Luxembourg’s hospitals are warning of possible blood shortages as summer ends, with donor numbers reduced by holidays and new restrictions linked to mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue and chikungunya. At the same time, the demand for blood transfusions continues to rise. Blood donations are crucial for hospitals, yet supply often dips during the holiday season. Regular donors are away, and many who return from trips abroad face temporary restrictions before they can donate again. The reason lies in the growing spread of the tiger mosquito, a black-and-white insect that has established itself in several European countries and is capable of carrying tropical viruses. In countries like France and Italy, cases of dengue fever and chikungunya have already been reported, raising concerns in Luxembourg, where transfusion centres must maintain steady reserves. One long-time blood donor explained that for her, donating has been a vital act of solidarity for nearly three decades – knowing that her contribution could one day save the life of a stranger or even someone in her family. Dr Andrée Heinricy of the Red Cross Blood Transfusion Centre noted that supplies remained stable through the summer, but with the new school year, demand is expected to climb. She stressed that every eligible donor is needed. Anyone who has spent even a single night in an area where mosquito-borne diseases were detected must wait 28 days before donating, since such viruses cannot yet be screened out of transfusions. The spread of the tiger mosquito is also tied to climate change. The insect has become established in France, Italy, and Germany, and has already been spotted in both Belgium and Luxembourg. Milder winters allow it to survive in regions where it once could not. Dr Pit Braquet from the CHL Travel Clinic underlined that Luxembourg has not recorded any local infections so far. Still, he warned that rising temperatures are enabling the insect to expand across Europe, leading to outbreaks in countries where such diseases were previously unknown. While the risk in Luxembourg is currently considered low, hospitals continue to stress one message: the need for blood is constant, and every donation counts. Donors can also book appointments directly: Blood Donation - Croix-Rouge luxembourgeoise (EN) - Don du sang Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free: luxembourgexpats.lu   

The Grand Ducal Police carried out late-night alcohol checks across Luxembourg between Friday evening, 29 August, and the early hours of Saturday, 30 August 2025, resulting in several warnings and one driving licence being revoked. The first checkpoint took place on Rue du Village in Schoenfels between 11pm and midnight on Friday. Officers stopped and tested 64 drivers using preliminary breath tests, even when there were no obvious signs of alcohol consumption. Out of these, three drivers tested positive and each received a tax-notified warning. In one case, police immediately confiscated the driver’s licence. A second operation was held in the early hours of Saturday, between 12:30am and 1:30am, on Rue de Luxembourg in Tuntange. Here, police examined 42 drivers under the same conditions. One driver tested positive and was issued a tax-notified warning. The police emphasised that such checks are an important measure to ensure road safety and act as a deterrent against driving under the influence.   Portail de la Police Grand-Ducale - Luxembourg Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free: luxembourgexpats.lu   

Luxembourg paid tribute this weekend to one of the darkest chapters in its history, marking 83 years since the Nazi regime imposed compulsory conscription on the country’s youth. A commemorative ceremony was held on Saturday, 30 August 2025, recalling the moment when thousands of Luxembourgers were forced into military service against their will. The date carries heavy symbolism: on 30 August 1942, Gauleiter Gustav Simon announced that young Luxembourgers would be drafted into the German army. Between 1942 and 1944, around 10,200 men aged 18 to 24 were compelled to serve in Hitler’s forces. The repression did not stop with men. Thousands of young women also fell victim to Nazi decrees, with 3,614 Luxembourger women sent to the Reich Labour Service (RAD) and, in some cases, to the War Auxiliary Service (KHD). For many families, these orders brought impossible choices and lifelong scars. The Ministry of State emphasised that the suffering endured by these young people — torn from their homes and confronted with war — remains a vital part of Luxembourg’s collective memory. The ceremony served as both a solemn reminder of past injustice and a tribute to resilience, ensuring that the sacrifices of those conscripted against their will are never forgotten. Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free: luxembourgexpats.lu   

