Health insurance in Luxembourg: CNS and access to healthcare

How to get psychological help in Luxembourg

Museums and cultural centers in Luxembourg

With or without visa: grounds for legal stay in Luxembourg

This weekend Luxembourg awaits several exciting events: a concert, a theater performance, an annual traditional dog show, and an immortal classic. It's all on our weekly event editorial digest for you to plan and enjoy the spring in Luxembourg.

The Writer is an experiential play that premiered back in 2018. The plot revolves around a Writer, 

 unencumbered by patriarchal influences. The ticket price is up to 20 euros.

Address: Théâtre des Capucins, Place du Theatre, L-2613 LUXEMBOURG

Quite an unusual musical event, which will certainly be appreciated by slam and battle-rap fans.

 Performers, who have been perfecting their lyrics

 and refining their flow for a year, are now ready to come on stage to show their skills. The ticket price is 31 euros.

Address:  Rotondes, 3 place des Rotondes, L-2448 LUXEMBOURG

Eat it! the festival is heaven for people who love to try new and good food. And if you don't think there's much to offer in the street food venues, go and check it out for yourself. 

 with a variety of delicacies will suit the taste of even the most sophisticated gourmets. Admission is free.

The cinematic masterpiece from acclaimed genius Andrew Lloyd Webber is back on the screens. 

, the picture is still relevant and popular even now. A rock opera about Christ is definitely something worth seeing. Tickets are up to 3.7 euros.

Address:  Cinémathèque de la Ville de Luxembourg, 17 PLACE DU THEATRE, L-2613 LUXEMBOURG

No, no, the dogs will not perform art. The International Dog Show in Luxembourg has been running for over 50 years. More than just a show, it features innovative brands promoting animal health and welfare, and outstanding entertainment. The event covers 

 and hosts several prestigious competitions, including Crufts Qualification 2024. Don't miss out! Tickets are up to 7 euros, and kids under 12 and other pets with vaccination passports – can come for free.

Address: 10, Circuit de la Foire Internationale, L-1347 Luxembourg-Kirchberg

Luxembourg City

Luxembourg events for March 31 to April 2: pet-friendly weekend

Begging is a controversial issue that raises ethical, legal, and social questions. In many countries, including Luxembourg, begging is (at least was) not illegal, but it is subject to certain regulations, such as not blocking pedestrians, not using minors or animals, and not harassing or intimidating people. But these regulations are difficult to enforce, especially in cases of organized begging controlled by traffickers, who take advantage of vulnerable people for profit.

Today Luxembourg City announced a ban on begging in the Ville-Haute and Gare neighborhoods. The ban forbids individuals from asking for money but allows them to sit on the ground. Local officials have emphasized that the ban targets organized begging and aim to fight against human trafficking. However, the ban has received criticism from various sources already, even before it was signed.

The municipal executive of the city has acknowledged that a general ban would also impact individuals who are not part of organized networks. Mayor Lydie Polfer and First Alderman Serge Wilmes have pointed out that there are "other services" available that help people in need.

But, despite the criticisms, the municipal executive of Luxembourg City has defended the ban, stating that they are expanding their offer for people in need and that "nobody needs to sleep outside". The government acknowledges that the issue of poverty and homelessness is complex, but they believe that the ban is a necessary first step in addressing it.

The reasons why people beg are complex and varied. Some people are homeless, unemployed, or disabled and have no other means of survival. Others are migrants or refugees who face discrimination, poverty, and insecurity in their home countries or host countries. Others may be addicted to drugs or alcohol, have mental health problems, or be victims of domestic violence.

Regardless of the reasons, begging is often associated with poverty, marginalization, and social exclusion, and requires a comprehensive and compassionate response from the authorities and society. Instead of criminalizing or stigmatizing beggars, it is essential to address the root causes of poverty and inequality and provide adequate social protection, education, health care, and job opportunities.

