive global rights to stream the Oscars beginning in 2029 through 2033. This marks a historic shift away from broadcast television after decades on networks like ABC and CBS.  Under the agreement, YouTube will stream the Oscars live and free worldwide, including red-carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes content, Governors Awards, and more. The move aims to reach a broader and more diverse global audience by using YouTube’s huge reach and multilingual features.  ABC, the long-time broadcast partner, will continue airing the Oscars through the 100th ceremony in 2028, but 2029’s Oscars will be exclusively on YouTube. The Academy hopes this change reflects evolving viewing habits and growing demand for online streaming.  YouTube’s CEO said the partnership will help inspire a new generation of film fans while honoring the Oscars’ legacy. Meanwhile, ABC expressed pride in its decades-long relationship with the ceremony.  The shift marks the first time a major award ceremony — between the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, and Tonys — will fully transition off broadcast TV to an online platform.  👉 Read more: edition.cnn.com/2025/12/17/media/oscars-youtube-academy-awards-abc 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.

Several online services in Luxembourg were disrupted after LuxTrust, the country’s digital authentication provider, experienced a technical interruption. Users reported being unable to access banking platforms, public administration portals, and other services that depend on LuxTrust verification, causing inconvenience for individuals and businesses alike. According to information shared on LuxTrust’s official support channels, the issue affected authentication and transaction processes across its network. The company confirmed that the problem was technical in nature and that its teams immediately began working to identify and resolve the cause. LuxTrust reassured users that the outage was not linked to a security breach and that personal data remains protected. Despite this assurance, the incident highlighted how essential the platform is for daily digital activities in Luxembourg, as many services rely entirely on its infrastructure. During the downtime, users encountered login failures and transaction errors, preventing them from completing urgent tasks. LuxTrust has stated that restoring normal operations is a priority and updates will be shared as progress is made. 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-based Quintet Private Bank is set for a leadership change with the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer. The move signals a strategic transition for the financial group. Thomas Heinzl, currently Chief Financial Officer at Swiss bank Vontobel, has been named as the future CEO of Quintet. He is expected to assume the role in the second quarter of 2026. Heinzl will succeed Chris Allen, who is scheduled to step down at the end of March. The leadership change comes at a time when the bank is focusing on long-term growth and stability. Quintet manages over €100 billion in assets and operates across several European markets. The new appointment aims to strengthen the bank’s position in the competitive private banking sector. Read more – https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com%2C2025%3Anewsml_L8N3XM09K%3A0-vontobel-cfo-heinzl-to-become-ceo-of-luxembourg-based-quintet/ Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu  

Luxembourg has reaffirmed its commitment to building a secure, competitive, and sustainable energy supply across Europe. The pledge was made during discussions at a high-level European meeting in Brussels. The country emphasized the need for stronger cross-border cooperation to ensure energy security and reduce dependency risks. Improving energy infrastructure and market integration were highlighted as key priorities. Luxembourg also stressed the importance of accelerating renewable energy development to meet climate goals while keeping energy prices affordable for businesses and households. European leaders discussed simplifying approval processes for energy projects and improving coordination among member states. Luxembourg positioned itself as an active contributor to Europe’s green energy transition. Read more – https://chronicle.lu/category/at-home/58544-luxembourg-commits-to-secure-competitive-sustainable-energy-supply-in-europe Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu  

Armenia and Luxembourg have officially strengthened their diplomatic relationship by signing a Strategic Partnership Declaration. The agreement marks a new phase of cooperation between the two nations. The declaration was signed by Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel. It reflects a shared vision for closer political and economic engagement. Both countries aim to expand cooperation in key areas such as trade, investment, education, and innovation. The partnership also seeks to promote dialogue on international and regional security issues. The agreement highlights Armenia’s growing engagement with European partners and Luxembourg’s interest in supporting stability and development through diplomacy and collaboration. Read more – caspianpost.com/armenia/armenia-luxembourg-ink-strategic-partnership-declaration Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan is set to visit Luxembourg as part of an official diplomatic trip aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The visit highlights Armenia’s growing engagement with European partners and Luxembourg’s role in regional diplomacy. During the visit, Mirzoyan is expected to hold talks with Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel. Discussions will focus on political cooperation, European affairs, and ways to expand collaboration at both bilateral and multilateral levels. The two sides are also expected to sign a cooperation agreement, signaling a renewed commitment to closer diplomatic and strategic ties. This agreement may open doors for stronger cooperation in areas such as governance, economic relations, and international diplomacy. Luxembourg has consistently supported dialogue and stability initiatives in the region, making the visit significant for Armenia’s foreign policy goals. The meeting also reflects Luxembourg’s active engagement with Eastern Partnership countries. Overall, the visit marks an important step in reinforcing diplomatic ties and fostering long-term cooperation between Armenia and Luxembourg. Read more: news.az/news/armenian-fm-to-visit-luxembourg Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app