Luxembourg is set to experience a rare moment in its history this autumn, as Grand Duke Henri formally hands the crown to his eldest son, Prince Guillaume, during three days of ceremonies and celebrations from 3 to 5 October 2025. The long-anticipated transition will begin on Friday, 3 October, when Grand Duke Henri abdicates at the Grand Ducal Palace in the morning, paving the way for Prince Guillaume to take his oath before the Chamber of Deputies. Shortly after, the grand ducal family will appear together on the palace balcony — an image destined to mark a new chapter in the nation’s story. Later that day, the new Grand Duke and Grand Duchess Stéphanie will meet citizens at Luxembourg City Hall and the Knuedler, before attending a grand reception at the Cercle Cité. The first day will close with a state gala dinner at the palace. Celebrating with the People On Saturday, 4 October, Guillaume and Stéphanie will embark on an inauguration tour across the country, meeting residents in four municipalities: Grevenmacher, Wiltz, Steinfort, and Dudelange. Each stop is designed to highlight the nation’s diversity and resilience — from local sports and community life to healthcare and industrial heritage. The day will culminate in Luxembourg City with an evening performance on the Red Bridge. Accompanied by orchestral music, trams will form a colourful ballet as the new sovereign and his wife step onto the bridge, symbolising unity and progress. A Spiritual Closing The weekend will draw to a solemn close on Sunday, 5 October, with a Te Deum at Notre-Dame Cathedral, led by Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich. This religious service will conclude the official ceremonies, sealing Guillaume’s accession as Grand Duke of Luxembourg. The coronation weekend is expected to bring together citizens from all walks of life in celebration, offering a mix of tradition, modern spectacle, and national pride.  Read More: Luxembourg royal abdication: new details revealed ahead of line of succession change | HELLO! Trounwiessel - Official site - Luxembourg Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free: luxembourgexpats.lu   

In Luxembourg, teenagers are living almost entirely online. An astounding 99% of 16–24-year-olds log online every day, and most begin even earlier—with smartphones serving as their constant companions. While laptops remain useful (74% own one), it’s the smartphone that dominates daily digital life, with 88% of young people using it nearly every day. Platforms and Preferences: What’s Trending? YouTube is king. Nearly nine in ten Luxembourg teens regularly watch videos there—making it far and away the top platform. TikTok follows, used by about 55–60%, especially among girls. Communication apps are also essential: Snapchat, WhatsApp, and Instagram are central to how young people share moments, jokes, and updates. Among high school students, about 77% use Snapchat, 65% WhatsApp, and 55% engage with Instagram. Meanwhile, the podcast format is slowly gaining traction—especially among older teens—but video podcasts posted on platforms like YouTube remain the more popular entry point. Screen Time: A Balancing Act Luxembourgish adolescents spend a significant portion of their waking hours online. Although some moderation has emerged compared to past years, the digital presence remains substantial. Roughly: 20% spend more than 6 hours a day on their smartphones Around one-third limit themselves to 1–3 hours daily Another 35–40% spend 4–6 hours online each day When combined with laptop use and streaming devices, screen usage easily consumes a full third of a teenager’s day—especially noticeable during long weekend sessions. Unsurprisingly, the impact is felt across homes and schools: almost half of 12–16-year-olds admit they spend too much time glued to their phones, and 90% of primary school teachers view smartphone addiction as a serious concern. Steering Toward Digital Wellbeing Recognizing the growing concern, Luxembourg is leading Europe in its structured response to promote digital wellbeing among youth. Central to this effort is the Screen-Life Balance initiative introduced in 2024. As of Easter 2025, all primary schools have implemented a complete ban on smartphone use during class, breaks, and after-school programs—requiring phones to remain off in backpacks. In secondary schools, rules vary: some impose physical separation during lessons, while others enforce full bans in certain zones or for specific age groups. It’s not just about restriction. A nationwide awareness campaign was launched in autumn 2024 to equip parents with tools to manage screen time effectively, coupled with regular parent-teacher forums offering practical digital-life guidance. Meanwhile, the BEE SECURE programme—Luxembourg’s digital safety initiative—continues to champion media literacy, online threat awareness, and responsible use. It hosts educational seminars, provides resources, and publishes the annual BEE SECURE Radar report, tracking evolving online behaviors among youth. Luxembourg’s teens are digital natives in every sense—immersed in videos, social feeds, and instant messaging. Yet the nation’s proactive and thoughtful approach—balancing restrictions with education, family involvement, and digital skills—is a clear model for how to help youth thrive both on and offline. Digital 2025: Luxembourg — DataReportal – Global Digital Insights Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free: luxembourgexpats.lu   

