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Introduction
An analysis of the outcome of the municipal elections held on 11 June 2023 shows that, together, the DP and CSV parties received 52% of the votes, i.e. 31.38% for the DP party (10 seats) and 20.60% for the CSV party (6 seats). In light of the very positive outcome over the last term (2017–2023), the two parties have agreed to pursue their productive cooperation in the coming term. With the continued support of the current majority, the City will be able to continue implementing those projects that have already been launched, and to undertake new projects in furtherance of the interests of the City and its residents.
Adapting to climate change and the energy transition will be key priorities and will be taken into account in all areas. The College of Aldermen intends to provide its full support in addressing the issue of demographic growth, in particular by devoting more resources to the development of housing. The College of Aldermen will therefore implement the required measures, while at the same time seeking to preserve the high quality of life that the City's residents are accustomed to.
Urban development
The College of Aldermen is of the firm belief that it is important to maintain and develop the attractiveness of Luxembourg City in the coming years by providing its full support in addressing the issues of climate change and demographic growth.
Luxembourg City generates a significant proportion of the country's wealth – 57% of the taxes levied on commercial activities – owing most notably to its position as a leading financial centre. Luxembourg City makes up just 2% of the territory of Luxembourg, yet accounts for 40% of all jobs in the country and 20% of the country's population. Yet, according to the Green City Index and other rankings, Luxembourg City ranks regularly in the world's top 10 greenest cities. Over 50% of the capital – 68% if privately owned green spaces are considered – is green space. The College of Aldermen is intent on preserving this exceptional state of affairs.
Although the current General Development Plan (Plan d'aménagement général – PAG) is able to effectively accommodate a growth in population peaking at 180,000 inhabitants (the City's population currently stands at 133,000 inhabitants), adjustments to the PAG are nevertheless planned to take into account current issues, most notably climate change and the energy transition. We are committed to meeting these challenges with the support of our citizens.
Accordingly, 2024 will be the Year of the City's 24 districts: for each City district, a district development plan (plan de développement de quartier) will be drawn up in collaboration with local residents, associations and businesses to determine what actions should be undertaken to improve local quality of life. The concept of the "short-distance city" (a city where amenities can be reached within 15 minutes) will serve as the guiding principle. As such, the City of Luxembourg will promote and support the setting up of local businesses and the installation of retail kiosks in the public space. It is the College of Aldermen's wish that, in time and insofar as possible, every city district will have its own crèches, foyers scolaires (childcare centres), schools, sports facilities, playgrounds, parks, cultural centres, etc.
Public spaces, and in particular districts' central squares, will be nurtured, made greener and/or given a facelift. The use of concrete will be reduced and new green spaces will be created. So-called third places, where residents could meet and various activities could be organised, could be developed in residential districts.
Public spaces in the central parts of the city will also be made more welcoming and attractive. As an example, the pedestrian area in Ville-Haute will be extended. Rue du Nord and Rue du Fossé will be upgraded and additional spaces will be developed for the installation of terraces. The Gare district will be given a facelift with the construction of a covered market with a food court and a covered play area, and the upgrading of Place de la Gare, Avenue de la Gare and Place Wallis.
Emerging new districts will be more compact and multi-purpose in design. In principle, they will feature all the required amenities, ranging from local businesses and sports facilities, to youth and community centres. The new districts will be designed to accommodate climate-change and sustainable-development requirements. Waste management will be streamlined and the recycling of resources will be encouraged to promote the development of circular economies. The new urban development policies will also have a positive impact on traffic. As such, the City will continue to incorporate "mobility for all" plans in all new Special Development Plans (Plans d'aménagement particulier – PAP) so as to promote active travel and the use of public transport.
The City's major urban development projects – such as the "Faïencerie" project (on the Villeroy & Boch site), the "Nei Hollerich" project, the "Portes de Hollerich" project and the "Route d'Arlon" project – will all be pursued, with particular focus on the development of housing. The successful implementation of these projects hinges on the implementation of other projects, such as the moving of the City's Service Autobus (Bus Department) to new premises (to accommodate the implementation of the "Portes de Hollerich" project), the building of an athletics stadium in Hamm, and the development of the new site for the Service Hygiène (Sanitation Department) and its resource centre (to accommodate the implementation of the "Route d'Arlon" project). The urban development of Place de l'Etoile remains a key objective.
Among the measures to be taken in support of the energy transition, the upgrading of buildings to comply with energy-efficiency standards will be facilitated by adapting the city's building regulations. Appropriate measures will be adopted both for new buildings (in accordance with legal provisions) and for existing buildings, for which a distinction will be made between those located in protected areas and those located in other areas. In areas with good public transport connections, the density of housing will be increased, while at the same time ensuring that green spaces, playgrounds and a suitable urban climate are created.
The City intends to accelerate the energy-efficient upgrade of its own buildings. In addition to its 800 or so social housing units, the City owns 400 "functional" buildings (administrative, technical, sports, schools, etc.). Since these buildings vary widely in terms of age and condition, upgrade works will need to be prioritised. A list of the most energy-intensive buildings will be drawn up. The buildings on this list will be prioritised for renovation, which will include an upgrade to comply not only with energy-efficiency standards, but also with safety and accessibility standards. The buildings in question are mainly schools, cultural centres and sports facilities. The City will make temporary facilities available to ensure that the activities organised in these buildings can continue uninterrupted.
The procedures in connection with the implementation of the City's building projects will be subject to an in-depth analysis. Some of the work will be undertaken by construction companies to accelerate progress. Within the City of Luxembourg itself, a planning unit staffed by representatives from all the municipal departments will be involved from the outset when construction programmes are being drawn up.
The relationship between the City and the Fonds Kirchberg will need to be reviewed.
The College of Aldermen is of the firm belief that it is important to protect and preserve the city's architectural heritage. The City will pursue its efforts in this area and is counting on a suitable degree of cooperation with the Ministry of Culture (Ministère de la Culture). For future changes to the PAG and the building regulations, the City will continue to seek the right balance between protecting and preserving the city's architectural heritage and developing new districts. The City will continue to support the preservation and enhance the appeal of the remains of the fortress and the city's historical urban landscape, and will continue to move forward with the project involving the site of the former Mansfeld Castle.
The City will also continue to invest in infrastructure. Work on the new water tower in Kirchberg is underway, as is the renovation of several sources of drinking water, the extension of the Beggen water treatment plant (completion expected by 2030) and the building of stormwater basins. Additionally, plans have been made for the installation of additional public toilet facilities in the city's various neighbourhoods and at playgrounds.
Environment
The City intends to take a leading role in environmental matters with a view to preserving the quality of life that everyone who lives and works in Luxembourg City is accustomed to. The City will continue to move forward with the many projects that have already been launched, such as the protection of natural sources of drinking water, the restoration of watercourses, the ecological development of green spaces, the protection of our natural and built heritage against the effects of climate change, the development of new eco-friendly districts, the promotion of non-polluting forms of mobility, the depolluting of contaminated sites, and the monitoring of environmental parameters, such as air and water quality.
The City is intent on allocating more resources to environment-related issues, fully aware as it is of (1) the importance of protecting the environment and the climate, especially for future generations, (2) the new challenges involved in adapting to climate change, and (3) the need to take account of the latest scientific and technical developments. Accordingly, the City intends to adjust its actions with a view to accelerating the implementation of energy transition and climate-change adaptation measures. The City will step up efforts in the area of sustainable construction and building biology, and will undertake a number of groundbreaking projects. Existing and future districts will be rendered more resilient to global warming through the introduction of a municipal flood-management plan, suitably adapted vegetation, soil-sealing management measures, and more efficient water-management measures. Circular economy principles will guide the actions undertaken by the City in areas such construction, as well as in the management of waste, henceforth considered as a resource. The City will also take a more proactive approach to protecting nature by creating natural spaces of higher ecological value. The City will communicate more on environmental issues, and on the progress that is being made in addressing environment-related matters. Residents will be involved in the actions undertaken by the City through the ongoing development of initiatives, such as community gardens, repair cafés and eco-friendly events. As part of its "smart city" policy, the City will support research and innovation, and will make use of new technologies to monitor changes in the state of the environment. Lastly, the City will make changes to its internal organisation structure so as to achieve greater effectiveness and flexibility in addressing changing environmental challenges.
