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. 

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.

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.

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. 

Luxembourg’s sprint sensation Patrizia van der Weken is preparing to launch her 2026 athletics season with a major indoor meeting on home soil, building on an impressive run of performances this year.  At the CMCM Indoor Meeting in Luxembourg City, she broke national records in the 60m and 200m events, marking one of the fastest times worldwide and drawing attention from fans and competitors alike. Van der Weken’s success reflects her dedication and rising profile in European athletics, and her home meet offers a perfect platform to fine-tune her form before international competitions.  Fans are excited to see her challenge more records, especially as she aims for historic achievements representing Luxembourg on major stages. With strong support from her home crowd and continued momentum, she looks set to make 2026 a standout year. Read more: https://www.european-athletics.com/home/news/luxembourgs-van-der-weken-set-to-launch-2026-campaign-on-home-turf-at-cmcm-indoor-meeting  Join Luxembourg Expats, the #1 homegrown community for expats in Luxembourg. Connect with people and businesses locally - discover expats focused local services, buy and sell items, find housing and apartment rentals and buys, events, discounts and meet people to make friends - all in one expats companion app in Luxembourg. Sign up free at www.luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network.  

The Luxembourg 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 City has transformed into a festive wonderland this season, as its famous Christmas markets and the popular Winterlights festival draw visitors to experience holiday cheer across the capital.  The Winterlights event lights up major squares with traditional wooden chalets offering local crafts, seasonal foods, and warm drinks, while live music, performances and family activities add to the joyful atmosphere.  Markets like the “Lëtzebuerger Chrëschtmaart” at Place d’Armes and the “Wantermaart” at Place de la Constitution present charming stalls and funfair attractions that delight both locals and visitors alike. Beyond the city centre, smaller towns across Luxembourg also host Christmas events, from medieval markets to cozy artisan fairs, giving travellers plenty of choices for exploring festive traditions.  Whether you’re shopping for gifts, enjoying local treats, or simply soaking up the holiday lights, Luxembourg’s Christmas scene offers something for everyone this winter. 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 is emerging as an attractive winter destination thanks to free public transport and festive Christmas markets, offering visitors easy and affordable travel across the country. Its compact layout and approachable attractions allow tourists to explore without the high costs or crowds seen in other European winter hubs. The capital’s Winter Market, along with historic squares and seasonal events, provides a relaxed festive atmosphere that appeals to travellers seeking a classic holiday experience. Free buses, trams and trains are part of Luxembourg’s sustainability initiative, making movement simple and cost-efficient. Visitors can take advantage of charming local experiences, traditional food stalls, ice rinks and scenic views, positioning Luxembourg as a unique and budget-friendly Christmas getaway in Europe. Read more: travelandtourworld.com/news/article/luxembourgs-winter-magic-free-public-transport-and-festive-markets-make-it-the-ultimate-christmas-escape-for-travelers 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 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.  

The European Union Space Surveillance and Tracking (EU SST) partnership is set to expand with the addition of Belgium, Bulgaria, Lithuania and Luxembourg as new members. This decision, adopted by the European Commission on December 17, 2025, enhances the EU’s collective capacity to monitor satellites and orbital debris. The EU SST system currently supports tracking for more than 600 space objects, helping safeguard satellites from collisions and reduce reliance on external data. The inclusion of the four new Member States will increase sensor coverage and expertise across Europe, boosting the partnership’s overall efficiency. This coordinated expansion is intended to strengthen Europe’s autonomous space safety capabilities as satellite activity grows and orbital traffic becomes more complex. Read more: https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/belgium-bulgaria-lithuania-and-luxembourg-set-to-join-eu-sst-partnership/202866/ 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.