In a significant regulatory development, Luxembourg's financial watchdog has taken a measured step toward integrating digital assets into mainstream European investment products. The Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) announced on February 4, 2026, that Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS) funds may now gain indirect exposure to crypto assets, capped at 10% of net asset value. This marks a notable reversal from the regulator's position as recently as February 2024, when UCITS funds were categorically prohibited from crypto exposure of any kind. The updated guidance, detailed in the CSSF's revised FAQ on crypto-assets and collective investment undertakings, establishes strict parameters for how these highly regulated retail investment vehicles can participate in the digital asset market. The Framework: Indirect Access Only Under the new rules, UCITS cannot purchase cryptocurrencies directly. Instead, they must gain exposure through eligible transferable securities such as exchange-traded products (ETPs) and exchange-traded notes (ETNs) that meet existing UCITS regulatory standards. Crucially, these products cannot embed derivatives, reflecting the regulator's emphasis on transparency and risk management. The CSSF's guidance emphasizes that crypto-assets present specific risks including volatility, liquidity challenges, and technological vulnerabilities that could significantly affect a fund's risk profile. Investment managers are required to conduct case-by-case assessments of how crypto investments impact their funds and update their risk management policies accordingly. The regulator also expects UCITS planning crypto exposure to inform the CSSF of their intentions and ensure investors receive transparent, timely updates through properly revised fund documentation. Aligning with European Regulatory Momentum Luxembourg's decision follows guidance from the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), which indicated in 2025 that limited indirect crypto exposure could fit within UCITS rules under approved financial securities. The move positions the CSSF ahead of other major European regulators, including Ireland's Central Bank, which continues to block crypto exposure in UCITS products. This regulatory shift occurs against a broader European backdrop of evolving digital asset frameworks. The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) became fully applicable on December 30, 2024, establishing comprehensive rules for crypto-asset service providers and issuers across the EU. Luxembourg implemented MiCAR into national law in January 2025, designating the CSSF as the sole competent authority and creating a streamlined regulatory pathway for crypto businesses. Market Implications As Europe's largest fund domicile, Luxembourg manages trillions of euros in UCITS assets, making the CSSF's decision particularly influential for the broader European market. Industry observers suggest the regulatory change is likely to prompt other jurisdictions to reconsider their stance on crypto exposure for retail investment products. Eric Baumgartner, head of legal EMEA at 21Shares, noted that opening UCITS to crypto ETNs will require issuers to meet rigorous criteria under the Eligible Assets Directive. Meanwhile, legal experts predict Luxembourg's proactive stance may accelerate similar reforms in Ireland and other European fund hubs. However, the practical impact may be evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Asset managers are expected to introduce UCITS with limited crypto sleeves for portfolio diversification and marketing relevance, rather than launching crypto-heavy strategies. The move represents crypto's normalization as "just another risk factor" within the traditional financial system, similar to how commodities or emerging markets were gradually integrated into regulated investment products. Ongoing Safeguards The CSSF maintains strict anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) requirements for funds investing in crypto assets. Investment fund managers must conduct comprehensive due diligence to understand the provenance of crypto assets and mitigate illicit finance risks. Depositaries holding crypto assets for investment funds must adapt their operational measures to address unique custody challenges while ensuring regulatory compliance. The regulator's cautious approach reflects a balance between fostering innovation in Luxembourg's financial sector and maintaining the robust investor protections that define UCITS products. With clear rules now in place, institutional investors and pension funds can begin exploring how digital assets might fit within diversified portfolios under a regulated framework that prioritizes transparency and risk management. --- Join Luxemborug expats - the trusted community for expats luxembourgexpats.lu

Luxembourg continues to stand out as a safe, well-organized, and traveler-friendly destination in the heart of Europe. Visitors can move around the country with ease thanks to efficient public transport, clean city spaces, and a generally calm environment that makes it appealing for tourists, professionals, and families alike. While overall safety levels are high, travelers are encouraged to stay mindful in busy locations. Like many European cities, crowded areas such as train stations, shopping streets, and popular attractions can attract occasional pickpocketing or small thefts, especially during peak hours. Simple precautions go a long way. Keeping personal belongings secure, staying aware of surroundings on public transport, and avoiding unnecessary display of valuables can help visitors enjoy their trip without disruption. Using well-lit routes and remaining attentive in crowded spaces further adds to a smooth travel experience. There are no travel restrictions or warnings for visiting Luxembourg, and most trips are completed without incident. By following basic safety habits, travelers can comfortably explore the country’s historic sites, vibrant city life, and scenic landscapes with 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 luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network. 

A new statistical snapshot by Eurostat shows that about 68% of people in European Union households owned their own homes in 2024, a bit lower than the 69% recorded in 2023. This slow decline highlights shifting housing trends across the EU’s 27 member countries.  The data reveal that home ownership was most common in Romania (94%), followed closely by Slovakia (93%) and Hungary (92%), where large majorities live in homes they own.  By contrast, Germany stood out as an exception, with a majority of residents renting rather than owning properties — about 53% of households were tenants — followed by Austria and Denmark, where renting is also common.  Eurostat’s figures also suggest that rising urbanisation, changing housing preferences, and economic factors may be influencing how Europeans decide between buying and renting.  Read more: ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20260205-1 ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 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 www.luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network.  

