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

LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional networking platform owned by Microsoft, has officially begun using public user data to train generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Starting November 3, the company confirmed that it will collect and process certain publicly visible information — including profile details, posts, articles, comments, and CVs uploaded during job applications — as part of efforts to “power generative AI models” and improve its AI-driven features. This change, explained in a recent LinkedIn blog post, represents the platform’s next step in integrating AI across its ecosystem, from job recommendations and content generation to personalized learning tools. The company emphasized that this new policy applies to public data only, assuring users that private messages, salary information, and confidential content will not be used in AI training. Acquired by Microsoft in 2016, LinkedIn leverages AI technology through Azure OpenAI Services, the same infrastructure that supports Microsoft’s broader AI ecosystem. By using generative AI models, LinkedIn aims to enhance its professional tools, automate recommendations, and create more engaging and relevant experiences for users. Users Can Opt Out Importantly, LinkedIn has made it clear that users have the option to disable this data usage. Account holders can do so through the data privacy settings section of their profile, choosing to prevent their public information from being used in AI training. The company also confirmed that minors’ data will not be used, even if their account settings appear to allow it. This update, which first rolled out in the United States, is now expanding to the European Union, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada, and Hong Kong. A Growing Trend Among Tech Giants LinkedIn’s announcement follows a broader trend in the tech industry, where major platforms are integrating generative AI into their services. In May 2025, Meta (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram) began using publicly shared posts, captions, and photos from users to train its AI systems — unless individuals explicitly filled out an opt-out form. These practices have sparked an ongoing debate over data privacy, consent, and transparency in AI training. While companies like LinkedIn argue that using public data helps improve AI accuracy and functionality, privacy advocates continue to call for clearer user control and stronger data protection regulations. A Balancing Act Between Innovation and Privacy As LinkedIn moves forward with its AI strategy, the company insists that it remains committed to protecting user privacy while advancing innovation. “Generative AI has the potential to transform how professionals connect, learn, and grow,” the company stated, emphasizing that the use of AI must be done “responsibly and transparently.” For now, users who want to maintain complete control over their data are encouraged to review their privacy settings and make sure their preferences reflect their comfort level with AI data usage. In the age of intelligent systems and digital transformation, LinkedIn’s move underscores a broader shift in how our professional content is shaping the AI of tomorrow — whether we’re ready or not. Read More : LinkedIn utilise vos données pour entraîner l'IA générative à partir du 3 novembre - L'essentiel Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu   

At the invitation of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg attended the inaugural ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza on Saturday. He was joined by Prime Minister Luc Frieden and several Heads of State and Government for the prestigious event. The Grand Egyptian Museum, a monumental project of stone and glass spanning over half a million square meters, was built with Japan’s financial and technical support, costing over a billion dollars and taking two decades to complete. Its star attraction, Tutankhamun’s Treasure—nearly 5,000 artifacts discovered in the pharaoh’s intact tomb in 1922—has been assembled together for the first time. The inauguration featured a spectacular sound, light, and fireworks show, celebrating Egypt’s ancient grandeur. During his visit, Grand Duke Henri toured the museum, which houses around 130,000 archaeological treasures across 47 hectares, and also visited the Pyramids of Giza and the historic Khan el-Khalili souk in Cairo. Read More : Grand Duke Henry facing the Great Sphinx in Giza and in the Great Souk of Cairo Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu   

In Luxembourg, workers are entitled to recover public holidays that fall on a weekend — a rule that sets the country apart from many of its European neighbors. This year, All Saints’ Day (November 1) fell on a Saturday, reigniting the debate over how different nations handle holidays that overlap with weekends. According to the Luxembourg Labour Code, if a public holiday coincides with a rest day such as Saturday or Sunday, employees are allowed to take that day off on another date agreed with their employer. This ensures that everyone benefits from the 11 statutory public holidays per year, regardless of how the calendar aligns. Belgium follows a similar approach. When a public holiday falls on a weekend, employers must assign a replacement day during the week, allowing workers to fully enjoy their entitlement. The specific replacement day is decided by the company but remains mandatory. In contrast, France, Germany, and Portugal do not offer such compensation. In France, if a public holiday falls on a Sunday or another rest day, workers simply lose it, unless a collective bargaining agreement provides otherwise. Germany maintains the same rule: even though each federal state determines its own holidays, none require that a weekend holiday be moved to a weekday. Portugal also considers public holidays as mandatory rest days, but no recovery day is granted if one coincides with the weekly day off. As a result, this year’s November 1 holiday passed without compensation for Portuguese workers. While some countries view lost holidays as part of the calendar’s natural rhythm, Luxembourg and Belgium stand out for ensuring that workers never miss their well-earned days of rest — even when the weekend gets in the way.   Read More : Luxembourg allows you to recover holidays that coincide with a weekend. What about neighbouring countries? | Contact Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu   

As the world prepares for the UN Climate Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, Luxembourg’s environmental organizations are urging the European Union and the Grand Duchy to show real commitment and arrive with clear, ambitious climate goals. More than a month late, the European Union is finally expected to present its climate roadmap today. The 27 Member States were supposed to submit their updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) — their national plans for emission reduction — to the United Nations before the end of September. However, internal disagreements over strategy delayed the process. With the conference set to begin on November 10, Luxembourg’s environmental coalition “Votum Klima,” which unites fifteen NGOs, held a press conference to outline their expectations. “We’re asking that Luxembourg and the EU arrive at the COP with ambition,” said Altynaï Bidaubayle of Greenpeace Luxembourg. One of the group’s key demands is to stay firmly on the 1.5°C pathway established by the Paris Agreement ten years ago. “COP30 has to be a turning point,” Bidaubayle added, emphasizing that current policies remain insufficient. Although some scientists have said that keeping global warming to 1.5°C is no longer achievable, activists insist that every fraction of a degree matters. “Every tenth of a degree counts,” said Esmeralda Wirtz of Amnesty International Luxembourg. “At 1.5°C, one billion people face extreme heatwaves every five years — at 2°C, that number rises to 2.7 billion.” Greenpeace also reminded policymakers that the International Court of Justice considers compliance with the Paris Agreement and the 1.5°C target a legal obligation. According to them, Luxembourg therefore has a historic responsibility to stay the course. Despite its image as a climate-conscious country, Luxembourg’s own efforts have come under criticism. “Minister Serge Wilmes often mentions that we’re putting €320 million into the climate by 2030, but that’s only a tenth of what we should be investing,” said Raymond Klein of the NGO ASTM, estimating that Luxembourg should be contributing closer to €600 million per year. The NGOs also expressed concern over Prime Minister Luc Frieden’s support for the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, which they believe threatens the Amazon rainforest and indigenous peoples. “These agreements destroy forests, pollute water and violate indigenous rights,” said Wirtz. “They push development at the cost of human lives and ecosystems.” The “Votum Klima” platform also highlighted the lack of dialogue between civil society and the government. Although they sent their advocacy document to Environment Minister Serge Wilmes and other officials, they say there has been little response. “Luxembourg could be far more proactive in listening to what civil society says,” the collective remarked. To raise public awareness, the NGOs will organize several events in Luxembourg ahead of COP30, from November 5 to 10. The program includes a webinar, a film screening, a sound and light show, an open stage, online campaigns, a debriefing of the conference, and a torchlight march in Luxembourg City. As global leaders prepare to meet in Brazil, Luxembourg’s environmental community is sending a clear message: climate ambition must move from promises to action, and the time to act decisively is now. Read More : COP 30 in Brazil: "May Luxembourg and the European Union arrive with ambition" | The Daily Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu   

As temperatures drop and radiators begin to hum again, many households unknowingly make heating mistakes that drive up energy bills. From fluctuating thermostat settings to poor ventilation habits, here’s how to keep your home warm efficiently — without overspending. Turning the Heat Up and Down Constantly It might seem logical to switch the heating off when you’re away, but doing so forces your system to work harder later to reheat cooled rooms. Experts recommend keeping a steady, moderate temperature instead of constantly turning it off and on. Cranking the Thermostat to the Maximum Turning your heating to full power won’t make a room warm up faster — it only overheats the space and wastes energy. On most thermostats, the highest setting can reach around 28°C, far beyond comfortable levels. A well-maintained system set to around 20°C usually does the job. Ignoring the Ideal Room Temperatures The perfect indoor temperature varies by room. Living areas are most comfortable at 20–21°C, while bedrooms can be cooler, around 17–18°C, promoting better sleep. Bathrooms and children’s rooms can be slightly warmer, but try not to let temperatures drop below 16°C at night. Ventilating the Wrong Way Leaving windows half-open for long periods is one of the biggest heating mistakes. Instead, open windows fully two to three times a day for about ten minutes to let in fresh air and remove humidity. This method avoids major heat loss while preventing mould growth. Blocking Radiators Furniture, curtains, or even dust can block heat from circulating properly. Keep radiators clear to ensure even warmth throughout the room. Experts say a thorough cleaning can boost your heating performance by up to 30%. Leaving the Heating On During Long Absences If you’re away for the weekend, turn your heating down rather than keeping it running. A small drop of two or three degrees when you’re gone for a few hours is fine, but longer absences require more significant reductions to avoid unnecessary costs. Keeping Doors Open Between Rooms It might seem practical to let heat flow freely, but open doors actually make it harder to maintain even warmth. Close interior doors to trap heat where it’s needed and improve energy efficiency. Forgetting to Close Shutters or Curtains Just as shutters block heat in summer, they can help retain it in winter. Close shutters and thick curtains at night to prevent warmth from escaping through the windows. By avoiding these simple yet costly heating habits, you can enjoy a warmer home — and a lighter energy bill — all winter long. Read More : Chauffage: Évitez ces 7 erreurs coûteuses pour votre portefeuille - L'essentiel Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu   

A British backpacker’s dream trip through Asia took a frightening turn when she woke up in Vietnam covered in painful sores and blisters — the result of contact with a venomous beetle known for its toxic secretions. 22-year-old Ellise, who has been documenting her travels across Asia on social media, had journeyed through Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand before arriving in rural Vietnam. One morning, she woke up feeling unwell — feverish, nauseous, and with a throbbing headache. But what alarmed her most was what she saw in the mirror: her skin was covered in sores, some already oozing and blistering. “I had no idea what was happening,” she explained in a TikTok video that has since gone viral. “I just woke up and saw these burns spreading across my face and body.” With limited access to medical care in the remote area where she was staying, Ellise initially sought help at a local pharmacy. The pharmacist, puzzled by the symptoms, sent photos of her lesions to a dermatologist — who quickly identified the culprit: Paederus fuscipes, a toxic beetle common in Southeast Asia. The hidden danger of the “Nairobi fly” Often mistaken for an ant due to its slender body, the Paederus beetle — sometimes called the “three-chambered ant” or “Nairobi fly” — does not bite or sting. However, when crushed or brushed against human skin, it releases a potent chemical toxin known as pederin. This substance can cause severe irritation, chemical burns, and blistering dermatitis. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, pederin exposure can lead to intense inflammation and skin lesions lasting up to several weeks. The toxin’s effects worsen when the beetle is rubbed into the skin — often during sleep, when victims unknowingly crush the insect. These beetles tend to appear in large numbers during Vietnam’s rainy and humid monsoon season, when the warm, moist climate boosts their population. Quick treatment and recovery After diagnosis, Ellise was prescribed topical creams, antibiotic ointments, and oral medication to reduce infection and inflammation. Within five days, her condition had improved dramatically. “I’m really happy with how my face has healed,” she said in a follow-up video. “Luckily, it doesn’t seem like I’ll have any scars.” Her story has since gone viral, drawing attention to a little-known tropical health hazard faced by travelers in humid regions. Experts advise tourists visiting Southeast Asia to avoid crushing unknown insects on their skin, especially at night, and to seek immediate treatment if burns or sores appear. What began as a terrifying medical mystery for Ellise has become a cautionary tale for fellow travelers — a reminder that even the tiniest creatures can pack a powerful sting. Read More: Vietnam: une touriste britannique se réveille avec des plaies dues à un insecte venimeux - L'essentiel Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu   

After nearly two years of debate, Luxembourg has officially tightened its anti-smoking legislation — bringing regulation to previously uncharted territory for nicotine products such as snus, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches. The reform, which aims to strengthen prevention and awareness, was adopted in the Chamber of Deputies on Thursday with a large majority. The new law, supported by the CSV, DP, LSAP, and déi Lénk (49 votes in favour), introduces a ban on the sale of snus to minors and enforces stricter limits on the nicotine content of all pouches. Only the ADR opposed the bill, while déi Gréng and the Pirate Party abstained. “This law puts an end to the Wild West,” said Marc Baum of déi Lénk, describing the reform as a long-overdue measure to bring order and accountability to a fast-growing and largely unregulated market. Health Minister Martine Deprez (CSV) and rapporteur Françoise Kemp (CSV) defended the law’s balanced approach, emphasizing education and prevention over prohibition. “Prevention is our priority,” Deprez said. “In the coming months, we will strengthen awareness campaigns in collaboration with the CNS and the Cancer Foundation.” One of the key measures limits the maximum nicotine content per pouch to 0.048 grams, a move welcomed by DP representative Carole Hartmann, who stressed the importance of protecting young people from underestimating the risks. However, the decision has sparked criticism from several sides. The ADR’s Alexandra Schoos argued that the limit “is equivalent to a ban,” warning that such restrictions could simply push consumers toward online or cross-border purchases where stronger products remain available. The Pirate Party, while supporting protection for minors, said the law does not go far enough. MP Sven Clement called it “a superb law for minors, but a bad one for adults,” arguing that Luxembourg should have had the “courage to impose a total ban.” The LSAP and déi Gréng also expressed disappointment, calling for a full prohibition of nicotine pouches. Former Health Minister Mars Di Bartolomeo (LSAP) denounced the measure as “a victory for the tobacco lobby,” while Djuna Bernard (déi Gréng) lamented that “commercial interests have once again outweighed public health.” Despite the disagreements, the new law represents a turning point in Luxembourg’s tobacco and nicotine policy, replacing years of minimal oversight with structured regulation. For many policymakers, it marks the end of a chaotic market and the beginning of a more responsible, health-conscious approach to nicotine consumption in the country. Read More : Nicotine pouches: the end of the "wild west" is here | The Daily Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu   

At its meeting on Friday, 31 October 2025, the Luxembourg government approved a series of decisions reaffirming the country’s ongoing commitment to international peacekeeping and security operations. The measures, endorsed by the Council of Ministers, concern the continued and expanded participation of the Luxembourg Army in key NATO and European Union missions abroad. The government first approved an amendment to the Grand-Ducal Regulation of 21 February 2023, which governs Luxembourg’s involvement in the Allied Battle Group in Romania under NATO’s Enhanced Vigilance Activities (eVA). The revision authorises an increase in troop deployment from 30 to 40 soldiers, strengthening Luxembourg’s contribution to NATO’s Forward Land Forces stationed in Romania. This adjustment reflects Luxembourg’s commitment to collective defence efforts on NATO’s eastern flank amid continuing regional security challenges. In addition, ministers endorsed an extension of Luxembourg’s participation in the European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique (EUMAM Mozambique). The mission, which supports Mozambique’s armed forces in strengthening their operational capacities, will now continue until 30 June 2028. Luxembourg’s continued engagement highlights its support for international stability and crisis response initiatives in Africa. The cabinet also gave the green light for Luxembourg’s participation in the upcoming 2026–2027 European Union Battlegroup (EUBG26/27). The decision authorises the Luxembourg Army to join the multinational rapid deployment force between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027, reinforcing the country’s ongoing role in European defence cooperation. Through these approvals, Luxembourg demonstrates its steady commitment to multilateral defence efforts, contributing to both NATO and EU missions that promote global peace, regional security, and international solidarity. Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu   

Luxembourg’s main train station — a vital hub for national and cross-border travel — is poised for a major transformation. The government has approved a €138 million budget to modernise the station’s railway infrastructure, addressing long-standing capacity and efficiency challenges. Originally not designed to handle today’s volume of passengers and international trains, the capital’s station will now undergo a significant redevelopment aimed at improving train regularity and eliminating key bottlenecks. The project includes several large-scale upgrades: Renewal of existing tracks Construction of a new track between Hollerich and Luxembourg Addition of a new platform to increase operational capacity Separation of lines 70 (to Pétange) and 80 (new Luxembourg–Bettembourg route) for smoother traffic flow Removal of the Hollerich stop, paving the way for a future interchange hub to enhance connectivity These developments form part of the National Mobility Plan 2035, a long-term strategy to reshape Luxembourg’s transport infrastructure and better serve commuters in the Greater Region. The upgrades are being complemented by major investments in neighbouring France, particularly in the Grand Est region, where authorities aim to boost rail capacity from 9,000 to 22,500 seats by 2030 — a leap made possible through Luxembourg’s co-financing of several cross-border rail projects. Together, these efforts mark a pivotal step toward a more modern, efficient, and interconnected railway network, strengthening Luxembourg’s position as a central transport hub in Europe. Read More : Modernisation de la gare de Luxembourg : 138 millions d'euros pour améliorer le trafic - L'essentiel Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu