Travel, healthcare and retail sectors across Luxembourg, France, Belgium and Germany are seeing a wave of changes entering February 2026. In Luxembourg, a new national logistics center for public healthcare services has been launched, while retail highlights include the first Ladurée store opening in Cloche d’Or and a delayed Nike store opening later in spring.  Travel disruptions are planned for Luxembourg’s rail network from Feb 14–23, with replacement buses affecting commuter routes. The United Kingdom is set to introduce Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements for visa-free visitors from Feb 25, impacting European travelers.  France is adjusting prices on motorways and tobacco while reducing electricity and natural gas costs, and Belgium’s transit fares are rising alongside updated rules for certain medication reimbursements. Germany faces pension changes tied to health insurance contributions and tweaks in photovoltaic subsidies.  These shifts may influence cross-border commuters and visitors across the Greater Luxembourg region, with rail and pricing changes likely to affect daily travel and costs. Read more: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/whats-new-in-luxembourg-france-belgium-and-germany-impacting-travel-healthcare-and-retail-everything-you-must-know/ .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 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.  

JTC Group, a global professional services firm, has appointed Lee Marshall as Head of Luxembourg, replacing Joost Mees in the key leadership role.  Marshall, who will continue as Managing Director and board member of JTC Luxembourg S.A., brings more than two decades of experience in international financial services. He will lead business expansion and strategy for the firm’s fund and corporate services operations in one of Europe’s major financial centers.  Joost Mees, the outgoing head, transitions to a broader role as Regional Head of Continental Europe, overseeing JTC’s offices in multiple countries including Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Germany.  The appointment reflects JTC’s focus on strengthening its footprint and services in Luxembourg’s competitive financial and fund administration sector.  Read more: the-drawdown.com/article/jtc-appoints-luxembourg-lead ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 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. 

Ripple has officially secured a full Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license from Luxembourg’s financial regulator, marking a key expansion of its regulated crypto and payment services across the European Union. After preliminary clearance earlier in January, the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) granted final approval, enabling Ripple to offer compliant electronic money and payment solutions throughout all EU member states.  The license means Ripple can now scale its cross-border payment infrastructure, “Ripple Payments,” and serve financial institutions and businesses under the EU’s regulatory framework. This move complements recent regulatory wins in the United Kingdom and adds to Ripple’s 75+ global licenses, reinforcing its position as a regulated leader in digital finance.  Industry reactions highlight that an EU-wide license boosts confidence in blockchain-based payment platforms and sets Ripple apart in a sector where regulatory clarity remains a key differentiator.  Ripple’s growth strategy in Europe is now positioned to compete with traditional financial players and other licensed digital-asset firms seeking broad EU access.  Read more: coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/02/ripple-secures-full-eu-e-money-license-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 luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network. 

Luxembourg is set to experience typical early February weather on Monday, 2 February 2026, with chilly temperatures and scattered rain showers expected throughout the day. According to the AccuWeather forecast, the daytime high will reach around 8 °C, with a low near 3 °C at night. Morning showers are likely, followed by a few more showers later in the day, so residents and visitors should plan to carry rain gear if they’re heading outdoors.  The sky will be mainly cloudy over much of the day, and although temperatures are above freezing, it will still feel brisk due to cool winds and the generally wintry atmosphere typical of Luxembourg’s climate in February. This pattern fits with February’s usual weather in Luxembourg, where average highs hover near 4–5 °C and nights hover around 0 °C or just below, often with damp conditions and occasional drizzle or rain spread over many days of the month.  Early February also typically brings roughly 10 hours of daylight and limited sunshine, with humidity relatively high and the chance of light rain or drizzle continuing into the evening. Read more: accuweather.com/en/lu/luxembourg/228714/weather-forecast/228714 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 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. 

Belgian swimmer Florine Gaspard dominated the sprint races on the second day of the Euro Meet in Luxembourg, claiming victories in both the 50 m breaststroke and the 50 m freestyle. Her strong finishes showcased her speed and competitive edge, edging out close rivals and thrilling the crowd.  In the women’s 50 m breaststroke, Gaspard touched the wall first with a tight win ahead of Scotland’s Kara Hanlon and fellow competitor Anna Morgan. She then returned for the 50 m freestyle, where she again stood alone under 25 seconds with a fast 24.69 performance.  The meet also featured standout performances in men’s events and longer distances, with Abdelrahman Elaraby taking gold in the 50 m men’s free and other swimmers making their mark across strokes and distances.  Other swimmers at the event continued strong early-season form, making the Luxembourg meet a highlight in the European competition calendar. Read more: swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/florine-gaspard-claims-sprint-double-at-euro-meet-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 luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network. 

