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🇱🇺 “Moving Languages” Aims to Boost Luxembourgish and French Skills

Luxembourg’s Ministry of Education has introduced “Moving Languages”, a new immersive language-learning programme designed to help adults quickly gain practical speaking ability in Luxembourgish and French. Minister Claude Meisch and INLL director Maisy Gorza unveiled the approach on 14 January 2026, saying it was created in response to strong demand for effective language learning in the multilingual country.  The course draws on the LieLa method from Liechtenstein, a technique emphasizing movement and sensory engagement to reinforce learning. Over eight weeks, participants attend about 15 hours of classes per week, with all instruction delivered in the target language from day one to strengthen oral comprehension and speaking confidence.  Since pilot sessions began in early 2025, the programme has grown rapidly. Officially added to the National Institute of Languages’ offerings in September 2025, autumn sessions quickly filled all available places, underlining the need for innovative language options. In addition to general adult learners, the approach is now being used to help refugees and international protection applicants improve French language skills as part of their integration process, with up to 180 learners enrolled in the current school year.  Looking ahead, the government plans to train more instructors in the method and expand the programme further, aiming to make language mastery more accessible throughout Luxembourg. Read more: https://gouvernement.lu/en/gouvernement/claude-meisch/actualites.gouvernement2024+fr+actualites+toutes_actualites+communiques+2026+01-janvier+14-meisch-moving-languages.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.  

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Luxembourg Moves to Crack Down on Illegal Gambling Machines

Luxembourg’s government has introduced a new draft bill aimed at giving authorities stronger powers to seize illegal gambling terminals operating in bars and other public places. The legislation, presented to the Parliamentary Justice Committee, targets unlicensed machines that often appear as internet kiosks but are used for gambling, raising concerns about their accessibility to minors and lack of regulation. Under the proposed rules, enforcement agencies would have a clearer legal path to confiscate these unauthorized devices, and bar owners who host them could face tougher penalties. Justice Minister Elisabeth Margue told lawmakers that the bill refines key legal definitions so that only games approved by the Luxembourg National Lottery can be offered.  To help businesses adjust, the draft includes a three-month transition period for compliance, while allowing some exceptions for traditional activities such as village raffles even when minors are present.  The move is part of a broader effort to overhaul Luxembourg’s gambling laws, with a second phase expected to focus on regulating online gambling. Margue has previously said the government is considering licensing the country’s sole land-based casino to operate online gaming, though questions about enforcement and technology like geo-blocking remain under review.  Read more – https://focusgn.com/proposed-legislation-grants-more-powers-to-seize-illegal-gaming-terminals-in-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.  

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Major Reform Announced for Childcare Voucher System

Luxembourg has announced a major reform of its childcare voucher system, known as chèque-service accueil (CSA). The changes were presented on 12 January 2026 by Education Minister Claude Meisch and aim to improve fairness, quality, and access to childcare. A central part of the reform is increased financial support from the state. Public contributions to childcare providers are being raised from €6 to €7 per hour per child, allowing structures to improve services and staffing. The government is also working to improve access to childcare places across the country. The reform focuses on reducing waiting times and ensuring that more families can find suitable care options close to home. Parents are expected to benefit from greater financial relief under the new system. The updated CSA model is designed to make childcare more affordable while ensuring that support is fairly distributed, regardless of household income. According to the ministry, the reform ensures that no family is left behind and that high-quality childcare remains accessible for all children in Luxembourg. Read more: men.public.lu/fr/actualites/communiques-conference-presse/2026/01/12-reforme-csa.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.

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Hosts Revealed for Luxembourg Song Contest 2026

Luxembourg’s national broadcaster RTL Luxembourg has officially announced the hosts for the Luxembourg Song Contest 2026, the televised show that will choose the country’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. The event is set to be one of the major entertainment highlights in Luxembourg’s music calendar. Veteran presenters Raoul Roos and Loïc Juchem are returning to lead the show once again, bringing their familiar and engaging presenting style to the stage. They will be joined this year by Hana Sofia, a well-known Luxembourgish actress with international credits in Germany and Portugal, adding fresh energy to the hosting lineup. The Luxembourg Song Contest 2026 will take place on 24 January 2026 at Rockhal in Esch-Belval, where eight acts will compete live for a chance to represent Luxembourg at the Eurovision Song Contest later in the year. The show will be broadcast live on RTL Télé Lëtzebuerg and streamed online, with commentary available in multiple languages. Competitors include a mix of solo artists and a band, each hoping to capture both jury and public support. Among the entries are songs like “I’m The Martian” and “Mother Nature”, showcasing a range of musical styles and talents from the Luxembourgish music scene. The winner of the national final will go on to perform at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, Austria, where Luxembourg returns as a competing nation after its recent comeback. Fans across the country are already eagerly awaiting the live broadcast and exciting performances. Read more: esctoday.com/202647/luxembourg-luxembourg-song-contest-2026-hosts-unveiled ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  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.