Luxembourg is making remarkable strides in fostering social understanding and support for people with disabilities through a series of inclusion-focused events, sports days, and cultural gala evenings. These initiatives are not only raising awareness but actively creating spaces where individuals of all abilities can engage, connect, and celebrate diversity in society. One of the highlights of 2025 was the ongoing 12th Special Needs Awareness Weeks, a collection of well-coordinated events organized alongside local associations and partners. Through these activities, the city has embraced an atmosphere of acceptance and engagement, showing that inclusion is a communal effort. From invigorating sports days held at central locations like Place d'Armes to elegant "Inclusion" galas centered on art and culture without barriers, each event offers a unique opportunity for participants and attendees to experience and promote inclusivity first-hand. These events go beyond mere awareness, involving workshops such as introductions to German sign language and museum days designed to break down barriers to access and foster mutual respect and understanding. A heartfelt and innovative concept gaining attention is the "Dinner in the Dark," an immersive dining experience held across several venues in the city, designed to deepen empathy by simulating sensory challenges. Moreover, Luxembourg’s commitment is evident in the diversity of activities — from accessible tours of the city's historic quarters to dynamic races like "Roll & Run," where sport becomes a platform for everyone to demonstrate ability and determination regardless of physical limitations. This extensive programming not only celebrates disability inclusion but encourages society-wide participation, making inclusion a normal and welcomed part of everyday life. The constant focus on collaboration with disability organizations and experts ensures that the events remain relevant and impactful. By integrating art, sport, education, and social interactions, Luxembourg’s initiatives are building a stronger, more empathetic community that embraces all members equally. This approach serves as an inspiring model for other cities, showing the broad benefits of fostering inclusion that respects, empowers, and celebrates human diversity in all its forms.   2025 edition | Ville de Luxembourg Inclusion and disability at work: let's make a difference together! - IMS Luxembourg Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free: luxembourgexpats.lu   

Luxembourg’s authorities have issued a warning about a fraudulent crypto trading platform called TokenCore that is being promoted online through fabricated news articles and deceptive advertisements. The scheme promises extraordinary financial returns — such as turning an investment of €250 into thousands of euros per day — but officials have confirmed that the entire operation is a scam. The fake content, styled to resemble a legitimate news report, was designed to lure residents into trusting the platform by presenting it as a government-backed initiative. Authorities have clarified that no such project exists and that the advertisements are a sophisticated attempt to exploit investors. Scams of this nature often follow the same pattern: once a victim deposits money, they are shown manipulated dashboards suggesting high profits. However, when they attempt to withdraw funds, either the process is blocked, or they are pressured into investing even more. In the end, most victims lose all their deposits and, in some cases, expose their personal and banking data to criminals. Officials strongly advise residents to avoid clicking on suspicious links, entering personal information on unfamiliar sites, or responding to unsolicited investment offers. They also encourage citizens to immediately report any questionable content or online fraud attempts to law enforcement. The warning comes at a time when crypto-related scams are surging across Europe. Fraudsters increasingly rely on professional-looking websites, fake endorsements, and impersonation of public institutions to mislead users. Luxembourg authorities have stressed that promises of guaranteed, quick, and unusually high profits are a clear red flag. By raising awareness, they hope to prevent residents from falling victim to what they describe as a dangerous scheme with potentially severe financial consequences. Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free: luxembourgexpats.lu     