While banning begging may seem like a quick fix, it is not a sustainable solution unless it is accompanied by social policies that address poverty, inequality, and exclusion. Moreover, any measure that restricts fundamental rights, such as the freedom of expression and movement, should be subject to careful scrutiny and evaluation, to ensure that it respects human dignity and promotes social justice.

«Nobody needs to sleep outside»: a new ban on begging in Luxembourg City

Luxembourg faces a challenge as the results of the OECD financial literacy survey reveal a lack of financial knowledge and responsible behavior among its residents. The government and financial organizations are taking action to address the issue by promoting financial education and sustainable policies.

Luxembourg recently participated for the first time in an OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) survey to measure the level of financial literacy among its residents aged 18 to 79 years old. The country's financial literacy score is

, not the best result. The problem also emerged in the section of young adults: for 18-29 year-olds the score is even lower — at 

While the overall level of financial knowledge of Luxembourg residents is high enough, the problem lies in financial behavior and attitudes, where Luxembourg is below the OECD average for all age groups. This is thought to be due to the country's economic context when it comes to budget management.

The ABBL Foundation for Financial Education and the CSSF, who conducted the research in the first place, has called for the introduction of financial education in elementary and secondary schools. Also, the solution would be better coordination of the different existing initiatives that for now resides mainly in extracurricular activities. The Finance Minister also stressed that financial education must be accessible to all.

The OECD survey aims to assess adults' financial knowledge, attitudes, and behavior to help governments and stakeholders identify and address gaps in financial education and consumer protection policies. The global survey is conducted every three years, and over 30 countries participated in the latest edition in 2020. In 2010, the International Network on Financial Education Toolkit for assessing financial literacy and inclusion was released. This involved a working group, national surveys, international research, and expert input. Toolkit was received positively by G20 leaders in September 2013. That allows governments and statistical offices to make financial studies on their own.

Overall, financial literacy is essential for individuals and society as a whole to achieve financial well-being and prosperity. Luxembourg's government knows it as well.

This week, on the 27th of March, Franz Fayot, Luxembourg's Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, and Yuriko Backes, Minister of Finance, have signed an agreement to extend Luxembourg's partnership with the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) for a second phase.

The partnership aims to advance inclusive and sustainable policies and regulations in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. The Luxembourg government and AFI will also cooperate to expand technical cooperation and knowledge exchange with stakeholders in the Luxembourg inclusive finance ecosystem, the broader European stakeholder community, and global financial standard-setting bodies. 

AFI's Multi-Donor Financial Inclusion Policy Implementation Facility (MD-PIF) will advance financial inclusion in Africa and the Arab Region. The agreement builds on the success of AFI's European Representative Office, which launched in Luxembourg in October 2020.

Delano

Luxembourg's financial literacy woes: how the government addresses the issue

A Luxembourgish chain of famous Montessori method crèches was captured in the middle of a scandal. Employees speak of poor working conditions and inadequate child care.

 are making serious allegations of misconduct against the management, including minimum paid wages, unjustified dismissals, chronic staff shortages, pressure on pregnant workers, poor conditions, a high turnover, burnout, and even modern slavery.

The Montessori crèche company runs 12 private nurseries in Luxembourg and employs 330 people, attended by 1,093 children. A petition generated 882 signatures and 156 comments, many of which claim the company doesn't at all follow the promoted Montessori method: the groups of 16 children under the age of two years old are not good for both nursery workers, kids, and even Ministry.

Two women who spoke to RTL.lu allege that the groups of children are systematically too large to take care of them on the proper level, resulting in a lack of attention and negligence. Lucienne Schmit, who worked for the nursery from 2017 to 2021, and Rosalie Weber, who worked there for just under a year, said that they were asked to change the nappies of 16 children in just 30 minutes, which is two minutes per child.

The pressure on employees is huge, and the two women allege that their fatigue is so great that they are unable to enjoy hobbies or housework. Both women claim that management is aware of the excessive number of children in the groups, and they are creative about finding ways to get around it. 

Sick leave due to overwork and fatigue is common, but absenteeism is punished, and bonuses are affected, which affects the pay in general. The women allege that the management takes advantage of cross-border workers who are not familiar with Luxembourg labor law, and Luxembourgers are paid more than cross-border workers with the same diploma.

Scandal rocks Luxembourgish Montessori crèche chain: poor conditions for workers affect children

EU leaders had a formal meeting in Brussels on 24 and 24 March of 2023. The main topics covered the main problems that worry the modern world: the war in Ukraine, the European market and economy, the energy crisis that stressed the countries, and migration topic.

The President of the European Commission, 

, highlighted topics that were covered during a meeting. The first and main prospect — is the fight against climate change and the need to accelerate action right now to limit global warming. The European Union is on track to achieve its targets for climate neutrality by 2050, with greenhouse gas emissions decreasing by 2.5% last year.

The second topic was Ukraine and the situation with Ukrainian children. An initiative has been launched to bring back the children that have been abducted by Russia, and the UN Secretary-General has offered the support of the United Nations agencies.

The third topic is economic and industrial competitiveness, with significant steps being taken to maintain the head-start of the European Union. Negotiations are ongoing with the United States about clean-tech subsidies, critical materials, and leased electric vehicles.

Finally, the fourth topic covered by leaders was the success of the solidarity lanes in enabling Ukraine to export large quantities of grains and other agricultural products, and the need to support the farmers in the front-line states.

Luxembourg's Prime Minister, Xavier Bettel, had a speech there too. He has said that the UN is limited in what it can achieve due to the veto power held by permanent members of the Security Council, including Russia and China. Bettel has called for the Chinese and US Presidents to work together on a joint plan to end the war in Ukraine.

While Russia may prefer a proposal backed by China, Bettel thinks a joint plan with the US would carry more weight. Bettel also wants to avoid the emergence of bipolar relations and is clear that nuclear power is «neither sustainable, safe, nor quick to build».

European Comission

Results of the Brussels meeting of leaders: what worries the EU

The annual switch to summertime, also known as Daylight Saving Time, is a controversial topic that has been debated for many years in Luxembourg. This year, the time change will occur in the early hours of Sunday, March 27, when clocks will jump from 2 a.m. straight to 3 a.m., causing residents of the Grand Duchy and the rest of Europe to lose one hour of sleep.

In theory, less lighting should equal reduced electricity consumption. However, the effectiveness of this measure in achieving significant energy savings is highly disputed. Moreover, experts agree that wintertime is our natural time and should not be mixed up. The switch to summertime disrupts our sleep rhythm and has negative health effects, including tiredness, feeling under the weather, sleeplessness, and difficulty focusing.

Despite the negative health effects, polls consistently suggest that most people would prefer to remain in summertime indefinitely. In 2018, the European Commission initiated an EU-wide survey in which 80% of the 4.6 million participants spoke out in favor of ending the time change. In 2019 the plan to abolish the time change was presented in the EU, but member states could not agree on which time to adopt it permanently. And a mishmash of time zones across the EU is not an option.

If the EU were to stick with wintertime forever, the western countries would benefit the most from the sun rising earlier in the morning. But, in Eastern Europe, this would mean that the sun would always set earlier. It is worth noting that several countries around the world have already abolished the time change, including Argentina, Belarus, Brazil, China, India, Japan, Namibia, Russia, and others.

Another interesting fact about time change is that it can have a significant impact on the economy. A study conducted by JP Morgan Chase found that the switch to Daylight Saving Time results in a net economic benefit of about $200 million per year in the United States. This is primarily due to increased consumer spending on outdoor activities during the long evenings in the summertime.

However, the same study also found that the time change can have negative effects on certain industries, such as airlines and the financial sector. For example, airlines have to adjust their schedules and operations to accommodate the time change, which can be costly and lead to delays. In the financial sector, the time change can disrupt trading patterns and lead to decreased productivity.

The debate around the time change is likely to continue for years to come, as there are both benefits and drawbacks to the practice. While some argue that the switch to summertime can help save energy and boost the economy, others point to the negative health effects and the difficulty in finding a consensus among EU member states.

Changing time: the Economics of Daylight Saving Time

We're saying goodbye to March with our traditional weekly program. In this edition, we have unusual performances, classical music, and Luxembourg city's best flea market! Open your calendars.

La Campagne (Countryside), the play by the 

British dramatist Martin Crimp, will tell the story of the life of a married couple

 whose nature idyll was destroyed all at once. One night the husband comes home with a stranger in distress, and the event unfolds great drama in the family. The production will be on until the first half of April. Ticket prices range from 8 euros for young people to 20 euros.

Address: Théâtre ouvert Luxembourg (TOL), route de Thionville, L-2611 LUXEMBOURG

The Saturday market at Place d'Armes is one of the best flea markets in the city. It has been back since March 11 and will be open every Saturday until October 21. 

You can visit the flea market and look for something unique (and eco-friendly) from 8 am to 6 pm on Saturdays

. Here you can easily find almost anything you want: antiques, paintings, home furnishings, unique dishes, and various knickknacks. Something others don't need can come in handy for you, and vice versa.

Address: Place d'Armes, Luxembourg, L-1136 LUXEMBOURG

Do you like the piano and classical music? Then you definitely shouldn't miss the joint 

concert of students from the Luxembourg and Metz Conservatories

. Especially since admission to the concert is free for everyone. You can listen to the melodies performed by professional pianists this Saturday, March 25, from 3 to 5 p.m.

Address: Conservatoire de la Ville de Luxembourg, 33 Rue Charles Martel, L-2134 LUXEMBOURG

An original german performance that makes you question whether light can become darkness for... shadows? After staying in the background for a long time, the shadows will become the main protagonist. 

, there are no words in French or English! The ticket price is up to 12 euros, 6 euros for young people and kids.

Address: Rotondes, 3 place des Rotondes, L-2448 LUXEMBOURG

Luxembourg culture program for the weekend of March 24-26

The City of Luxembourg has presented the results of its Water and Pipes services, highlighting the quality of drinking water and the significant drop in average consumption. It is still important to protect this valuable resource in the face of an ecological crisis.

According to the report, the average drinking water consumption of residents decreased significantly between 2012 and 2022, falling from 196 liters per day to 161 liters per day — a decrease of 17.9%. It is worth noting that this average includes not only residents but also offices, schools, and swimming pools. 

The reduction in average consumption is a result of increased awareness among the residents of Luxembourg about the importance of water conservation, thinks Mayor Lydie Polfer. "Water is an exceptionally important material for all of us, and we must take care of it and save it."

The city of Luxembourg consumed just over 8 million cubic meters of water last year, a stable figure compared to the year before, according to figures from the annual report of the capital's water service. Of this total, 63.2% came from springs in the city, and 36.3% came from the Haute-Sûre dam. 

The city has 72 springs, but only about forty are operational, as the production of around thirty springs had to be stopped due to a bacterium in recent years, said Simone Beissel, the alderman in charge.

Water quality is monitored very regularly, with a total of 3,645 analyses carried out over the past year. Even if some sources have water with nitrate or metazachlor, the water that reaches the tap is of good quality, thanks in particular to the carbon filtration, which proves to be very effective, according to the city.

The water is brought to the taps of residents and workers in the capital by a network of 691 kilometers of pipes, 120 km of which were renovated in 2022, and 2,280 meters were rebuilt, as well as 242 connections. The pipe department handles all of this, and it is always busy. With storm basins, pumping stations, and pipelines, the service is permanently active and was endowed in 2022 with 

. The water service was entitled to 34.1 million euros.

Overall, the City of Luxembourg is doing an excellent job in managing its water resources, with a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. With a growing population and increasing demand for water, it is essential that cities around the world prioritize the management and conservation of this valuable resource.

