Luxembourg's prisons are almost half empty

Luxembourg finds itself in a unique situation: while prisons in France, Italy and Cyprus suffer from chronic overcrowding, the Grand Duchy records the lowest rate of prisoners per 100,000 inhabitants in the European Union, with only 94. Poland, by comparison, has 202 and France 111.

This low capacity has become particularly noticeable since the new Uerschterhaff centre in Sanem, with a capacity of 400 places, was commissioned in 2022. The total capacity of the Luxembourg penitentiary system now stands at 995 places, compared to 636 people in detention at the beginning of 2025. This gives an occupancy rate of only 61 per cent.

By comparison, Cyprus registers a frightening 226 per cent - prisons are more than double overcrowded. France and Italy are also in the "red zone" with rates of 122.9 per cent and 119.1 per cent respectively. In this context, Luxembourg looks like an exception and even, according to some opinions, a "comfort zone" for lawbreakers.

But what is the cause of this imbalance?

This can partly be explained by demography: Luxembourg is a small state with a population of about 680,000. However, according to observers, the issue also concerns the country's criminal policy. Local courts more often resort to alternative sentences - probation, community service and probation supervision.

This approach goes against the repressive policies of many EU countries and helps to reduce prison costs and reintegrate people into society at a lower cost. However, critics believe that such a lenient policy could be interpreted as a signal of impunity - especially for foreign offenders.

While the debate continues, the reality remains the same: Luxembourg's prisons are half-empty - and this is the envy of those facing a prison crisis on the other side of the border.