China and Luxembourg reaffirmed their long-standing partnership during a meeting between senior parliamentary leaders in Beijing. The talks focused on strengthening cooperation and mutual understanding. Chinese legislator Zhao Leji met with Claude Wiseler, President of Luxembourg’s Parliament, highlighting over five decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Both sides discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in areas such as clean energy, artificial intelligence, finance and trade. Cultural and educational exchanges were also emphasised. The meeting underlined a shared commitment to dialogue, respect and collaboration as China and Luxembourg look to deepen ties in the years ahead. Read more: https://english.news.cn/20251212/ee0f3d4d246f4374a1553ef180d5092d/c.html Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu  

Zodia Custody has received approval under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation from Luxembourg’s financial watchdog. This licence allows the firm to operate across all EU member states. The authorisation marks a major milestone for the company and reflects Luxembourg’s role as a leader in regulated digital finance. It also signals growing maturity in the European crypto market. With the licence, Zodia Custody can offer secure and compliant digital asset custody services to institutional clients throughout Europe. This strengthens confidence in regulated crypto infrastructure. Company executives say the approval supports future expansion and encourages broader adoption of digital assets under clear regulatory frameworks. Read more: assetservicingtimes.com/assetservicesnews/digitalassetsarticle.php?article_id=17468  Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

Luxembourg’s Finance and Budget Committee has approved its detailed report on the 2026 state budget, a crucial stage in the parliamentary process. The budget is considered one of the most important laws debated each year. The report reviews government spending plans, expected revenues and key policy priorities. It addresses economic challenges while aiming to maintain financial stability and social support. Committee members discussed public investment, housing, employment and cost-of-living measures. Special attention was given to balancing long-term growth with responsible spending. With the report adopted, the draft budget will now move forward for broader parliamentary debate and final approval in the coming weeks. Read more: chd.lu/fr/finances-budget2026-rapport-adoption-12122025 Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

Members of Luxembourg’s Parliament carried out an official visit to Romania to meet Luxembourg soldiers stationed there under a NATO mission. The visit aimed to better understand the conditions and responsibilities of troops deployed on the alliance’s eastern flank. The delegation travelled to the Cincu military training base, a key NATO site hosting multinational forces. Luxembourg soldiers are serving alongside troops from France, Spain, Belgium and Romania, strengthening joint defence cooperation. During the visit, MPs observed military training exercises and received briefings on daily operations. Soldiers shared their experiences, challenges and the importance of readiness in a changing security environment. Lawmakers highlighted that the mission reflects Luxembourg’s commitment to NATO solidarity and European security. They praised the professionalism and dedication shown by the deployed personnel. Read more: https://www.chd.lu/fr/diplomatie-visite-roumanie-rencontre-soldats-OTAN-decembre2025 Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

Luxembourg is adapting its economic and financial strategies amid global uncertainty.. Luxembourg continues to play an essential role in the European financial ecosystem, particularly in funds management, cross-border finance, and regulatory innovation. This position is being tested by evolving global rules and market shifts. The report reviews key decisions taken by policymakers to strengthen long-term stability while attracting new investment. Technology, sustainability, and diversified economic planning are becoming central themes. Luxembourg is focusing on balancing economic growth with compliance requirements, especially as global standards tighten. Strong governance frameworks remain a priority. Overall, Luxembourg’s strategic push to remain a secure, forward-thinking hub in Europe’s evolving financial landscape. Read more: https://www.ft.com/content/4fa88258-e109-4a03-abfe-5d1c0c3a6880 Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu  

A major general strike across Portugal on 11 December 2025 is expected to disrupt flights and public transport and that disruption may reach Luxembourg Findel Airport (Findel), as travellers returning from Portugal could face delays or cancellations.  The strike called by Portugal’s leading labour unions in protest against the government’s proposed labour-law reforms — will affect airlines, airports, trains, metros and buses nationwide. The walk-out is the first general strike of this scale in over a decade, signalling widespread discontent among public- and private-sector workers.  Luxair, the flag carrier connecting Luxembourg with Portugal has warned that while the flights to/from Porto and Lisbon are currently scheduled, travellers should expect potential delays or disruption. Passengers flying into Luxembourg from Portugal on strike day are also urged to allow extra time for their journey, given possible problems with ground transport in Portugal.  For those planning to travel on 11 December, airlines and transport operators recommend checking the status of flights and public-transport services in advance. You may need to arrive at the airport earlier than usual, or consider rebooking if possible.  Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu  

