Luxembourg Government Advises Against Travel to the Middle East, Especially Iran

Luxembourg - April 16, 2024

Amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Israel, Lebanon, and Iran, and the escalating risks of military escalation, the Luxembourg government strongly advises its citizens to refrain from traveling to the Middle East.

In a press statement, the Luxembourg government urged its citizens currently in the region to exercise extreme caution and regularly inform the Luxembourg consulate of their situation.

The Luxembourg government emphasizes the necessity of avoiding any gatherings and restricting movement, especially in Iran, where European nationals have previously been regularly detained or taken hostage and subjected to severe imprisonment.

The Luxembourg government also recalls the terrorist attack on October 8 and advises against any travel to Israel and Palestine.

The Luxembourg government reiterated its recommendation for any Luxembourg national who has not yet registered their presence on the LamA platform – Lëtzebuerger am Ausland – to do so and report their presence in Iran to the Consular Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via email at assistance.consulaire@mae.etat.lu .

Luxembourg Government Approves Several Amendments to Rental Legislation

Luxembourg - April 16, 2024

The government has recently confirmed several amendments to the rental bill.

The idea of ​​amending the rent cap is being set aside.

Addressing the housing crisis will not require amending the rent cap. The Luxembourg government has announced the removal of the "clause related to amending the rent cap" from the housing bill. Thus, the limitation of 5% on invested capital per year remains intact. The director of the Housing Access Foundation analyzes: "This may deserve to expedite other actions, such as reducing deposits, sharing agency fees, and common housing regulations." He notes that "negotiations on the rent cap slow down the progress of this bill." However, he is "not in favor of maintaining the current system, which leads to simultaneous increases in rent and housing prices."

Other Amendments

The government has recently confirmed several amendments to the rental bill.

A new twist to amending the lease agreement. This bill, which has been under construction since 2020, will undergo multiple changes. The new government has approved a series of reforms to advance the bill "as soon as possible." And notably, it referred to the removal of the rent cap as one of the most controversial measures in this project.

The Ministry of Housing elaborated on the actions approved by the Council of Government. In particular, precise definition of residence in Luxembourg and commitment to enforcement will be imposed.

The government also commits to regulating the written lease agreement with specific mandatory information such as adherence to the annual legal rent cap.

With this in mind, setting aside part of the amendments preserves the law in effect. Thus, "the total rent paid by tenants within the framework of a lease, joint lease, or lease with multiple rents cannot exceed the maximum annual rent cap defined by the law of 5% of invested capital in housing." In simpler terms, rent increases annually up to 5% and no more. A landlord can always apply for furnished rent, with an annual increase capped at 10%. However, the government has promised to "return to the rent cap with a new amendment proposal."

This ministry also specifies that the concept of "luxury housing" in Luxembourg will be abolished. This allows "avoiding the imposition of a rent cap."

Finally, tenants will be pleased to know that real estate agency fees must be fairly divided between the landlord and tenant. The maximum rental guarantee amount is reduced from three months to two months. Also, it is noted that in this bill, "a method for reclaiming the rental guarantee with precise conditions, including sanctions in case of non-compliance with deadlines stipulated by law when the tenant leaves the residence" is provided. 

Luxembourg Institute of Health Warns: Beware of Baseless Claims About "Hypoallergenic" Animals

Luxembourg - April 16, 2024

A team from the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) conducted research on the topic of hypoallergenic pets, investigating the so-called "hypoallergenic" animals. Unfortunately, the results of this study are concerning, as unfounded rumors, such as hypoallergenic breeds of cats or dogs with non-shedding coats and other breeds marketed as "safe" for allergy sufferers, need to be reconsidered and cautioned against.

The joy of having fluffy companions but the inability to get close to them without sneezing: this is the plight experienced by allergy sufferers. The Luxembourg Institute of Health reminds in a recent published study that in adults, "allergy to pets affects 10 to 14% of individuals in Europe and the United States, with a high risk of developing clinical symptoms such as allergic rhinitis or asthma."

Animal allergens exist on fur, saliva, and urine and are easily dispersed in indoor environments, readily detectable in household dust.

Dr. Christiane Hilger and her research team at the Luxembourg Institute of Health, in collaboration with the German Prevention and Allergy Foundation, have shared an exciting study on this tumultuous world of hypoallergenic animals (those purportedly causing little or no allergy). This study "challenges common ideas about hypoallergenic pets and shows that even breeds marketed as such, like hairless cats or non-shedding poodle and wire-haired dogs, still produce primary allergens."

Cats: All recognized breeds produce the allergen "Fel d 1"

Thus, Dr. Hilger's research team examined the existing scientific evidence regarding allergic reactions caused by furry animals. It is certain that this evidence does not support the operations of farms investing in this (profitable) market.