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New Tax Credit Boosts Start-Ups and Worker Incentives

Luxembourg has introduced a new tax credit in 2026 to encourage private investment in start-ups and strengthen the country’s business ecosystem. The measure is part of the government’s wider economic and employment reforms. Investors who put money into eligible Luxembourg start-ups can now claim a tax credit worth 20 percent of their investment. The credit is capped at €100,000 per year and is designed to support young companies during their early growth stages. Alongside this, the government has updated tax rules linked to employment. Employers who hire seasonal workers or trainees now benefit from higher wage limits that qualify for flat-rate taxation. The changes also affect certain sectors, including agriculture. Workers in these fields are now allowed to work longer continuous periods under the flat-rate tax system, offering greater flexibility for both employers and employees. According to the government, these measures aim to attract investment, support job creation, and make Luxembourg more competitive for start-ups and businesses. Read more: gouvernement.lu/en/actualites/toutes_actualites/articles/2025/12-decembre/nouveautes-2026.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.

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U.S. Plans to Block Big Investors From Buying Family Homes

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a plan to ban large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes in the United States, aiming to make homeownership more affordable for average families and young buyers. He declared on social media that “people live in homes, not corporations,” and said he will ask Congress to turn the policy into law, though specific implementation details and legal authority haven’t yet been outlined. The move targets major Wall Street firms and private equity groups that have bought up tens of thousands of houses to rent out, a trend critics say has tightened supply and driven up prices in many housing markets. Stocks of some real estate investors, including Blackstone, dropped after the announcement, reflecting market concern about the potential impact. Supporters of the plan argue it will help first-time buyers compete and slow corporate dominance in the housing market, particularly where competition from well-funded buyers has priced out individuals. Trump said he may discuss broader housing affordability policies at the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos. However, housing experts caution that large institutional investors account for only a small share of the total housing stock, and that restricting their purchases may not significantly ease overall prices without addressing broader supply shortages.  Read more: reuters.com/world/us/us-will-ban-large-institutional-investors-buying-single-family-homes-trump-says-2026-01-07 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.

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Luxembourg Welcomes India’s Minister of External Affairs

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has started an official visit to Luxembourg as part of a week-long trip that also includes France, aiming to strengthen diplomatic and strategic ties. He was welcomed on arrival in Luxembourg on January 5, 2026, with warm greetings from India’s Ambassador and local officials, signalling friendly relations between the two countries. Before reaching Luxembourg, Jaishankar conducted high-level meetings in Paris, including talks with the International Energy Agency’s head about global energy issues and India’s energy goals. His official programme in Luxembourg includes meetings with top government leaders to discuss bilateral relations and international topics of mutual interest. He is expected to engage with local Indian communities and further deepen cooperation. This visit reflects India’s ongoing efforts to expand partnerships in Europe on issues spanning diplomacy, trade, culture, and global cooperation. Read more: socialnews.xyz/2026/01/05/luxembourg-s-jaishankar-arrives-on-official-visit-gallery 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. 

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Schengen Agreement: How Free Travel Changed Europe

The Schengen Agreement, first signed near the village of Schengen in Luxembourg in 1985 and implemented in 1995, has reshaped travel across Europe by removing routine border checks between member countries, dramatically simplifying and boosting tourism and cross-border mobility. Celebrated at travel industry events like ITB Berlin, experts highlight how the Schengen Area has made European trips faster, easier, and more spontaneous for millions — both EU citizens and international visitors. Instead of separate visas for each country, travelers can move across 29 nations with a single Schengen visa, saving time and red tape. This border-free zone has not only encouraged holiday travel but also daily cross-border commuting, cultural exchange, and economic growth, especially in regions close to national frontiers like Luxembourg and its neighbors. The COVID-19 pandemic’s temporary return to border controls reminded many how valuable these open borders are for personal freedom and business travel, reinforcing support for the Schengen concept among industry leaders. Read more: hotelnewsresource.com/article139377.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.

