Luxembourg Government Embarrassed: European Court of Justice Overturns Luxembourg's Decision

Luxembourg - May 16, 2024

In a recent ruling, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has once again ruled against a decision made by the Luxembourg government, creating a significant embarrassment for the country. The central issue was whether a cross-border worker is entitled to family allowance payments for a child with whom they share no biological connection but is recognized by their home country authorities. Luxembourg initially believed such payments were impossible, but the ECJ found this decision to be discriminatory.

The case involved a Belgian cross-border worker who had been receiving family allowance payments for a child placed in their home by Belgian authorities. Later, Luxembourg's relevant ministry revoked these payments, arguing that the worker could not receive the funds because they did not have a familial relationship with the child and did not consider the child as part of their family, especially since the child held a different nationality.

The cross-border worker contested this decision, claiming it was discriminatory based on nationality, and took the case to a Luxembourg court. The matter eventually escalated to the European Court of Justice.

The ECJ ruled that Luxembourg had erred in its decision. The court determined that Luxembourg had indirectly discriminated against the child of a cross-border worker. This ruling, which had long embarrassed Luxembourg, has now caused significant shame for the government. According to European laws protecting the rights of children and families, Luxembourg cannot deny family allowance payments to the child of a cross-border worker, as the child is considered part of the worker's family by a neighboring country’s court decision.

Additionally, the ECJ stated that Luxembourg could require the cross-border worker to support the child's needs, provided that similar conditions are imposed on residents. The court specified, "Similarly, the question of whether the cross-border worker provides for themselves is only relevant if such a condition also applies to a resident worker with a child placed in their care."

Following the ECJ's interpretation, it is now up to Luxembourg courts to resolve the dispute between the Belgian cross-border worker and the Children's Future Fund.

Government Rejects Mandatory Distribution and Housing of Refugees Across Municipalities

Luxembourg - May 16, 2024

The Luxembourg government has announced that it currently has no plans to implement a mandatory distribution mechanism for municipalities regarding the accommodation of asylum seekers. This statement was made by the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Minister of Reception.

The ministers clarified that the government is currently managing 72 reception facilities across 34 municipalities. Recently, two new facilities have been opened: one in Schimpach, providing 55 beds for asylum seekers, and another in Esch-sur-Alzette, offering 118 beds for beneficiaries of international protection or recognized refugees.

Additionally, two more facilities are under development and expected to open this summer. These include a center in Ettelbruck with 140 beds and another in Hesperange with 41 beds, both designated for asylum seekers.

Based on these developments, it appears that the new Luxembourg government does not foresee a mandatory distribution plan for municipalities concerning applications for international protection. Instead, the program seems to be voluntary, depending on agreements with individual mayors.

This approach indicates a preference for cooperation and flexibility rather than imposing obligatory measures on municipalities, reflecting the government’s stance on managing the accommodation of refugees and asylum seekers within the country.

Proposal to Recognize Palestine as a State Rejected by Luxembourg

Luxembourg - May 16, 2024

The Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) recently introduced a proposal to formally recognize Palestine as a state in the Luxembourg Parliament. Yves Cruchten, a member of parliament, called on the Luxembourg government to acknowledge Palestine officially, citing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as the basis for the request.

During the parliamentary session, while all parties agreed that the situation and actions of Israel are unacceptable and the civilian casualties are excessively high, opinions diverged on the formal recognition of Palestine.

Xavier Bettel, from the Democratic Party (DP) and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, urged either the withdrawal of the proposal or a vote against it, arguing that the timing was inappropriate. He remarked, "Let’s not miss the opportunity to achieve a dynamic where perhaps we can make a difference, rather than moving from 140 to 144 countries without effecting real change."

David Wagner of the Left Party (Déi Lénk) countered, stating, "I believe it is a misjudgment to think that if we act today, this move will fail." Yves Cruchten reinforced this sentiment, saying, "On the contrary, I believe that if Luxembourg joins the initiative of other countries, we will create, not break, a momentum."

The Green Party (Déi Gréng) also supported the immediate recognition of Palestine. However, the proposal was ultimately rejected by a majority vote from the CSV, DP, and ADR parties.

In the meantime, Xavier Bettel, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, is scheduled to visit Israel and Palestine in two weeks for meetings with officials.

https://www.chd.lu/fr/motion_resolution/4316

Luxembourg's Royal Family Celebrates the Arrival of Princess Alexandra's First Child

Luxembourg - May 16, 2024

In a moment of joy for the Luxembourg royal family, Princess Alexandra, the only daughter of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, has welcomed her first child with her husband, Nicolas Bagory. Their daughter, Victoire, was born on May 14, 2024, in Paris, marking a delightful new chapter for the family.

The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess expressed their happiness, announcing, "We are overjoyed to share the birth of our granddaughter, Victoire, the cherished first child of our daughter Alexandra and son-in-law Nicolas."

Little Victoire's arrival brings the number of grandchildren for the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess to eight, adding another joyous member to the esteemed family.

Beware of Fake Emails and Text Messages!

Luxembourg - May 16, 2024

The Luxembourg Police have issued a warning about a surge in fraudulent emails, text messages, and phone calls targeting residents with the aim of scamming them.

In this latest scam, fraudsters pose as fake bank employees or representatives from organizations such as CNS, LuxTrust, or CCSS. They reach out to individuals, often claiming urgent issues related to their accounts.

Currently, emails circulating in Luxembourg inform recipients that their Payconiq certificate has expired. The scammers threaten that if the certificate is not renewed within three days, the recipient will be unable to transfer money or pay bills. They then instruct the recipients to click on a link to renew their LuxTrust certificate or Payconiq authorization, requiring them to provide certain personal data.

This is a phishing attempt to steal sensitive information. Once the criminals have access to bank details and card information, they can withdraw significant amounts of money.

The police emphasize that legitimate institutions never request personal information, banking details, or tokens through phone calls or emails. They urge people to be cautious and not to provide personal information to unsolicited requests.

If you suspect you have been targeted by such a scam, do not respond or click on any links. Instead, immediately contact your bank or the relevant company to verify the legitimacy of the request.

The police also specifically advise elderly individuals to be aware of such scams and to exercise caution. If you receive such an email, do not click on any links and delete the email promptly.