L'essentiel

Luxembourg City sees 17.9% drop in daily water consumption in the last decade

Bio, eco, green: more and more often, product packaging and labeling demonstrate a caring attitude toward the planet in an attempt to please the consumer. Little by little, this element has turned into marketing. While the European Commission urges people to become 

personally involved in reducing meat and dairy consumption

, companies are cashing in on unsuspecting customers. More anxious people are now raking products labeled eco (even if they are wrapped in three layers of plastic) off the shelves than ever before.

A 2020 study found that 53% of labels on eco-goods sold in the EU were vague or misleading to customers. 40% were unfounded, hence false. The same applies to companies that "care about nature": out of 344 claims of sustainable company status, one in five did not provide sufficient evidence to judge the statement's accuracy.

The European Union decided to put an end to greenwashing and clear the way for truly sustainable business. From now on, any environmental claims will have to be verified and backed up by independent experts.

As one of the main principles of the Green Deal, the European Commission's recent plan for a green transition to a more sustainable global economy, the goal is to empower consumers to make informed choices in favor of more sustainable solutions. Lack of knowledge is becoming a significant problem: despite the desire to make the right choices, misleading information on labels forces people to choose consumerism, rather than a zero-waste approach. But we can't blame them.

 presented by the European Commission today, on March 22, provides guidelines for ecolabels, complementing the EU Ecolabel regulation, established in 1992. The label will have to contain detailed information about the origin of the product and its carbon footprint.

The problematic private labeling scheme is currently available to manufacturers on very relaxed terms. If the directive comes into force, the requirements for private labeling will become stricter: now, it will be up to scientific evidence to prove that a product is in fact eco. In this way, the EU wants to restore confidence in the familiar green label on store shelves.

But the question is whether the rules if they are introduced will be respected at all levels: in simple terms, will the authorities arrange demonstrative penalties only for small companies, turning a blind eye to the giants? In addition, in the pursuit of changing labels, we should not forget that this will require changes in product packaging, which will once again create a ton of irrelevant plastic labeled "environmentally friendly".

Not so green: European Commission directive for greenwashers

The European Investment Bank's (EIB) latest annual study for 2022-2023 addressed the issue of the personal involvement of each individual in the fight against climate change. More and more people in Luxembourg and worldwide are paying attention to their own decisions that impact the global environmental picture, and the actions that can be taken right now.

Young people (under 30 years) in Luxembourg have demonstrated the most responsible attitude towards environmental protection: they support stricter measures to change the individual behavior of citizens (69% of the respondents), and they are also guided by sustainability when choosing both their food and their employers!

More than two-thirds of young workers pay attention to the employer's climatic footprint when looking for a job, and for 16% of job seekers, this is one of the most important criteria. For zoomers, who are already in full swing to enter the labor market, environmentalism, and corporate responsibility are far from empty phrases.

Changes have also reached the everyday habits of residents of the Grand Duchy. 77% of Luxembourg residents said they were willing to "pay a little more" for products that are made by local farmers, and thus are a greener choice: less carbon dioxide emissions from production, and transportation, as well as great support for the development of regions. 

The number was much higher in the country than in neighboring France (60%) and Belgium (49%). Willingness to pay more for local environmental products is almost not correlated with income levels though, and it's a great sign.

Respondents were less enthusiastic about the initiative to reduce the use of meat and dairy products. About half of the residents of Luxembourg agree with it. In this respect, they are similar to the Belgians, while the French are more likely to change their diet for the sake of the planet. However, young people in Luxembourg are more flexible: 

58% of respondents under 30 years of age believe in limiting animal products

, while only 44% of those over 65 years of age do so.

The European global survey is the fifth in the history of the EIB. The research is part of a general program on the impact of the European Bank on environmental initiatives set for the EU and the world. More than 28,000 respondents from 30 countries took part in the study: the sociologists put a special emphasis on the age profile of the interviewees, starting from 15 years old in order to capture the younger generation and their opinions

Zoomers of Luxembourg will help fight climate change

The European Commission has made some concessions in an attempt to resolve disagreements with European Union states over the law banning cars with internal combustion engines. A special new category will be created for vehicles that will be sold after 2035 when the directive will be adopted.