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Holiday Train Chaos: Eurostar Halted by Power Failure

A major power failure in the Channel Tunnel on December 30, 2025 forced Eurostar to suspend all its high-speed train services linking the UK with continental Europe, disrupting travel between London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Engineers are working to fix the overhead power supply problem that left lines dead and hundreds of passengers stranded at stations like London’s St Pancras amid the peak holiday rush. Travel chaos spread across the Channel Tunnel after the technical fault also affected LeShuttle vehicle trains, prompting the operator to advise customers to postpone travel or seek alternative routes such as ferry services from Dover. Service has gradually resumed on limited sections, but severe delays and last-minute cancellations continue, with Eurostar warning travellers to check schedules before heading to stations.  Stranded passengers faced long waits, confusion, and in some cases harsh winter conditions while officials worked to bring lines back into full service. Despite ongoing recovery efforts, transport planners say this disruption highlights the fragility of critical cross-border rail infrastructure during high-demand periods. 👉 Read more: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12/30/eurostar-suspends-all-europe-trains-due-to-power-issue-amid-holiday-period 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.  

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Denmark’s Letter Era Ends After 400 Years

Denmark has officially delivered its last traditional letter as its national postal service, PostNord, ends more than four centuries of letter delivery in the country. The decision, driven by a sharp fall in physical mail usage, marks Denmark as the first nation to completely stop public letter delivery as digital communication becomes dominant. Since 2000, the volume of letters has dropped by over 90%, making the service financially unsustainable for the state-run operator.  The historic service, which traced its roots back to the early 1600s, will now focus solely on parcel deliveries as e-commerce continues to grow. Around 1,500 traditional red mailboxes have been removed from Danish streets, and about 1,500 postal jobs are expected to be cut as part of the shift.  For Danes who still wish to send letters, private company Dao is expanding its operations. From January 2026, Dao will handle most letter deliveries, though customers must drop off mail at Dao locations or use its app to buy postage.  The move reflects broader global trends as more countries grapple with the decline of paper mail, but Denmark’s full exit from public letter delivery is unprecedented.  Read more: edition.cnn.com/2025/12/30/europe/denmark-postal-service-letters-intl-scli 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. 

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Luxembourg Opens Doors to Long-Term Residency

Luxembourg continues to attract global interest as a place to live, work, and settle long-term, and recent coverage highlights the possibility of Indians applying for permanent residency status in the country. This interest comes as more people consider relocating to European nations for better career and lifestyle opportunities.  Under Luxembourg’s immigration rules, third-country nationals (including Indians) may apply for a long-term residence permit after living legally and continuously in the country for at least five years. Once granted, permanent residence allows holders to live and work in Luxembourg indefinitely without needing to renew short-term visas.  To be eligible, applicants must have maintained lawful residence for the full period, with allowed absences under specific limits, and submit their application to the country’s immigration authorities. These rules apply equally to all third-country nationals who meet the criteria.  Although some countries in Europe offer fast-track or investment-linked residency programs, Luxembourg’s main pathway remains tied to long-term stay and integration. There are also options like residence-by-investment programs where wealthy applicants can gain residence through economic contributions, though these typically require significant investment.  For Indians interested in settling in Europe, understanding Luxembourg’s requirements now can help plan long-term relocation strategies, whether through work, study, or business pathways. Read more: msn.com/en-in/news/world/want-to-live-in-luxembourg-the-country-is-offering-a-permanent-residency-and-indians-can-apply-too/ar-AA1N4sFy?apiversion=v2&domshim=1&noservercache=1… 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. 

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Europe’s Newest Ruler gives his first Christmas speech

Luxembourg’s newly crowned Grand Duke, Guillaume, delivered his first Christmas Eve address on 24 December 2025, speaking warmly to the nation about shared values, community, and the future under his leadership.  In the speech, he reflected on the importance of solidarity, openness, tolerance and social cohesion, describing these principles as the foundation that binds Luxembourg’s society together, especially at this festive time of year.  He thanked citizens for the support shown since his accession to the throne on 3 October 2025, following the abdication of his father, Grand Duke Henri, and highlighted traditional celebrations and forthcoming official visits to regions across the country next year. Beyond seasonal cheer, the Grand Duke acknowledged challenges facing both Luxembourg and the wider European community, including the effects of the war in Ukraine, and urged people to continue supporting one another through compassion and mutual respect.  He also emphasised the need to care for those struggling with hardships such as high living costs, reminding listeners that the true spirit of Christmas lies in sharing joy and extending solidarity to all.  Read more: gouvernement.lu/en/actualites/agenda.gouvernement2024+en+actualites+toutes_actualites+discours+2025+12-decembre+24-discours-noel-grand-duc.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. 