Europe has once again proven to be the most popular travel destination in the world in 2025, welcoming more than 50 % of all international tourists. Countries such as Luxembourg, France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Iceland all contributed to the continent’s strong performance, thanks to their rich cultural heritage, diverse attractions, and effective tourism campaigns. New data show that Europe’s share of global arrivals remains well ahead of other regions, with robust numbers coming from long-time favorites like France and emerging winners like Iceland. The popularity of European countries is also reflected in individual national tourism figures. Spain saw record tourist spending and arrival numbers in 2025, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s most visited destinations, with millions choosing its beaches, cities, and cultural sites. Luxembourg, despite its small size, reported strong growth in visitor numbers through late 2025, drawing travelers with its scenic landscapes and historical sites. Other European leaders in travel saw similar enthusiasm. Greece’s well-known islands and rich history continued to attract visitors, keeping it among the continent’s most sought-after spots. With its enduring appeal and continued recovery from the pandemic downturn, Europe remains the top destination for global travelers, offering something for every type of visitor. Read more: travelandtourworld.com/news/article/luxembourg-joins-greece-spain-italy-france-iceland-and-others-in-pushing-europe-to-welcome-over-fifty-percent-of-international-tourists-across-the-globe-last-year-everything-you-need-to-know ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 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 strong fiscal and economic fundamentals have secured its status as a top-rated sovereign borrower, with major credit rating agencies affirming its AAA credit rating and stable outlook. This reaffirmation reflects the country’s wealthy, competitive economy and robust public finances, according to recent reports from agencies such as Fitch and Scope Ratings. Fitch Ratings confirmed Luxembourg’s AAA score, citing factors such as low government debt, substantial fiscal buffers, and strong governance, even as potential growth and real GDP forecasts have been revised slightly lower for 2025. Scope Ratings also upheld the AAA rating with a stable outlook, highlighting Luxembourg’s prudent fiscal management and resilient external position, supported by a significant net external creditor status and a diversified, high-value economy. The stable outlook suggests that agencies see balanced risks in the medium term, with the country well-positioned to face external economic pressures despite its small, open economy and demographic challenges linked to an ageing population. This continued triple-A rating reinforces Luxembourg’s attractiveness to investors and helps ensure favorable conditions for accessing international capital markets, boosting confidence in its long-term economic outlook. 👉 Read more: https://gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2026/01-janvier/30-rating-aaa.html .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Join Luxembourg Expats, the #1 homegrown community for expats in Luxembourg. Connect with people and businesses locally - discover expats focused local services, buy and sell items, find housing and apartment rentals and buys, events, discounts and meet people to make friends - all in one expats companion app in Luxembourg. Sign up free at www.luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network.

Luxembourg’s health authorities reported a noticeable decline in influenza infections during the week of 19–25 January 2026, with lab-confirmed flu cases dropping from 872 to 740 – a decrease of about 15 % compared with the previous week. This marks the second consecutive week of decline, suggesting that the peak of the flu season may have passed.  Despite the drop, officials emphasised that flu activity remains high in the community, and the virus continues to circulate widely across the country. Health authorities are urging people, especially those at higher risk, to remain vigilant. In addition to influenza, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also showed a modest decrease in the same period, with confirmed cases falling by around 14 % from the previous week. Most RSV infections were reported among young children, indicating that the virus continues to pose risks to younger age groups.  By contrast, COVID-19 cases increased, rising from 65 to 88 confirmed infections during the week. Although overall numbers remain relatively low, the increase highlights ongoing transmission of the coronavirus alongside other respiratory pathogens.  Health officials continue to recommend vaccination for influenza, particularly for people aged 65 and over, and encourage simple preventive measures like hand hygiene and staying home when sick to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. 👉 Read more: gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2026/01-janvier/29-infections-respiratoires.html ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Join Luxembourg Expats, the #1 homegrown community for expats in Luxembourg. Connect with people and businesses locally - discover expats focused local services, buy and sell items, find housing and apartment rentals and buys, events, discounts and meet people to make friends - all in one expats companion app in Luxembourg. Sign up free at luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network. 