Following long and intensive negotiations, EU countries and the European Parliament just recently agreed on a law that would prohibit the use of internal combustion engines for the production of new cars in the EU from 2035. This step is an important point toward carbon emission limits, set by the commission in order for humanity to not be totally fried up one summer.

However, a few days before the final decision, the German Ministry of Transport spoke out against it. As we wrote earlier,

 Italian authorities opposed such a reform too, calling it "suicidal"

. And while Italy was planning an alliance with other countries and a boycott, the European Commission worked out a compromise.

The new cars with internal combustion engines would be allowed for sale, as long as such vehicles only run on a carbon-neutral, environmentally friendly fuel.

The European Commission's project proposal, made available by 

 on Tuesday, proposes creating a new category of vehicles. Carbon-neutral vehicles would have to feature technology that would prevent the cars from driving while using fossil fuels, the draft says. For example, a so-called "fuel inducement system", that will prevent the car from starting when running on a fuel that is not environmentally friendly.

Creating such a category would allow automakers to continue selling cars with internal combustion engines after 2035 when a new EU law will limit automobile carbon dioxide emissions.

Reuters

Cars of the future — a compromise by the European Commission

This weekend, March 18, the University of Luxembourg hosted an open day for graduate and undergraduate courses at its main campus in Belval. Luxtoday attended the event and shares the main insights.

Today the university offers 20 bachelor's and 40 master's degree programs. The university emphasizes internationality as well as research orientations. In three campuses located in different parts of the Grand Duchy (and not exclusively), about 7,000 students from 132 countries study to get their degrees.

On Saturday, about three thousand people, university applicants, students and their parents, came to the main campus in Belval to learn more about the campus and the available higher education. The five floors of the Maison du Savoir (main building), as well as the Maison des Arts, hosted information desks in various educational areas.

Representatives from the Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, the Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance, and the Humanities, Education and Social Sciences programs shared important information with applicants, helped with career guidance, and even held competitions.

One of the most interesting panels at the open day was an honest conversation with five alumni, intriguingly titled «

What I know now and what I wish I knew then

». The panel was organized by the Luxembourg University Alumni Network, led by Andy Adams, who is in charge of alumni relations. In the course of the exchange, former students shared their experiences of enrollment, language abilities, the learning process, and the career achievements they have since made in Luxembourg and beyond.

Mikael's story: about the language barrier when studying in Luxembourg

Anna's story: about lectures, exams, and fun student life

Riad's story: about the exchange program and trip to Korea

Applications are now open and will continue for some time now. You can apply online 

. Although some educational programs are still fee-based, the university offers scholarships and financial support to international students.

University of Luxembourg opened the doors for new students

ECB announces an increase in the prime rate

The ECB Governing Council signed a resolution in this regard on Thursday, March 16. From March 22, the three key rates will be higher by 50 basis points.

The prime refinancing operations will have an interest rate of 3.5%, 3.75% for the interest rate on the marginal credit line, and 3% for the deposit line.

The main reason for another raise was the excessively high inflation rate.

 Analysts now expect it to be 5.3% in 2023 and 4.6% even non including energy and food. This is higher than the forecasts made at the end of last year, hence the mechanisms of containment have been activated.

The ECB also notes that the banking sector in the euro area is extremely resilient. The experts assure that financial institutions have sufficient capital and liquidity reserves. This is especially relevant given the recent bank failures in the U.S.

The French opposition, after all, introduced a motion of no confidence towards Macron's government. Shortly before that, the cabinet had taken advantage of a legislative procedure that allows it to pass a bill without a mandatory vote in parliament.

The decision further ignited an already boiling crowd that has been protesting for two months. In March alone, several hundred thousand people participated in demonstrations and strikes.

 to be implemented by Macron in 2019. There were protests then, too, and the law was postponed, though not because of popular discontent, but because of the outbreak of a pandemic.