Luxembourg triathlete Jeanne Lehair soared to a second-place finish at the World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) sprint race in Fréjus, France. A few days earlier, she had celebrated victory in Chicago’s Supertri event, making this a stellar week for her. In Fréjus, Lehair led from the water, held her place within the cycle’s lead group, and maintained a front-running position during the run, ultimately finishing just six seconds behind France’s Olympic champion, Cassandre Beaugrand. Léonie Périault claimed third, 17 seconds behind the winner.  On the men's side, David Lang made an impressive debut in the WTCS by securing 31st place in a field dominated by Australia’s Matthew Hauser, who took the win, followed by Portugal’s Vasco Vilaça and Brazil’s Miguel Hidalgo.  Meanwhile, Gregor Payet savored success in Austria, finishing the 70.3 triathlon in Zell am See in 3:47:11 and landing a place on the podium just behind winner Fabian Kraft.  At the European Triathlon Championships in Istanbul, Luxembourg's Lucas Cambrésy delivered his best-ever international performance, finishing a strong 13th.  Not all athletes had such smooth sailing—Tom Heyart experienced a fall during a transition phase at the European Cup in Zagreb but still completed the race, coming in 26th. First look at the women’s WTCS French Riviera 2025 start lists Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free: luxembourgexpats.lu   

When it comes to superfoods, purple grapes deserve a place at the very top. Bursting with natural sweetness and vibrant color, these little fruits are far more than just a refreshing snack—they are a powerhouse of health benefits backed by science. The Power of Polyphenols What makes purple grapes so special is their remarkable concentration of polyphenols—plant compounds with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Among them are resveratrol, anthocyanins, and flavonoids, each playing a vital role in protecting the body from within. For the Heart: Polyphenols improve blood vessel flexibility, help lower blood pressure, and regulate cholesterol levels. This contributes to stronger cardiovascular health and reduced risk of heart disease. For the Brain: Compounds in grapes support memory, focus, and overall cognitive function. Regular consumption has even been linked to delaying the progression of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s. For the Gut: Purple grapes nourish the gut microbiome, the community of healthy bacteria that plays a central role in digestion, immunity, and mood regulation. More Than 1,600 Bioactive Compounds Scientists have identified over 1,600 active compounds in grapes, working together to offer wide-ranging benefits. Along with heart, brain, and gut health, grapes may also: Protect cells against oxidative stress and premature aging Support bone strength Improve sleep quality Help with weight regulation How Much to Eat Experts suggest aiming for about two servings a day—that’s roughly 1.5 cups (252 grams) of grapes. Whether enjoyed fresh, tossed into salads, blended into smoothies, or frozen as a cooling summer treat, grapes are a simple yet powerful way to boost your daily nutrition. A Sweet Path to Better Health Purple grapes prove that health doesn’t always come in complicated forms. With every handful, you’re giving your body a natural dose of antioxidants, protecting your heart, sharpening your mind, and keeping your gut happy. Delicious, convenient, and scientifically backed—grapes are truly nature’s way of reminding us that good health can be sweet.  Are Grapes Actually a Superfood? Here's What the Science Shows Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free: luxembourgexpats.lu   

Luxembourg’s Water Management Administration (AGE) and the eco-citizen group CELL have unveiled a joint initiative under the banner “One Water – Mir si Waasser,” aiming to raise public awareness about water stewardship across the Grand Duchy. The campaign marks a major step in preparing the nation’s fourth national water management plan, in line with EU directives. By highlighting how water mismanagement, pollution, and urban design choices imperil river ecosystems and groundwater, the collaboration aims to both educate and inspire. The overarching message is simple yet profound: safeguarding water means safeguarding our future. AGE’s director, Marc Hans, succinctly framed the campaign’s spirit: “Protecting water means protecting ourselves,” underscoring the need for shared responsibility among governments, businesses, and citizens. Key objectives of the campaign include encouraging greater water efficiency to combat waste and drought, restoring rivers to their natural courses to reduce flood risks in urban areas, and curbing pollution—from everyday household chemicals to agricultural runoff. These goals are being brought to life through engaging tools such as interactive social media content, educational videos, expert interviews, and everyday tips for conserving water. Looking ahead, AGE and CELL have committed to broader citizen engagement by scheduling a public consultation in early 2026, to be hosted on the national platform Zesumme Vereinfachen. The input gathered will help shape the next wave of Luxembourg’s water policies, ensuring that voices from all sectors—farmers, city dwellers, and beyond—are represented. As climate patterns shift and summer droughts become more severe, Luxembourg’s new campaign delivers a vital reminder: clean freshwater is one of our most precious and shared resources—and its protection depends on everyone. For More Information: Administration de la gestion de l'eau - Le gouvernement luxembourgeois Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free: luxembourgexpats.lu