On 5 February 2026, air travel across Europe was seriously disrupted as winter weather and operational issues led to widespread flight delays and cancellations at major hubs such as Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle, and Frankfurt.  Reports show roughly 2,200 flights were delayed and dozens more cancelled across the continent, leaving many passengers stuck or forced to rebook. Staff shortages and heavy fog were among factors worsening the situation, with Paris-CDG alone seeing over 135 delayed flights and several cancellations. Ryanair and Aer Lingus, two of Europe’s busiest carriers, were particularly affected by knock-on delays from key connecting airports, impacting travellers on both short and long-haul routes.  The disruptions added to ongoing concerns about air travel reliability this winter season, already flagged by previous reports of high delay numbers across Europe.  Read more: https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-02-05/ie/2200-flights-delayed-across-europe-ryanair-and-irish-travellers-caught-in-continent-wide-disruption/?utm_source=chatgpt.com  .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 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 have reported that cases of key respiratory illnesses — including flu, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and COVID-19 — dropped for the week ending 1 February 2026 compared with the prior week, signaling a continued easing of seasonal sickness in the country. According to the weekly report by Luxembourg’s Directorate of Health, laboratory-confirmed influenza cases fell by about 16%, although the virus remains widespread. RSV infections also dropped by around 20%, with more than half of cases seen in young children, highlighting ongoing transmission among the youngest age groups.  COVID-19 infections saw a modest dip of about 6% in the same period, though viral material in wastewater showed a slight rise — a sign that vigilance remains important. Sequencing data shows that several SARS-CoV-2 variants, including XFG and its sub-lineages, were still dominant.  Health officials continue to encourage vaccination, especially for people aged 65 and older, as the most reliable way to prevent complications from flu and other respiratory viruses.  Read more: gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/agenda.gouvernement2024+fr+actualites+toutes_actualites+communiques+2026+02-fevrier+05-infections-respiratoires.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 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 attracts thousands of foreign workers with its strong economy, high salaries, and international job market. Many outsiders living in the country enjoy stable employment and financial security, making Luxembourg an attractive place to build a career. However, for many newcomers, professional success does not always lead to a fulfilling social life. Despite working in well-paid and secure jobs, many outsiders say they struggle to form meaningful personal connections. Long working hours, cultural differences, and language barriers often make it difficult to build friendships outside the workplace. As a result, daily life can feel routine and socially limited, especially for those who arrive alone. Studies and community observations show that feelings of loneliness are common among foreign residents. Many rely heavily on digital communication with family and friends in their home countries, which helps them stay connected but can also slow local integration. Over time, this can lead to a sense of emotional distance from their surroundings. Luxembourg’s multicultural society offers diversity, but it can also feel socially fragmented. People from many countries live side by side, yet social circles often remain separate. Short-term contracts, frequent relocations, and a fast-paced professional culture can make long-term relationships harder to establish. Experts say stronger community initiatives, social events, and inclusive spaces could help outsiders feel more connected. While Luxembourg continues to succeed as a global employment hub, the experience of many outsiders shows that social belonging and emotional well-being are just as important as job security when building a life abroad. If you’re looking to meet new people and feel more connected in Luxembourg, Join Luxembourg Expats, the #1 homegrown community for expats in Luxembourg. Connect with like-minded people, build friendships, and feel truly at home. Sign up free at luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network. 

Belgium and Luxembourg are expanding their military vehicle fleets through the French-led CaMo (Capacité Motorisée) programme, marking a fresh step in defence cooperation. Under this plan, 269 new armoured vehicles have been ordered for Belgium, and Luxembourg has arranged vehicles for its forces. Belgium will receive a mix of Griffon and Serval armoured vehicles, strengthening its ground force capabilities and interoperability with NATO partners. Luxembourg’s Guide-Chasseurs Battalion will be equipped with Jaguar and Griffon vehicles, joining the emerging SCORPION family of digital-ready military platforms. These additions are part of long-term efforts to modernise European defence and enhance shared readiness.  The programme also supports collaboration between Belgian and French defence industries, with many vehicles assembled in Belgium and fitted with advanced components. Officials say this joint purchase improves both countries’ contributions to collective security while building deeper integration with NATO military standards. Read more: https://www.fw-mag.com/shownews/901/belgium-and-luxembourg-expand-scorpion-fleet-modest-gains-amid-european-fragmentation ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 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.  

Eurofiber, a major European fiber-optic infrastructure company, has completed the acquisition of LuxNetwork, a well-known Luxembourg based network provider. The deal strengthens Eurofiber’s position in the Benelux region and supports its long-term European growth ambitions.  LuxNetwork specialises in high-capacity internet services, cloud connectivity, and a modern DWDM fiber backbone that links Luxembourg with cities like Frankfurt, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. With this acquisition, Eurofiber expands the reach of its open-access fiber infrastructure, offering businesses and data centres faster and more reliable connections. Financial institutions, tech firms, media companies, and cloud customers stand to benefit. Although the financial terms were not disclosed, Eurofiber says the integration will preserve local support in Luxembourg and continue investments in the region’s digital network.  The move positions Luxembourg as an even stronger digital hub within Europe and helps Eurofiber serve customers with advanced connectivity needs. Read more: https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/eurofiber-acquires-luxembourg-based-luxnetwork/ ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 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 government has launched a fresh initiative to make digital tools and services more accessible to everyone in the country. The Ministry of Digitalisation is inviting organisations and groups with ideas to help people get online and use technology confidently.  The 2026 call for projects focuses on helping people get devices, access reliable internet, and build basic digital skills. It also emphasises inclusive content and support spaces for those who may struggle with technology.  Officials say the goal is to reduce barriers and ensure that digital services work for all residents, whether young or old, rich or poor. This aligns with broader programmes to modernise public services and strengthen the digital economy.  Local nonprofits and public agencies are expected to play a big role in helping people gain skills and confidence with computers and the internet. Support may include training sessions, community tech hubs, and outreach to vulnerable groups.  The government hopes that by funding these projects, more people will be able to fully participate in the digital world, improving quality of life and job prospects. Read more: gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2026/02-fevrier/04-obertin-inclusion-numerique.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. 

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.