The matter of raising the retirement age figured in Macron's election campaign for his second term. Nevertheless, the people of France, one would assume, expected a more coherent dialogue with the authorities.

The retirement age in France remains one of the lowest in Europe. At present (before the adoption of the amendments) the French take a well-deserved retirement at the age of 62. The state spends 14% of its GDP on pensions. Only Greece and Italy have a higher figure.

Obviously, such high costs have a negative impact on the country's economy, however, the libertine French do not seem ready to make amends.

By the way, this is not the first increase in retirement age. The previous one occurred in 2010 and added 2 years to the last figure. The former government also did not make concessions to society, which, with a high degree of probability, prevented Sarkozy's re-election in 2012.

Macron may be a little more liberal in this respect since his presidential term is, in any case, his last. Consequently, he no longer needs to fear the victory of his opponents in the election race, which means that he can still introduce even the most controversial changes.

World news of the week – March 13-19

Around the middle of Lent — the longest and strictest time for all Christians — comes Bretzelsonndeg or Pretzel Sunday. The feast always takes place on the fourth Sunday of Lent, hence its name, though it can fall on any date.

In Luxembourg, Pretzel Sunday dates back to the 18th century and is associated with the celebration of Buergbrennen. It is believed that on this celebration girls tossed wood into the fire and shouted out the names of the young men they liked. And the people that were mentioned on Bretzelsonndeg gave their beloved a pretzel with a suggestion of a future relationship.

The wonderful tradition of exchanging pretzels and Easter eggs in Luxembourg gives both young people and couples in love a lot of positive emotions. To participate, you can buy or bake any pretzel — glazed, with almonds or salt — and give it to the chosen one (or to the chosen one in a leap year).

However, it is no accident that Pretzel Sunday falls in the middle of Lent! The holiday has a religious connotation too. In many European countries, ritual baked goods in the form of pretzels have been known since the Middle Ages. However, the history of its appearance is not fully known.

One legend has it that the shape of the pretzel was inspired by the praying hands of the praying people; another version has it that the religious symbolism appears through the three holes of the pretzel, which refer to the faces of the Holy Trinity.

Originally pretzels were made from flour, water, and salt, without eggs, fat, or milk, so that such baked goods could be eaten during Lent. Pretzels grew in popularity throughout Europe as a symbol of good fortune during the Middle Ages. At the same time, they were usually given to the poor.

Anyway, today the twisted pastry of distinctive shape is known not only as a symbol of the bakery, often depicted on its signs but also as a true symbol of love on Bretsel's Day.

Stay up to date with all the interesting events in Luxembourg with the cards on our 

Bretzelsonndeg: sweet Luxembourgish tradition

This week, guests and residents of Luxembourg will be lucky enough to catch two major traditional events at once: St. Patrick's Day and Bretzelsonndeg. However, before we move on to the gastronomic (and alcoholic) pleasures, let's take a look at the cultural events!

Wagner's masterpiece returns after 17 years! François Girard presents his vision of a 

 at the Ciné Utopia. Ticket prices start at 29.5 euros and are up to 34.5 euros.

Address: Ciné Utopia, 16 AVENUE DE LA FAIENCERIE, L-1510 LUXEMBOURG

The performance with a title that speaks for itself, will introduce the audience to three choreographic stories. How do people live when the information around them has absolutely blurred the lines between truth and fiction? 

How to tell apart the real and the false?

 All these answers you will find on the stage of Banannefabrik this weekend. Ticket prices are up to 20 euros.

Address: Banannefabrik, 12 Rue du Puits, L-2359 LUXEMBOURG

GO! — is a mixture of theater, contemporary dance, martial arts, and digital technologies. The 

 precisely defines this performance mood, and makes it fascinating and interesting even without words. The show will be in Luxembourgish and French, but no need to worry. The ticket price is 6 to 12 euros depending on your age.

Аddress: Rotondes, 3 place des Rotondes, L-2448 LUXEMBOURG

This celebration, taking root in Ireland, moved across the world and has been celebrated since. It's a great day to have a beer party with friends, especially since it falls on a Friday this year!