Justice Minister Elisabeth Margue took part in an informal meeting of European justice ministers, focusing on strengthening judicial cooperation across the continent. The gathering brought together representatives from several countries to discuss common challenges in law and security. The discussions centered on improving cross-border legal processes and harmonising approaches to modern threats, including cybercrime and digital fraud. Participants also explored ways to streamline justice systems to make them more efficient and accessible to citizens. Margue highlighted Luxembourg’s commitment to supporting European collaboration and stressed the importance of transparent, modern justice practices. She noted that shared challenges require shared solutions. The meeting served as a platform to exchange expertise, build stronger partnerships, and prepare for future policy developments at the European level. Read more – https://gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2025/12-decembre/10-margue-conference-informelle-justice.html Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats appSignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu 

The government of Luxembourg has publicly reaffirmed its “strong” support for Montenegro on its path toward membership of the European Union. The statement, released recently, signals continuing political solidarity from one of the EU’s long-standing founding members. Montenegro is among the few Balkan states still navigating the complex accession process to join the EU. As of 2025, the country has made significant progress in meeting many of the EU’s requirements, though several chapters remain to be closed. Luxembourg’s renewed backing comes at a critical time — reinforcing Montenegro’s prospects and offering diplomatic support as the country undertakes reforms and negotiations. Such endorsements help build momentum within EU institutions and can influence the pace and tone of accession talks. For Montenegro, the reaffirmation is more than symbolic — it could translate into concrete political goodwill, encouragement for continued reforms, and a clearer signal to other EU member states to keep the door open. Read more - en.vijesti.me/news-b/politika/785882/Frieden-Luxembourg-will-continue-to-strongly-support-Montenegro's-path-towards-the-European-Union Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

In a landmark enforcement under the Digital Services Act (DSA), the European Commission has slapped a €120 million fine on X (formerly Twitter) for failing to comply with transparency and user-safety rules. This is the first non-compliance decision since the law, which targets large online platforms, came into force. The violations cited include allowing anyone to buy a “blue checkmark” verification badge — triggering concerns over impersonation and deception — failure to maintain a public advertising repository with clear data on who funded ads, and placing unnecessary barriers that prevent independent researchers from accessing public platform data. For the Commission, this fine isn’t about restricting speech, it’s about enforcing baseline transparency and consumer-protection norms. As one expert noted, the fine reflects “normal, boring requirements” rather than censorship. The decision sends a strong signal, big tech platforms now face real consequences under DSA rules. X has reportedly been given a deadline to comply or face further penalties. Meanwhile, the case is being watched closely around the world, as it could reshape how social-media giants operate across borders. Read more - dw.com/en/eu-imposes-120-million-fine-on-elon-musks-x-for-breaking-digital-rules/a-75033724 Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

On 6 December 2025, Luxembourg reaffirmed its commitment to global development by contributing €2 million to the European Investment Bank (EIB)-managed FEMIP Trust Fund. The new funding brings the total size of FEMIP to €72 million — reinforcing the fund’s ability to deliver technical assistance across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.  The FEMIP Trust Fund, originally established in 2004, supports project preparation and implementation in non-EU countries bordering the Mediterranean. So far, it has backed nearly 100 grant operations, which in turn have facilitated close to €6.7 billion in total investments, including €3.8 billion provided by the EIB through loans.  According to EIB President Nadia Calviño, Luxembourg’s latest contribution strengthens the institution’s capacity to back infrastructure, social programs, and sustainable-development projects in a region that needs stability and growth. The Luxembourg Finance Minister Gilles Roth said the move underscores the country’s long-standing role as a major donor, and aligns with broader EU goals of fostering economic resilience, social inclusion, and opportunity beyond Europe’s borders.  Read more - europeansting.com/2025/12/08/luxembourg-contributes-e2-million-to-eib-managed-femip-trust-fund-for-projects-preparation-and-implementation-in-the-mena-region  Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

A debate raging across the Council of the European Union has reignited after some digital ministers voiced opposition to a proposed definition of “sovereign cloud” that could effectively bar leading U.S. cloud-service providers from offering services in the bloc.  Countries such as Czechia, Finland, Luxembourg and Greece argued that an overly rigid definition, one focused solely on “European-based providers” — might hurt business operations, stifle cross-border collaboration, and limit access to advanced cloud technologies. Critics of the so-called “sovereign cloud” push say that although ambitions for digital autonomy are understandable, overly restrictive rules could backfire — reinforcing dependence on a small set of global “hyperscalers,” curbing innovation, and undermining Europe's competitiveness in cloud and AI infrastructure. A related tender from the European Commission to stimulate European cloud providers underscores that Brussels aims to develop an alternative cloud ecosystem — but whether this will birth a thriving local market or simply reshape dependencies remains uncertain. Read More - https://www.euractiv.com/news/eu-digital-ministers-push-against-cloud-sovereignty-definition-that-would-block-us/ Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

