How Luxembourg is preparing for climate change

The Luxembourg Government has published the terms of the ‘Climate Nexus’ agreement between the State and the University of Luxembourg (Université du Luxembourg), covering the period from 2025 to 2030. The programme’s maximum budget has been set at 15 million euros; however, this amount represents merely a financial ceiling and not an immediate expenditure commitment. Payments will be made in annual instalments from the Climate and Energy Fund (Fonds climat et énergie) following strict approval by the relevant committee and verification that the funds have been used for their intended purpose. To ensure transparency, the university has undertaken to set up a dedicated website, publish research findings in open access and organise regular public conferences.

The project aims to comprehensively prepare the country for the consequences of climate change and is structured around six key areas: social, institutional, technological, global and academic preparedness, as well as an interdisciplinary approach. As explained by Serge Wilmes, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity, and Stéphanie Obertin, Minister for Research and Higher Education, the budget was drawn up jointly and includes justified expenditure on staff, equipment, business travel and subcontracting. However, the organisation of information campaigns and events to promote science was entrusted to the university without a tender process, as these tasks are inextricably linked to its research activities and statutory educational objectives.

Unlike standard agreements in the field of scientific research, this agreement does not contain pre-defined indicators, but provides for the establishment of a special monitoring committee. This body is responsible for approving project plans with specific targets, monitoring results and validating budget changes.

At the same time, officials commented on the situation regarding a potential conflict of interest, which had been highlighted by MPs. It transpired that the civil servant overseeing the preparation of the document had been working on his doctoral thesis at the University of Luxembourg (Université du Luxembourg) until December 2025. Representatives of the ministries emphasised that this academic work was of an exclusively private nature, did not fall within the scope of the convention and did not receive any funding or resources from it. As no formal declaration of a conflict of interest had been made, no additional anti-corruption measures beyond the standard rules for civil servants were applied.