Luxembourg is recruiting candidates for United Nations Volunteer (UNV) assignments through the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, via its Directorate of Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Action. Twelve fixed-term volunteer positions are available. Selected candidates will be deployed as Volontaires des Nations unies (VNU) and will work with United Nations agencies on development cooperation and humanitarian programmes in different regions of the world. The assignments are offered for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of a one-year extension. Volunteers are recruited based on their academic background, skills, and professional experience under three UNV profiles: Associés, Spécialistes, and Experts. Eligible applicants must be either Luxembourg nationals or have legally resided in Luxembourg for a minimum of five years. Candidates must meet the education and experience requirements specified in the individual vacancy notices. An interest in development cooperation and humanitarian action is required, along with the ability to work in a team and live and operate in a developing country. Prior professional experience in development cooperation is considered an advantage but is not mandatory. Selected volunteers may be assigned to United Nations agencies including UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR, WFP, UN Women, as well as IFAD, OCHA, PAHO/WHO, UNFPA, and UNRWA. Interested candidates must consult the detailed job descriptions and apply directly via the official links provided by the Ministry. The application deadline is 15 February 2026. Further information and access to the vacancies are available on the official government website: https://cooperation.gouvernement.lu/fr/s-engager/appels-a-candidature/UNV.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.

If you've been thinking about buying a car this year, stop thinking. Autofestival is happening RIGHT NOW – started January 24, ends this Sunday February 2. That's 3 days left. But here's the part most people miss: while the festival itself ends Sunday, the bank financing deals run until the end of February. Which means you still have time to make a smart decision instead of a rushed one. What Is Autofestival and Why Does It Matter? For 62 years, Luxembourg's entire car industry has concentrated into 10 days every January. This year's edition runs from January 24 to February 2, 2026, with 90 dealerships opening their 170 showrooms across the country. The numbers tell you why this matters: dealers generate up to 35% of their annual turnover during Autofestival and the following two months. That's not marketing hype – that's actual industry data from Fedamo, the car dealers federation. When a third of annual sales happens in two months, dealers are motivated. Inventory is stocked. And most importantly for you, banks offer their best financing rates of the year. The Real Opportunity: It's Not About the Festival, It's About the Financing Everyone focuses on the Autofestival weekend. The crowds. The balloons. The test drives. But the actual financial opportunity extends beyond Sunday. Banks like BIL are offering promotional car loan rates until February 28. That's 4 full weeks after the festival ends. BIL's current offer: 4.35% fixed rate Zero processing fees through Feb 28 (for young people under 28) Enhanced rates for buyers under 30 Quick calculator that doesn't require your phone number Check what your monthly payment would be: bil.com/static/autofestival/index-en.html?utm_source=Luxexpats&utm_campaign=Autofestival The calculator takes 2 minutes. You put in the car price and loan term. It shows you the actual monthly cost. That's it. No commitment, no callback unless you want one. The Smart Play: Visit During the Festival, Buy After Here's what nobody tells you. This weekend (January 31-February 2) will be packed. Dealerships are open on both Sundays (January 25 and February 1), which normally never happens in Luxembourg. Test drives are booked solid. Salespeople are juggling multiple customers. The smart move: go this weekend to look, test drive, and narrow down your choices. Then come back next week when it's quiet to actually negotiate and buy. The financing rates are identical whether you buy on February 1 or February 25. But your leverage and the salesperson's attention are much better when you're not competing with 50 other people. What's Actually Different About Car Buying in 2026 In 2025, electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids together accounted for 34.7% of new car registrations in Luxembourg – more than one in three new cars. Hybrids specifically rose from 4.1% in 2019 to 29.3% in 2025. This isn't theoretical. Walk into any showroom and half the floor space is electric or hybrid. The government still offers incentives: Up to €6,000 for new electric vehicles €1,500 for used electric vehicles (introduced in 2024) Must keep the vehicle for 