One of the most touching traditions in Luxembourg is associated with the pretzel. On Pretzel Sunday, men give their loved ones a pretzel as a sign of their love. Women usually respond to them on Easter. A dyed egg means the feelings are mutual, while an empty basket will bring a broken heart.

If you want to feel the atmosphere of the holiday and surprise your beloved, present a pretzel — bought in one of the bakeries of the country, or even baked yourself!

Luxembourg events for March 17-19: opera, festivals and pretzels

Euthanasia is one of the most controversial medical procedures and is taboo in many parts of society. Due to stigmatization and an unspoken ban on the discussion of the topic, few people know that euthanasia can be officially performed in Luxembourg, and has been for a long time.

For the Grand Duchy, the right to die with dignity is not an insignificant concept. Exactly 15 years ago, in 2008, the Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies passed the Law on the Right to Die with Dignity, making euthanasia available to patients in the country.

Of course, not everyone can end his or her life with medical assistance. The procedure requires harsh medical conditions, such as intolerable pain or an incurable terminal illness.

Nevertheless, the topic is gradually becoming more and more debated. Lifting taboos and raising public awareness of the issue and reducing people's fears of euthanasia. 

The number of procedures is also increasing in the Grand Duchy. While in 2019 and 2020 number of people who have chosen euthanasia was 

 patients with severe diagnoses sought help with dying. Non-residents also can get access to this procedure. The statistics are collected every two years, so we can not say that there is an obvious trend.

The Health Commission now calls for clear guidelines on prices and requirements for euthanasia, as well as training for hospital staff on how to provide care for patients. In Luxembourg, there are several mandatory requirements before permission for the procedure can be granted:

The patient must be competent and conscious at the time of application and decision,

The decision must be made voluntarily, deliberately, and without external pressure,

If the suffering from the illness (physical or mental) is permanent and incurable, and an independent professional confirms this in writing.

Minors, adults under guardianship and incapacitated persons cannot legally request euthanasia. Nor can their parents, guardians or custodians do so on their behalf.

A lot of ethical debates are triggered when the right to die with dignity is discussed. Nevertheless, in 2021 assisted suicide was adopted in the legislative system of Spain, and in June of the same year, the first euthanasia was held in Italy. European countries, that have not accepted this ethical construction before, are changing their approach. Currently, there are 6 countries that have adopted the Right to die with dignity.

The Right to Die with Dignity: the moral complex of Europe

Michelin has published a new guide to Belgium-Luxembourg restaurants for 2023. There is now another restaurant in the country offering not just a meal, but a perfect cuisine experience.

Luxembourg now has a new starred restaurant — 

, located in Kayl, near Dudelange. In total, the Grand Duchy now has 9 restaurants that have been awarded one (or even two in some cases) Michelin stars. We previously featured a selection of these restaurants 

In total, there are three levels for such reward: one Michelin star means a restaurant is good for an exact category. Eden Rose, for example, creates culinary masterpieces of seasonal gluten-free cuisine.

Dishes are decorated with micro greenery and edible flowers underlining the ethereal concept of the restaurant: a fairytale forest where man and nature can coexist. The presentation is also exceptional: vintage plates from Chef Caroline Esch's great-great-aunt. The gourmet delicacies are accompanied by a special wine from the family's private vineyard at Caveau Saint Maximin. Each detail shows the personal commitment of the creators.

This is not the restaurant's first major award. Last year, chefs Caroline Asch and Valérien Pradé received the Gault & Millau "Discovery of the Year" Award.

In addition to Eden Rose, 15 restaurants from Belgium received their first stars. The closest one to Luxembourg is in Arlon — La Grappe d'Or.

L'Essentiel

City of stars: who got a new Michelin star in Luxembourg?

Perhaps the biggest and most alarming event of the last week. SVB has been working extensively with start-ups not only in California but also in Britain and northern Europe. European startups are now missing out on around £30 billion that had been held at a US bank. 

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