Let's leave the commercial cat market file aside. This study shows that despite claims of non-allergenicity by some breeders, all recognized breeds still harbor "Fel d 1," the main cat allergen. This study also reminds us that efforts to produce cats free of "Fel d 1" through selective breeding have been abandoned. Currently, the strategy is to neutralize the allergen by vaccinating cats or adding antibodies to their food. However, "while 90% of clinical allergic patients are sensitive to Fel d 1, many individuals also react to several cat allergens, posing a significant challenge to these intervention approaches, which have not yet been confirmed by clinical studies." In summary, finding a hypoallergenic cat, as conditions stand, is a challenge.

(Beware of judging your furry pets; this research is only for individuals inherently allergic or sensitive to pets, not the general public; if you don't have sensitivity to pets, there's no need to fear anything.)

Dogs: Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, Spanish Water Dogs, Irish Terriers... Not allergenic... No evidence for this claim!

The Luxembourg Institute of Health points out that in dogs, allergy profiles are more complex than in cats. This survey shows how "the absence of a dominant allergen, similar to 'Fel d 1' in cats, makes children and adults react to multiple allergens allergically." As previously shown for cats and horses, "dogs exhibit a wide individual diversity in allergen levels, even across all breeds, and these levels appear to be influenced by the gender of the dogs."

And clearly, studies conducted to date "challenge the concept of hypoallergenic dog breeds and show that there is no scientific evidence to prove their existence." The release of allergens by so-called "hypoallergenic" dogs, such as Labrador Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, Spanish Water Dogs, and Irish Terriers, did not show a significant difference compared to other breeds in allergen secretion.

Horses: The benefits of some breeds have been questioned

For example, the Luxembourg Institute of Health examined the American Saddlebred horse, a breed claimed to be hypoallergenic, and "concluded that there is no scientific evidence to support its hypothetical hypoallergenic status."

Information regarding initial horse allergies is scarce, and so far, only four respiratory allergens have been identified. Dr. Hilger's team conducted an in-depth study to confirm this common belief that American Saddlebred horses are hypoallergenic and create fewer allergic reactions. The study "did not show any significant differences between American Saddlebred and Quarter horses, nor in comparison to a combination of hair samples taken from 32 horse breeds. Saddlebred horses even showed higher allergen content compared to Quarter horses." Likewise, "the research found no molecular evidence to support the idea that Saddlebred horses are less allergenic than other breeds, and the claimed benefits for individuals allergic to horses are called into question."

"This study shows that Saddlebred horses are no less risky for allergic patients than other breeds."

What about cows, hamsters, rabbits, and guinea pigs?

For other furry animals, such as cows, small mammals like hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas, "data are scarce," confirms the Luxembourg Institute of Health. For example, "existing studies show significant individual variations in allergen levels among different cow breeds, highlighting the need for further research in this area." But the belief that allergies or sensitivity to pets depend on their breed has been debunked, and rabbits and guinea pigs are no exception.

Dr. Hilger writes, the study by the Luxembourg Institute of Health helps dispel a myth and provides valuable information for both allergy sufferers and pet lovers alike.

Beware of Giant Ticks in Luxembourg

Luxembourg - April 16, 2024

Several giant ticks have previously been discovered in Luxembourg. We explain why the appearance of this type of giant tick is problematic.

Spring is synonymous with nature awakening, an event that holds true for many parasites and pests in the Luxembourg area as well. Especially concerning is the Hyalomma marginatum, a giant tick.

This small creature, two to three times larger than its counterparts, gradually settles in Europe and Luxembourg has become one of its preferred habitats.

As Dr. Alexandre Weigand from the Natural History Museum confirms, the first case of this giant tick was observed in Luxembourg in 2018. Four cases were found on horses and one on a man's body.

This species has undoubtedly entered Luxembourg thanks to migratory birds, and due to milder winters in recent years, the giant tick has been able to survive more easily, reproduce, and spread.

Luxembourg intends to launch a study this summer in stables, farms, and even in Merl Park in Bettembourg.

Unlike its smaller cousin, the giant tick (Hyalomma marginatum) likes to hunt and move faster. If live samples are found, the Luxembourg Institute of Health intends to examine them for the presence or absence of potential pathogens. This species is particularly known as a carrier of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, a deadly disease in its most severe forms. Dr. Alexandre Weigand says, "Capturing and donating live Hyalomma ticks to the museum would be excellent."

Another species of tick has also spread to Luxembourg: the Auwald tick. It is mostly found in the southern part of the country and can especially be a carrier of malaria for dogs, a deadly and dangerous disease for your furry pets.