36 months (changed from 12 months in October 2024) But here's the catch: the growth rate of fully electric vehicles is leveling off. After years of explosive growth, the market is stabilizing. Electric vehicles dropped slightly from 27.4% of new registrations in 2024 to 26.9% in 2025. Why? Uncertain economic climate, tax conditions, and constraints around CO2 calculations, according to Fedamo. Translation: if you were waiting for electric cars to get cheaper or better, that moment is now. They're not getting dramatically better or cheaper next year. This is the market. The Financing Math: What You'll Actually Pay Let's stop with vague percentages and talk real numbers. Example 1: €20,000 used car BIL rate (4.35%) over 60 months Monthly payment: ~€371.5 Processing fees: €0 (waived until Feb 28 for people under 28) Example 2: €30,000 new hybrid BIL rate (4.35%) over 60 months Monthly payment: ~€557.25 Processing fees: €0 (waived until Feb 28 for people under 28) After the auto festival exclusiveness, rates go back to standard rates. For simulating yourself, click this link: bil.com/static/autofestival/index-en.html?utm_source=Luxexpats&utm_campaign=Autofestival Luxembourg’s Car Loan Tax Advantage (That Many Expats Miss) Luxembourg allows taxpayers to deduct car loan interest from their taxable income, up to €672 per person per year, under the “special expenses” category. This deduction category also includes certain insurance premiums (such as car and home insurance), which means the €672 cap applies to the total of all these expenses combined. You cannot stack unlimited deductions—but many expats do not fully use this allowance. Example impact over time Maximum deductible amount: €672 per year Over a 5-year car loan: up to €3,360 in deductible interest At a typical marginal tax rate of 25–35%, this can translate into approximately €800–€1,200 in real tax savings (and potentially more for higher earners or dual-income households) What About Used Cars? Autofestival primarily features new vehicles, but used car sections exist at most dealerships. The financing works the same. BIL's 4.35% rate applies to both new and used. The Environmental Shift Is Real Average CO2 emissions from newly registered vehicles dropped 7.7% in 2024 to 99.3g/km – a 38.2% decrease over six years. By comparison, Germany discontinued EV subsidies and saw emissions increase by 4.2%. Luxembourg's approach is working. The car fleet is genuinely getting cleaner. Diesel vehicles dropped from 41.9% of new registrations in 2019 to just 9.9% in 2025. They're becoming niche. If you're buying a diesel in 2026, you should have a specific reason (long-distance driving, towing, etc.). It's no longer the default. Who Should Actually Buy During This Period Buy now if: You were planning to get a car in 2026 anyway Your current car is dying or already dead You've done your research and know what you want The monthly payment fits comfortably in your budget You work, study, or get a pension in Luxembourg (qualification requirement) The Next 72 Hours: What to Do Friday, January 31 (Today): Make a shortlist of 3-5 models you're interested in Check BIL's calculator to see what monthly payments would be: bil.com/static/autofestival/index-en.html?utm_source=Luxexpats&utm_campaign=Autofestival Book test drives for Saturday (call ahead, slots fill up) Saturday, February 1: Visit dealerships, test drive, ask questions Take notes on exact prices and options Don't feel pressured to buy today Remember: dealerships are also open Sunday and financing continues all month Sunday, February 2: Last day of Autofestival If you found what you want and the numbers work, move forward If you need more time, that's fine – BIL's rates continue until Feb 28 Monday, February 3 - Friday, February 28: Dealerships back to normal hours and pace Same financing rates, quieter environment Better time for actual negotiation Use the calculator, compare offers, decide Try it: bil.com/static/autofestival/index-en.html?utm_source=Luxexpats&utm_campaign=Autofestival Takes literally 2 minutes and you'll know exactly what you'd pay monthly. What Happens After February 28 Life goes on. Car dealerships don't close. Banks still offer loans at standard rates. But: Processing fees come back for young people as well Rates return to standard levels (>5%) Promotional young adult rates disappear Dealer motivation decreases About BIL's car loan: Available until February 28, 2026. Requires economic link to Luxembourg (employment, studies, or pension). Rate and terms subject to credit approval. Full details at bil.com. This article explains available options but is not financial advice. Quick Links: BIL Car Loan Calculator: bil.com/static/autofestival/index-en.html?utm_source=Luxexpats&utm_campaign=Autofestival Fedamo (Participating Dealerships): fedamo.lu SNCA (Vehicle Registration): snca.lu Luxembourg EV Subsidies: guichet.lu/en/citoyens/transports-mobilite/achat-location-vehicule/aide-achat-vehicule