Telecom Operators Face Potential Daily Fines of €100

Luxembourg - June 17, 2024

In a significant move to bolster consumer rights and enhance service quality, the Luxembourg Regulatory Institute (ILR) has announced a series of new measures. As the independent authority overseeing electronic communication networks and services, ILR aims to ensure better consumer information and service optimization.

Seamless Number Portability

A cornerstone of consumer rights is the ability to retain one's phone number when switching operators, a process known as "portability." The ILR mandates that this service be completed within one business day of the agreed date with the consumer. The Director stated, "If there is any delay, consumers are entitled to claim a daily compensation of €100 from the responsible operator, whether it is the former or the new provider."

Advanced Usage Monitoring Tools

Consumers will now have access to a new, complimentary feature that allows for better management of their usage. Operators are required to alert customers when they reach 80% and 100% of their usage limits. Additionally, notifications will be sent if usage exceeds €50 beyond the set limit.

In cases of unpaid bills, operators must notify customers before any network access or service is interrupted. Moreover, consumers can request a detailed bill free of charge or opt to block additional calls and messages to avoid extra charges.

Proactive Contract Notifications

Operators must inform customers at least one month before the end of their initial contract period or any contract termination conditions. No contract can exceed a maximum duration of 24 months, ensuring consumers are not locked into long-term agreements without ample notice.

Decline in Consumer Complaints

The ILR also plays a critical role as a mediator in disputes between consumers and operators. In 2023, the ILR received 126 complaints, marking a 15% decrease from the previous year. The Director attributed this decline to greater consumer awareness of their rights and improvements in operator services. "Operators now have a deeper understanding of customer issues, which has significantly reduced complaints," he noted.

For example, incidents of excessive SMS charges leading to unexpectedly high phone bills have decreased. "In previous years, such cases were more common. Consumers are now more aware of these risks, and operators have implemented more effective complaint handling systems," the ILR explained.

Beyond telecommunications, the ILR also handles disputes related to electricity and natural gas distribution, postal services, rail transport, and airport fees, ensuring a broad spectrum of consumer protection.

€1,500 Subsidy for Used Electric Vehicles to be Introduced Soon

Luxembourg - June 17, 2024

In a significant move towards promoting sustainable transportation, Luxembourg is set to introduce a €1,500 subsidy for used electric vehicles (EVs) that are three years old or older. Luc Frieden announced this initiative during his State of the Nation address, highlighting the government's commitment to environmental sustainability and the growth of the electric vehicle market.

Effective Date and Eligibility

This new subsidy will come into effect on October 1st of the coming year. It will be available to all car owners, both residents and non-residents, as long as the vehicle is registered in Luxembourg. This incentive also extends to vehicles acquired through leasing agreements, ensuring broad accessibility.

Changes to Subsidies for New Electric Vehicles

In addition to the subsidy for used EVs, there will be adjustments to the subsidies for new electric vehicles. For models consuming less than 16 kWh per 100 kilometers, the subsidy will be capped at €6,000. This is a reduction from the current €8,000 subsidy for vehicles consuming less than 18 kWh per 100 kilometers, which will remain in effect until June 30th. Furthermore, a €3,000 subsidy will be available for vehicles with consumption between 16 and 18 kWh per 100 kilometers. However, vehicles with consumption exceeding 18 kWh will not qualify for any subsidy, except for families with three or more children, who will continue to receive support.

Rationale Behind Subsidy Adjustments

Prime Minister Luc Frieden explained the rationale behind the reduction in subsidies, stating, "Electric vehicles have become more affordable in recent years, which is a positive development. Additionally, to qualify for the subsidy, the vehicle must now be kept for three years, compared to the previous requirement of just one year."

Encouraging a Secondary Market for EVs

Frieden believes these changes will help establish a robust secondary market for electric vehicles. "These adjustments will make electric vehicles more attractive and, at the same time, reduce resource consumption," he added.

Search for Escaped Kangaroo Named Sam in Luxembourg

Luxembourg - June 17, 2024

Last week, the residents of Consdorf witnessed an unusual event: an 80-centimeter tall kangaroo named "Sam" escaped from its owner's property near Consdorf. Initially, several people, along with Sam's owner, spent the entire day trying to capture the runaway marsupial, but their efforts proved futile. As images of the kangaroo spread across social media, local residents joined in the search to help.

However, some people inadvertently frightened Sam more than they helped. Six individuals attempting to catch the animal ended up scaring it into the forest. In an effort to locate the terrified kangaroo, the owner reached out to German experts and Luxembourg's Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA). To cover a larger area, someone even offered to assist with a drone.

The Consdorf municipality, aware of the situation, contacted the Nature and Forest Agency (ANF). The kangaroo owner had an oral permit from ALVA to keep three kangaroos on his property and believes Sam escaped through a small hole in the enclosure.

Statement from the Minister of Agriculture

Luxembourg's Minister of Agriculture announced that the owner of Sam did not have a written permit. "This constitutes a violation of animal protection laws," he said. The minister also confirmed that no permits for keeping kangaroos have ever been issued in Luxembourg. According to available information, Sam's owner previously lived in Germany. Upon moving to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the German permit expired, and he was required to apply for a new permit in Luxembourg, which he did not do.

The Minister of Agriculture stressed that only the police are authorized to capture the animal and urged citizens to notify law enforcement if they spot the kangaroo and refrain from posting photos on social media.

Focus on Safe Capture

The current goal is to safely capture Sam. The kangaroo will likely be confiscated by authorities, as its keeping does not comply with the law. This decision has upset some residents: "Why should the animal be punished? We believe Sam should be returned to his family rather than being locked in a cage in Bettembourg. The owner cared for Sam like a dog or a family member. He could roam freely in the garden, was well looked after, and had enough space to live."

This incident has sparked varied reactions, highlighting the legal and ethical challenges of keeping exotic animals in unconventional settings. Nonetheless, the Ministry urges the public not to attempt to capture Sam themselves. If anyone spots the animal, they should inform the owner or authorities.

Government Unveils New Measures to Combat Energy Crisis

Luxembourg - June 17, 2024

In response to the sudden surge in energy prices, Max Hahn, Minister of Family Affairs, emphasized the importance of supporting vulnerable households. "The abrupt increase in energy prices can present serious challenges for vulnerable families. Therefore, it is crucial for the government to intensify its efforts to support these households and prevent more individuals from falling into poverty," he stated.

To address this issue, the government has announced a series of new measures aimed at assisting vulnerable households.

Energy Subsidy

The government plans to raise the income threshold for energy subsidies. Currently, this threshold is set at 25% above the income limit for the cost-of-living allowance. It will be increased to 30%. Additionally, the amount of the energy subsidy will be tripled, implemented in two stages. Consequently, the new total subsidy amount will be paid up to 25% above the established cost-of-living allowance limit. Those whose income exceeds this 25% threshold will receive half of the subsidy up to the 30% limit.

Equivalent Tax Credit (ECI)

The tax credit for recipients of the basic fixed amount for each adult, as stipulated by social income law, and for severely disabled individuals, will be made permanent. The amount of this tax credit will be increased to €90.

Energy Costs for Elderly Care Centers

The government will also extend its support in covering the energy costs for elderly care centers for the year 2025. In return for this support, service providers are required to refrain from implementing any price increases during the specified period, except for adjustments based on the cost-of-living index.