Europe

EU–US Visa Ban Clash Over Online Speech Escalates

A new diplomatic dispute has erupted after the United States imposed visa bans on five European individuals it accuses of pushing social media platforms to censor American viewpoints. The U.S. The State Department says these figures pressured tech companies to suppress protected speech, singling out former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton—credited with shaping Europe’s Digital Services Act—as well as campaigners from nonprofit organisations working on online harm. European leaders, including the EU Commission, France, and Germany, have strongly condemned the move, arguing that visa restrictions against allies over regulatory differences amount to coercion and undermine free expression. Brussels insists its digital laws protect both safety and speech and are not aimed at dictating policy on U.S. soil. The broader row marks a sharp escalation in transatlantic tensions over how to govern harmful online content and preserve free speech in the digital age. Read more: theguardian.com/technology/2025/dec/24/visa-ban-for-european-critics-of-online-harm-is-first-shot-in-us-free-speech-war 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.

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Luxembourg Deepens Health Push with Major WHO Pact

Luxembourg has significantly strengthened its role in global health by signing two new strategic partnership agreements with the World Health Organization (WHO), pledging substantial funding to support international health goals and preparedness initiatives. The largest of the agreements is a €46.5 million Strategic Partnership Framework with Luxembourg’s Ministry of Development Cooperation, which is set to support priority areas such as crisis readiness, reducing health inequalities, tropical disease research, and polio eradication until 2028. In addition, Luxembourg’s Ministry of Health and Social Safety has committed a €1 million multi-year voluntary contribution, enhancing the country’s support for WHO’s mission to promote health equity worldwide. Luxembourg’s leaders say the funding underscores their commitment to multilateralism and global solidarity, reinforcing the nation’s long-standing collaboration with WHO as it works toward universal health coverage and stronger health systems. Read more: who.int/news/item/23-12-2024-luxembourg-and-who-sign-two-strategic-agreements 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.

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Unemployment in Luxembourg Hits Nearly Five-Year High

Recent data shows that Luxembourg’s unemployment rate has climbed to around 6.2%, the highest level seen in nearly five years, reflecting ongoing shifts in the nation’s labour market.  This rise in joblessness, marking an increase from the previous month, highlights challenges for job seekers and policymakers alike as more residents register with the National Employment Agency. In particular, highly qualified job seekers and long-term unemployed individuals have contributed to the uptick, even as employers continue to report a significant number of open positions. Although Luxembourg’s economy remains robust overall, the labour market trends suggest a cooling phase where finding work has become tougher for many, and sectors like administrative support, IT and transport are seeing noticeable increases in jobseekers.  Officials are watching these developments closely as they work to balance workforce needs and improve employment opportunities across the country. Read more: tradingview.com/news/te_news:511807:0-luxembourg-unemployment-at-nearly-5-year-high  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. 

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Government Moves to Revive Dudelange Steel Site

The Luxembourg government has made a strategic offer to acquire the bankrupt Liberty Steel plant in Dudelange, aiming to turn the long-idle industrial site into a hub for economic revitalisation and future job creation.  After years of inactivity and the company’s bankruptcy in 2024, the government’s plan would bring the property under public control, preventing a private sale and allowing for careful redevelopment planning.  Officials from the Ministry of the Economy said they are considering various options for the site, including potential manufacturing or defence-related projects, as part of efforts to restore employment opportunities in the region. The acquisition reflects broader efforts to support regions and workforce affected by industrial decline and provide a fresh direction for the once-active facility. Trade unions and community leaders have welcomed these steps, seeing them as an important move to protect jobs and the local economy. Read more: https://gmk.center/en/news/luxembourg-offers-e14-5-million-for-liberty-steel-dudelange-plant/  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

Luxembourg’s Defence Strategy Boosts Tourism Confidence

Luxembourg’s increased defence spending in 2025 is having an unexpected impact on tourism by raising the country’s profile as a secure, stable destination. The government’s acceleration of defence investment toward NATO targets has drawn international delegations, security forums and business visitors, boosting hotel bookings and event attendance. Tourism officials are leveraging this momentum to position Luxembourg as a year-round destination for conferences and business events, especially in defence and technology sectors. This shift is generating economic benefits beyond traditional leisure travel. Enhanced security measures are also strengthening visitor confidence, with upgraded systems and cyber protections reinforcing Luxembourg’s reputation as a safe place to visit. Cultural attractions and local hospitality continue to complement this image for international travellers. Read more: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/luxembourg-tourism-gains-new-momentum-as-2025-defence-strategy-boosts-events-security-image-visitor-confidence/ 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.  

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