Indian biotech firm ATGC Biotech has teamed up with Israeli firm Luxembourg Industries to launch a 50:50 joint venture named Semiophore Ltd. — aiming to take Indian-developed pheromone and semiochemical crop-protection technologies global.  With a combined investment of USD 10 million, Semiophore plans to commercialise 18 advanced semiochemical products across markets from Israel and Brazil to Australia and Africa, tapping into what the partners describe as a multi-billion-dollar global opportunity.  Under the deal, ATGC Biotech brings the intellectual property, R&D and regulatory know-how, while Luxembourg Industries will handle manufacturing, regulatory compliance and marketing — aiming to roll out the first commercial batches by 2026, with full-scale distribution targeted for 2027. The partnership is being hailed as a milestone in sustainable, residue-free, climate-resilient agriculture — offering a shift from traditional chemical pesticides to behaviour-based, environmentally friendly pest control solutions.  Read more - https://www.fnbnews.com/Top-News/atgc-biotech--luxembourg-industries-unveils-semiophore-for-global-deployment-of-novel-pheromone-technologies-85495  Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu  

In recent years, Luxembourg has quietly but steadily been transforming into a major hub for international conferences, trade fairs, and business gatherings. In 2024 alone, the country hosted roughly 9,150 business events — a roughly 10 % increase over the previous year — drawing nearly 935,000 participants, many from abroad. A central reason behind this surge is the presence of top-tier venues like European Convention Center Luxembourg (ECCL), set in the modern business district Kirchberg. ECCL alone hosted over 160 events in 2024, accommodating large conferences and congresses with capacity for up to 1,500 people. To support this growth, Luxembourg has also seen a rise in infrastructure — including six new hotels opened over the past two years — and the total accommodation capacity has increased by 11% since 2019, now offering around 7,800 rooms. What makes Luxembourg stand out beyond logistics is its unique blend of business and leisure. Within a small footprint, the country offers rich cultural heritage, accessible multilingual environments, excellent connectivity across Europe, and a high standard of living. The trend of “bleisure” — where delegates extend their professional trips with leisure stays — is rising, with many choosing to explore the country’s attractions after conferences.  Sustainability is also central to Luxembourg’s conference-tourism push. Organizers increasingly gravitate to its “green event” credentials, supported by eco-certified venues, sustainable transport options, and an event-ready ecosystem that balances modern amenities with environmental awareness. As Luxembourg strengthens its infrastructure and expands its global appeal, it’s shaping up to be a top destination not only for business events — but for a richer, more sustainable kind of business tourism. Read more - https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/why-luxembourg-is-emerging-as-a-top-destination-for-international-conferences-the-role-of-eccl-kirchberg-and-new-hotels-key-developments-and-trends-to-watch/  Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu  

New data reveals that in 2022 alone, more than 1.1 million deaths across the European Union (EU) could have been prevented through timely treatment or public-health measures. The burden was far from evenly spread. Countries in Eastern and Baltic Europe — especially Latvia, Romania, Hungary, Lithuania and Bulgaria — reported the highest avoidable mortality rates, exceeding 470 deaths per 100,000 people. In contrast, countries in Western and Northern Europe, such as Sweden and Switzerland, recorded much lower rates, sometimes less than half those of Eastern Europe. Health experts warn that factors like varying public-health investments, unequal access to care, and differing risk-factor levels (such as smoking, alcohol use, and chronic disease prevalence) are driving the disparities. The findings underline a grim reality: for many EU citizens, countries, or health systems, timely intervention and stronger preventive measures could mean the difference between life and death. Read more: https://www.euronews.com/health/2025/12/02/more-than-1-million-deaths-avoidable-in-the-eu-which-country-has-highest-preventable-death  Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

Amazon Luxembourg is reportedly planning to lay off 470 employees in Luxembourg — a reduction that would amount to more than 10% of its workforce in the country. The job cuts are part of what sources describe as a new restructuring phase for Amazon Luxembourg. According to union representatives, the move has sparked concern about the impact on staff morale and job security, especially given Amazon’s strong global earnings.  Representatives from the company have not yet provided full clarity on which departments or job functions will be most impacted, but the scale of layoffs suggests a significant reshaping of their local operations. Observers feel this may reflect broader cost-cutting or efficiency-driven decisions within Amazon’s international arm. If you’re interested, I can also check how this could affect Luxembourg’s job market overall — that insight helps put the layoffs in a larger economic context. Read more - https://www.bwpeople.in/article/amazon-plans-470-job-cuts-in-luxembourg-582299  Join the community of your own - #1 homegrown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu