LONDON – British tourists heading to Europe will confront stricter border procedures under the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which introduces biometric checks and enhanced documentation requirements. Fingerprint and Facial Scans Mandatory Each Entry From late 2025, UK visitors to the Schengen Area will be required to submit fingerprints and facial scans upon every border crossing. Due to delays in automated systems, including mobile app verification, travellers—especially those arriving by car or coach—will have to exit vehicles for the biometric checks. This change could add an estimated six minutes per vehicle during peak travel periods. The Port of Dover has expanded inspection areas to handle the new procedures and manage increased traffic flow during holidays. Phased Rollout with Continued Passport Stamping The EES will launch gradually starting October 12, 2025, across 29 Schengen countries, and full implementation is expected by April 2026. During this transitional phase, both biometric data collection and traditional passport stamping will be in effect. New Pre-Travel Authorisation Coming in 2026 Looking ahead, the EU will introduce the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). UK travellers will need to apply online in advance, pay a modest fee (likely between €7–€20), and obtain travel authorisation valid for up to three years. ETIAS aims to pre-screen visitors and enhance overall border security. Key Takeaways for UK Travellers Expect longer border processing times due to biometric checks. Manual passport stamping will continue until the system is fully operational in April 2026. Prepare for a new online authorisation (ETIAS) expected to be required by late 2026 for entry into Schengen countries.  Read more :https://www.thenational.scot/news/25381365.uk-tourists-facing-stricter-eu-border-checks-new-rules/ Join the Luxembourg Expats Community luxembourgexpats.lu  

 Europe is entering a perilous phase as another searing heatwave unfolds across the continent, with temperatures forecast to climb 10–15 °C above seasonal norms, particularly affecting Spain, Portugal, France, and beyond. Extreme Heat, Widespread Disruption Regions in Spain and Portugal are expected to experience staggering highs of up to 44 °C, while southern France has already endured heat in the low 40s, prompting emergency alerts. France has reported a catastrophic wildfire in Aude—its largest in 75 years—which has claimed one life and injured multiple firefighters and civilians. Heatwave Spread and Escalation A shifting high-pressure system is driving the sweltering air mass northward. By midweek, temperatures of 35–40 °C are expected in northern France and parts of England, with western Germany and Poland seeing temperatures climb into the low-to-mid 30s. Greece and Turkey continue to battle multiple active wildfires. Broader Mediterranean and Atlantic Reality The extreme heat is already having severe impacts across the Mediterranean, with southern France, the Western Balkans, and other areas reporting temperatures exceeding 40 °C. Countries including France, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Hungary have issued high-level heat and fire alerts. Evacuations and infrastructure disruptions are underway in several regions. A Climate Crisis on Display Europe is warming at nearly twice the global average rate. This relentless heatwave, combined with prolonged drought and dry vegetation, is fueling widespread wildfire risk and straining emergency response systems. Scientists warn that this summer may go down as one of the hottest on record. Read more: theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/11/weather-tracker-europe-heatwave-spain-portugal-north-america?utm_source Join the Luxembourg Expats Community luxembourgexpats.lu   

A Spanish-led consortium behind Lima’s metro construction has taken legal action to freeze Peruvian government funds held in Luxembourgian banks. This step aims to enforce a US$315 million arbitration award won under the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). Legal Pressure Mounts The consortium has served attachment orders on multiple Luxembourg banks, marking an aggressive enforcement strategy to secure payment. The arbitration award stems from a dispute over the construction of a new metro line in Lima, where the consortium had previously succeeded in proving Peru’s liability for project delays. Wider Arbitration Landscape This move represents one of several legal proceedings Peru faces under ICSID. The country has been the target of multiple arbitration cases across sectors, from transportation to energy and infrastructure, reflecting its extensive engagement with foreign investors and the complexities of international investment agreements. Read More: Metro consortium targets Peru’s assets in Luxembourg - Global Arbitration Review Join the Luxembourg Expats Community luxembourgexpats.lu

BRUSSELS – The European Commission has confirmed October 12, 2025 as the launch date for the EU’s long-anticipated Entry/Exit System (EES), marking a significant shift from traditional passport stamping to fully digital border checks at external Schengen borders. Phased Rollout Over Six Months The new system will be introduced gradually across 29 European countries over a six-month period. During this time, both digital registration and manual passport stamping will operate in parallel, with full implementation expected by April 2026. How the System Works The EES will record the personal and travel details of non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area for short stays. This includes biometric data—such as facial images and fingerprints—alongside information on entry and exit dates. Security and Efficiency Gains By replacing manual stamps with digital records, the system aims to: Detect overstayers more effectively Reduce identity fraud Improve border security and management efficiency Ensure compliance with EU data protection standards Impact on Travelers Non-EU travelers should expect slightly longer border checks during their first visit after the system’s launch, as biometric data will need to be collected. Once registered, subsequent crossings are expected to be faster and more efficient. Transition Timeline October 12, 2025 – Start of phased rollout April 2026 – Full EES implementation, ending manual passport stamping The move represents one of the most significant upgrades to EU border control in decades, aligning with broader “smart border” initiatives to enhance both security and travel flow efficiency. Read more :European Commission sets date for Entry/Exit System - Regional Gateway Join the Luxembourg Expats Community luxembourgexpats.lu 

Kyiv Demands Seat at Alaska Summit Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has secured strong backing from both the European Union and NATO as he pushes to be included in high-stakes talks between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The bilateral summit, scheduled for August 15 in Alaska, is expected to address the ongoing war in Ukraine. European Leaders Warn Against Excluding Ukraine At present, only Trump and Putin are set to meet directly, prompting concerns among European leaders that critical decisions affecting Ukraine’s sovereignty could be made without Kyiv’s participation. EU and NATO officials have publicly stressed that any peace negotiations must involve Ukraine and uphold its territorial integrity. Zelenskiy Rejects “Backroom Deals” Zelenskiy reiterated that point, warning that any agreement reached without Ukraine would be ineffective and unjust, describing such a deal as “stillborn.” His government insists that only Kyiv can speak for its own national interests and security. Fears Over Potential Concessions The push for inclusion comes as speculation grows that the Alaska talks could explore potential ceasefire arrangements or territorial concessions. Ukraine and its allies have made clear that bypassing Kyiv in such discussions would undermine the legitimacy and sustainability of any outcome. Critical Moment for Ukraine’s Future The upcoming summit marks a pivotal diplomatic moment in the conflict, with international pressure mounting to ensure Ukraine has a seat at the table and that any resolution is reached transparently and with Ukraine’s direct involvement. Read more :Zelenskiy wins EU, NATO backing as he seeks place at Trump-Putin talks | Reuters Join the Luxembourg Expats Community luxembourgexpats.lu

Luxembourg is ushering in a new era of royal imagery. Ahead of Grand Duke Henri’s planned abdication on 3 October 2025, striking new portraits of his successors—Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie—have just been released. These captivating portraits were crafted by artist Jacques Schneider, who unveiled them via social media. The collection includes two standalone depictions of Guillaume, one of Stéphanie, and an elegant joint portrait. Schneider also experimented with Pop Art-style variations, playing with bold color accents—blues and greens that complement the couple’s attire. The royal pair participated actively, collaborating with the artist on color choices and composition. This visual update is timely, as the Grand Ducal Family recently celebrated Grand Duke Henri’s Silver Jubilee earlier this summer. Once he formally abdicates, Guillaume will ascend as Luxembourg’s sovereign. The portraits also offer a glimpse into the family’s future: Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie are parents to two young princes—Prince Charles, born 10 May 2020, and Prince François, born 27 March 2023. Notably, Charles, at just five years old, will be Europe’s youngest heir when his father takes the throne. Why it matters: These contemporary, artful portraits do more than commemorate a coming-of-age—they symbolically spotlight a new generation poised to lead, blending tradition with modern flair. Read more : Luxembourg gets pop art portraits of soon to be ruler Join the Luxembourg Expats Community luxembourgexpats.lu  

A worrying new trend, known as “burn lines” or “sun tattoos,” is gaining traction on platforms like TikTok and Instagram in Luxembourg. Young people are deliberately letting parts of their skin burn—sometimes using olive oil—to create contrasty tan lines. This behaviour has alarmed dermatologists and health experts, who warn of serious skin cancer risks. Experts Sound the Alarm Dr. Joël Claveau, a Quebec dermatologist specializing in skin cancer, cautions that the risk of melanoma increases dramatically with such practices. He likens it to a “lottery” where cumulative UV damage from repeated sunburns, especially at a young age, significantly elevates future cancer risk. A Trend Driving Up Melanoma Rates According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, melanoma incidence has risen by 2% annually since 1994, making it the second-largest increase among women. In Canada alone, nearly 4,800 new cases were recorded in women in 2024—with a significant portion affecting younger demographics. Emphasizing Consequences Over Cancer Fear Dr. Claveau emphasizes that discussing premature aging can be a more relatable deterrent for younger audiences than mentioning cancer risks. He clarifies that the goal is not to instill fear but to promote sensible sun protection—apply sunscreen daily and reapply during peak sun hours. Why This Matters Health Risk: Purposeful burning increases risk of melanoma—a life-threatening skin cancer. Rising Trends: “Burn lines” and similar practices are spreading among young adults on social platforms. Urgent Need for Awareness: Clear, impactful messaging is crucial to counter glamorized tanning trends. Read more : Dangerous tanning: young people burn themselves for traces on TikTok - The essentials Join the Luxembourg Expats Community luxembourgexpats.lu 

Starting August 15, 2025, citizens of Luxembourg will be able to visit Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days, thanks to a new policy aimed at boosting tourism and cultural exchange. The exemption will remain in effect until August 14, 2028, under Resolution No. 229/NQ-CP, issued by the Vietnamese government on August 8, 2025. What the New Rule Means for Luxembourg Travelers Under the new arrangement, Luxembourgers can enter Vietnam without applying for a visa in advance, whether holding an ordinary, diplomatic, or service passport. The 45-day limit applies to tourism stays and is designed to encourage longer visits and deeper engagement with Vietnam’s culture, heritage, and landscapes. Part of a Broader Tourism Push The policy is part of Vietnam’s strategy to attract more visitors from Europe and beyond. Alongside Luxembourg, 11 other European countries are included in the new visa-free program. Vietnam’s tourism industry has already seen significant growth in 2025, with over 12 million international visitors in the first seven months—a 22.5% increase compared to last year. A Win for Travel Enthusiasts For Luxembourg residents, the change means simpler planning and reduced travel costs, opening the door to explore destinations such as Hạ Long Bay, Hội An, and Hồ Chí Minh City without visa constraints. Travel agencies expect the move to boost demand for Southeast Asian packages from Luxembourg. Other Key Details Part of a Larger Visa-Free Expansion Alongside Luxembourg, Vietnam has extended the same 45-day visa exemption to 11 other European nations: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Tourism Growth in Vietnam In the first seven months of 2025, Vietnam welcomed 12.23 million international tourists, a 22.5% increase compared to the same period last year. Officials expect the new visa policy to boost these numbers even further. Travel Benefits for Luxembourgers The policy means easier travel planning, no visa application fees, and more flexibility for exploring destinations such as Hạ Long Bay, Hội An Ancient Town, and Hồ Chí Minh City. Read More: Netherlands, Along With Hungary, Poland, Switzerland, Luxembourg, And Bulgaria, Now Eligible For New Visa-Free Access To Vietnam Starting August - Travel And Tour World Join the Luxembourg Expats Community luxembourgexpats.lu

A New Shield for Journalists: EU’s Media Freedom Act Offers Fresh Protection Luxembourg, August 2025 – A landmark European law designed to protect journalists from spyware and coercive surveillance has officially come into force, marking a significant advancement for media freedom across the EU. What the Law Covers The regulation, known as the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), introduces robust protections for journalists: Authorities within the EU are now prohibited from compelling reporters to reveal their sources. The use of sophisticated spyware on devices belonging to journalists—or anyone closely connected to them—is banned. The Act also tightens rules on transparency for state-driven advertising, strengthens the independence of public media, and restricts the removal or suppression of content from independent outlets. But Critical Gaps Remain Despite its strong provisions, press freedom advocates warn that the impact may be uneven. Many EU member states, including Luxembourg, have yet to fully align their domestic laws with the EMFA’s requirements, even though they have had more than a year to prepare. Until these adjustments are made, the level of protection will vary across the Union. Why Expats in Luxembourg Should Care Luxembourg’s multilingual and multicultural media landscape serves a diverse audience, including a large expatriate community. Independent journalism plays a vital role in covering issues such as cross-border policies, economic developments, and cultural life that matter to expats. The EMFA’s protections strengthen the legal framework for this work, but without full national implementation, journalists may still face vulnerabilities. The law arrives in the wake of recent revelations about surveillance targeting journalists and activists in Europe, underscoring the need for stronger safeguards. While the EMFA sets an important precedent, real change will depend on how quickly and effectively member states put these measures into practice. What Expats Can Watch For Next: Luxembourg's legal update: How quickly will the government reform surveillance and press laws to match EMFA standards? Media freedom monitoring: Are reporters—especially those covering expat-related stories—protected in their communications? Public advocacy: Will civil society and expat groups push for robust enforcement? The European Media Freedom Act represents a significant step toward protecting journalists from intrusive surveillance and preserving the integrity of independent reporting. For expatriates in Luxembourg who rely on trustworthy news, it’s a development worth following closely. Join the Luxembourg Expats Community luxembourgexpats.lu

A new chapter in European rail travel could be on the horizon as Leo Express, the Czech-based subsidiary of Spain’s Renfe, has proposed an ambitious night train connecting Belgium’s Ostend with Slovakia’s capital Bratislava. If realised, the 750-mile journey would begin in December 2026, offering a direct link across Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Passengers would embark from Ostend at 7:10pm, with the possibility for UK travelers to join at Brussels after taking the Eurostar from London. The train would traverse major European cities, including Brussels, Cologne, Hanover, Dresden, and Prague, before arriving in Bratislava at 2:18pm the next day. The service is set to include 50 stops and refurbished rolling stock with seats, couchettes, and beds, catering to up to 450 passengers. Night trains, once sidelined by the rise of budget air travel, have enjoyed a renaissance in Europe, particularly with the restoration of routes like Berlin–Paris. However, experts warn of significant logistical hurdles for the Ostend–Bratislava service. Challenges include securing train paths across four countries, overcoming complex operations and high running costs, as well as fierce price competition from budget airlines offering fares as low as €18 between Brussels and Bratislava. While the plan has sparked enthusiasm among rail fans and policymakers keen to promote climate-friendly travel, its feasibility remains uncertain. Leo Express itself has clarified that these are not yet concrete plans but a formal intention filed with regulators. Past attempts at similar routes have failed to launch due to regulatory and operational roadblocks. If successful, this train would not only offer a scenic and sustainable option across central Europe, but also reconnect Ostend—long a gateway to continental rail services from the UK—with destinations deep into Slovakia. For now, much rides on whether Leo Express can navigate the formidable barriers that have derailed so many night train dreams before. https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/belgium-slovakia-europe-express-train-sleeper-b2803672.html