Energy and climate
Reducing energy needs and increasing the production of renewable forms of energy, with a view to reducing CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, are considered as central to municipal policy.
In this regard, the City intends to implement a series of actions that include publishing a Climate Plan, reassessing and possibly enhancing the energy subsidies scheme, introducing new regulations to encourage the adoption of energy-efficiency measures and the production of renewable forms of energy (notably solar and heat pumps), converting cogeneration plants for use with renewable resources, and developing heat generation networks and systems designed to capture energy extracted from air, soil and wastewater.
The City intends to enhance its resilience and will ready itself to tackle the effects of climate change so as to preserve the high quality of life that residents are accustomed to. To do so, it will plant more shady trees in public spaces, promote the recovery of used water as a substitute for using tap water, and implement measures to prevent and manage flooding by identifying, protecting and stabilising areas that are sensitive to the effects of torrential rainfall. All these measures will be implemented in close collaboration with the relevant government ministries.
By creating a centralised database and geographic information system, the City will be in a better position to manage the energy parameters of City-owned buildings and city districts – most notably through the implementation of an "energy map" – and to provide citizens with practical information designed to heighten awareness of energy-saving measures and the use of renewable forms of energy.
The City will continue to adhere to the provisions of the Climate Pact.
Urban and building quality
As the use of the city's built environment is expected to span several decades, they will be designed to meet future challenges. This will be achieved by reducing their environmental footprint even further, while at the same time ensuring that they are flexible enough to accommodate the most effective technologies available.
The "Portes de Hollerich" project will continue to be developed as an eco-district, whereas minimum environment standard levels will be complied with for all other new districts. Environment-related criteria will also be set for renovations involving existing districts and buildings. To that end, the City will finalise its guiding principles for achieving sustainable urban development and constructions. These principles will guide the development of districts and the construction of buildings that emit little or no atmospheric, sound or light pollution, incorporate green spaces, are highly efficient in terms of natural and recycled water consumption and capable of extracting energy from rain and domestic water, are energy efficient or even net producers of energy, produce little waste, and comprise materials that are more sustainable, reusable and, where possible, biobased.
If need be, and without prejudice to other requirements, such as the preservation of city's heritage, the regulatory framework governing the PAG, PAPs and the construction of buildings will be revised to facilitate the development of districts and the construction of buildings that are more eco-friendly.
For buildings for which the City is acting in the role of project owner, the City intends to achieve several ground-breaking accomplishments in terms of environmental innovation. Building biology principles will be incorporated right from the planning stages to ensure that buildings are healthier.
Moreover, recommendations for the construction of healthy, eco-friendly buildings will be made available to all private project owners in the form of a "Bauherrenmappe" (guidelines for builders).
The issue of mobility is also closely tied to urban development. Where mobility is concerned, care will be taken to (1) ensure that strategic planning and flow regulation procedures take account of environmental criteria (e.g. air quality and noise), (2) promote means of transport with little pollution, sound and CO2 emissions, and (3) purchase municipal vehicles in line with a strategy that incorporates environmental criteria.
Green space and nature
Where the environment is concerned, parks and green spaces play a special role in urban environments. The City of Luxembourg will continue to move forward with the development and upkeep of these spaces in compliance with environmental criteria, earmarking certain zones for the development of species-rich biodiversity, while at the same time preserving a neat urban landscape. A more proactive approach to protecting nature outside built-up areas will be promoted, notably through the study and development of orchards, hedgerows, mardels (land depressions filled with water either temporarily or all year round), etc., and more intensive development of ecological compensation areas. Priority will be given to the sowing and planting of plant species that are typical of the region or suited to local habitats, require little watering and are resistant to climate change. The types of vegetation will be chosen depending on the ecosystem services they are meant to provide (recreation and leisure, landscaping elements, quiet areas, active travel settings, urban-climate regulation, rainwater capture, sources of building materials, food production, air purification, CO2 capture, energy resources, etc.).
The City will continue to support community-garden projects and promote the planting of private kerb-side gardens. It will support the development of urban agriculture projects – and notably the urban-farm project in Kirchberg – and will market produce harvested in the City's own orchards. Organising LUGA (Luxembourg Urban Garden) will contribute to heightening public awareness of the importance of nature in urban environments and sustainable construction.
The City's forest management policy will be updated to take account of the effects of climate change. New concepts, such "tiny forests" and "agroforestry", will be assessed and tested. A platform for storing and processing wood as a source of energy will be assessed.
The City will pursue its wide-ranging watercourse restoration programme, which covers the upstream section of the Pétrusse, the Cessingerbach and the Merlerbach in Gasperich, Hollerich and Merl, and the Alzette from Pfaffenthal to Beggen. Where applicable, these projects will be undertaken in successive phases.
Insofar as its remit allows, and acting in coordination with the State, the City will contribute to curbing the spread of invasive species.
The projects will be supported by scientific studies designed to determine the status of the city's natural environment and to monitor their post-completion effects on the environment.
In accordance with the terms of the Nature Pact, the City adheres to the principle of continuous improvement.
In cooperation with the State, the City will seek to prevent the panoramic views of the Old City from being marred by an over-abundance of vegetation through regular upkeep.
Water
Protecting local sources of drinking water – which is necessary to ensure the supply of good-quality water in as self-sufficient manner as possible – will still be a priority. Accordingly, the City will continue to monitor nitrate and pesticide concentrations, identify areas protected by Grand-Ducal regulations, put in place complementary action programmes, introduce crop-testing procedures that are more eco-friendly, and make use of farming leases containing clauses prohibiting the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers on municipal lands.
In all domains, tap water saving and substitution measures will continue to be implemented. Concepts providing for the reuse of rainwater, domestic water and sewage water will be implemented using tried-and-tested technologies. Rainwater will be managed in line with the principles of the "sponge-city" model.
Further to the results of a feasibility study on recovering heat from the public sewage network, the City will adopt a suitable strategy.
The City will continue to move forward with its restoration projects in accordance with the management plan based on the framework directive on water. These projects will be planned alongside the flood prevention and management concept.
Where the treatment of wastewater is concerned, the multi-phased construction of the new water treatment plant in Beggen will continue as planned to cater to the needs of a growing population and in compliance with European and national standards.
Circular economy and waste management
The City will remain committed to the prevention of waste. Doing away with disposable products at public events will serve as a model for extending this approach to all areas of activity. Waste is considered as a resource. As such, a resource-management concept will be finalised and the existing recycling centre will be replaced with new resource centres. Actions aimed at recycling used articles will continue to be undertaken (subsidies for repairs, repair cafés, secondhand sales, flea markets, etc.). As part of this policy, the feasibility of an urban concept store selling secondhand articles will be assessed. Such a store could also serve as a meeting place where circular-economy principles could be promoted, and forums, workshops and other events could be hosted.
Billing for waste in accordance with the "polluter pays" principle, coupled with effective advice to residents, will encourage the prevention of waste and the adoption of waste-sorting habits. Measures to promote the recovery and processing of biological waste will be intensified through adherence to the Minett Kompost scheme. The process to make use of residual waste as a source of energy at the SIDOR plant will continue to be streamlined. The City will also contribute to developing a regional or local solution for processing water-treatment sludge, most notably to recover precious resources such as phosphorus.
New avenues in the area of construction will be explored, including, for example, stockpiles of recyclable materials.
Where voluntary collection points are concerned, the City will prioritise underground solutions, i.e., solutions that involve underground containers.
Research and innovation
The City will support research and innovation projects. As part of this policy, projects could be conducted with research centres and incubators involved in the field of CO2 reduction and CO2 emission assessment, and monitoring the urban environment. The City will update its environmental-parameter monitoring programme (mainly temperature, air quality, water quality, health of vegetation) by using new-generation sensors, wireless technology, spatial imaging, and automated and digitalised database management systems. The City will introduce air-quality display boards in public spaces.
Internal organisation structure
The City intends to update its internal organisation structure to accommodate the increasing number and diversification of environmental challenges. Although interdisciplinary coordination will remain the remit of the Environmental Officer, who reports directly to the College of Aldermen, the City's technical departments and services will be empowered to contribute to protecting the climate and the environment, and to incorporate these aspects into their operational processes and into the implementation of their projects. To that end, the City's Environmental Officer will liaise with directors. To achieve sufficient coverage of all the required tasks, a more in-depth analysis could lead to the upsizing or diversification of the department in question, or to closer cooperation with external organisations. The size of the Environmental Officer's team will be adjusted over time to meet growing needs in terms of coordination and advice.
Communication and cooperation
Communication on environmental issues, to provide updates on the City's progress and encourage residents to take part in the City's initiatives, will be stepped up. As such, environmental issues will be a constant feature in existing communication channels. The City will cooperate more closely with businesses to secure their involvement in the collective drive to protect the environment and the climate so that new "green" economic sectors can emerge.
Housing
Housing will continue to be one of the College of Aldermen's key priorities. Within the past six years, the City has issued building permits for 7,000 housing units. The College of Aldermen will step up efforts to accelerate the building of thousands of new housing units – be they affordable housing, social housing or "standard" housing units – while at the same time seeking to preserve a suitable degree of social diversity. Five hundred million euros will be allocated to developing affordable housing in Luxembourg City.
In the coming years, under the terms of the Housing Pact 2.0, the City will take ownership of hundreds of new housing units built by private developers. Although the City will transfer ownership of some of these units, it will retain the ownership of others and will manage them, which means that it will need to adapt its organisational structure accordingly.
By drawing up an inventory of immediately buildable land, the City will be able to continue supporting "Baulücken" projects. To reduce the number of unoccupied housing units in the capital, the City will engage in dialogue with their owners.
Several large-scale low-income housing projects will be undertaken. The construction of low-cost studio apartments will be encouraged. The College of Aldermen is planning a pilot project to build low-income housing for young adults who work or have grown up in Luxembourg City. This project could be undertaken on a plot of City-owned land located near Place de l'Etoile.
The City currently manages more than 800 social housing units. The College of Aldermen intends to step up efforts in this area, which will also entail organisational changes. The City will continue working closely with the SNHBM and the Housing Fund (Fonds du Logement).
The College of Aldermen believes that the lease-purchase model – which the City has already made use of in the past – is an appealing option. It remains open to innovative forms of housing, such as shared housing and participatory housing. The City will provide support for and undertake the building of temporary housing, particularly on City-owned land. The College of Aldermen will support efforts to simplify administrative formalities and procedures at a national level in order to accelerate the development of housing. The City will also have its own procedures analysed.
Urban mobility
In this regard, the aim is to optimise mobility in a dynamic city, while at the same time preserving the high quality of life that residents are accustomed to. Vehicular access to the city (including the city centre) will remain possible, but priority will be given to public transport and active travel options, which is not only in keeping with the general development of the city and the optimal use of the road network, but also with efforts directed at adapting to climate change.
Multimodality will play an increasingly important role: with the development of multimodal platforms, users can combine several means of transport to reach their destinations. The complementarity of bus, tram and rail services will be developed, and bicycle-parking facilities will be installed along the tram route. Accordingly, collaboration with neighbouring municipalities will be stepped up.
The City will continue to press the State to purchase the land required to develop Boulevard de Merl and Boulevard de Cessange as quickly as possible. As the development of these main thoroughfares will ease traffic in the western part of the city, these projects should be considered as key priorities.
The College of Aldermen will finalise the City's Mobility Plan. The most likely scenario (based on projected population growth and employment figures) predicts that the number of trips per day in Luxembourg City will increase from 850,000 to 1.1 million by 2035. The Mobility Plan makes provision for main thoroughfares for all means of transport, especially along the north-south axis. Optimal use will be made of all means of transport. As such, the bus network will be progressively densified, and private-vehicle traffic flows and parking facilities will be optimised.
Modern technologies will be used to provide people with more relevant information on public transport services and to provide better guidance for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. The College of Aldermen will also promote new forms of mobility made possible through the use of digital technologies, such as car sharing.
More traffic-calming zones – 30 km/hour zones, pedestrian-priority zones, residential zones and pedestrian zones – will be created. More low-speed zones near schools, crèches and foyers scolaires will be created.
Walking in the city
Public pedestrian routes will be maximised. Safe and convenient pedestrian pathways will be created, taking into account future changes in usage. Vertical links are an integral part of the city's pedestrian and cycling routes. The passageway with an elevator linking the districts of Cents, Neudorf and Weimershof will be completed in the coming years. Studies for the building of a passageway with an elevator linking Limpertsberg, the new "Faïencerie" district and Bambësch will be finalised. A link with the Pétrusse Valley will be built as part of the Place de la Constitution ("Gëlle Fra") development project.
Cycling in the city
The network of intra- and inter-district cycling routes, as well as the routes connecting neighbouring municipalities – particularly the main arteries – will be extended, upgraded, made safer, and rationalised.
A two-way bicycle lane running alongside the municipal park will be built, thereby eliminating bicycle traffic in the park completely so that pedestrians can enjoy exclusive use of the park once again.
Additional bicycle lockers and bike racks will be installed across the city.
In light of the success and effectiveness of the "Vel'OH !" pedal-assist e-bike rental system, the City will continue to expand the service. More stations will be built to accommodate users' needs and requests.
Public transport services
The city's public transport services form the backbone of its urban mobility offering and, of all available means of transport, is where the potential for growth is greatest. Combined with active forms of travel, public transport service are expected to account for 50% of the modal split by 2035.
The tram network will be extended to the airport and to Kockelscheuer, with bicycle lanes running alongside the tram routes. Bicycle, bus and vehicular access to tram stations will be improved. Additional extensions to Strassen and the Portes de Hollerich are planned. Accordingly, a study will be conducted to assess the feasibility of building underground passageways at certain intersections with a view to improving traffic flows.
The municipal bus network will also be further developed. Despite the recent addition of the tram service, the municipal bus service still remains relevant: in 2022, the bus service was used by more than 40 million passengers, i.e. more than double the number of users of the tram service. To optimise the use of limited road space, buses will travel along the tram route in certain areas. By 2025, the entire fleet of City buses will be electrically powered. The City will remain open to new technologies, such as hydrogen-powered buses. CCTV cameras will be installed in all buses for passenger and driver safety. Steps will be taken to ensure that all buses are accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Driving in the city
Based on projections reported in the City's Mobility Plan, a very slight increase in private-vehicle traffic is to be expected, mostly as a result of an increase in the number of daily commuters, which today stands at around 150,000. Yet, in light of the increase in the number of public transport users, cyclists and pedestrians, the Mobility Plan provides for a 20 percent reduction in the modal split for private-vehicle traffic (down from 60% to 40%).
The development of main thoroughfares should contribute to easing through-traffic in the city. Residents should be able to use their vehicles for regular errands and trips, for example to do their groceries or visit their doctor.
Parking in the city
On-street parking spaces will continue to be available to city residents, visitors, shoppers, etc. In some places, on-street parking spaces will be removed to create main thoroughfares for public transport services and to make bicycle routes safer.
Parking spaces will also be available in sufficient numbers in the city centre, especially in purpose-built car parks. To follow up on the renovation of the Knuedler car park, the City will pursue its car-park renovation programme (the Théâtre and Martyrs car parks). The Fort Wedell car park will also be upgraded to make it more attractive.
Business
The College of Aldermen will continue to promote business in Luxembourg City.
Through the Royal Hamilius project, the attractiveness of Ville-Haute has been greatly enhanced with an upgraded public square, a tram station, a new underground car park and several new shops. The extension of the pedestrian area and the upgrading of Rue du Nord, Rue de la Côte d'Eich and Rue Notre-Dame will make the city centre even more attractive and welcoming. The opening of the new hotel on the site of the former Hôtel des postes will have a positive impact on this part of the city, as will the redevelopment of the site of the former national library.
The bustling atmosphere in Ville-Haute and the Gare district will add to the city's appeal. In addition to regular seasonal and traditional events – concerts, antique markets, flea markets, artisan markets, Christmas markets, etc. – the City will support innovative cultural events.
The City will continue to support the pop-up store project with a view to increasing the diversity of the offering in various locations in the city.
The commercial land register established jointly with the "Luxembourg Confederation" (Confédération luxembourgeoise du commerce) – which was last updated in 2023 – will be updated annually.
The excellent working relationship established with the Luxembourg City Business Association (Union commerciale de la Ville de Luxembourg – UCVL) will be maintained.
The Gare district will be given a facelift with the upgrading of Place de la Gare (as part of a civic engagement procedure) and Avenue de la Gare. A covered market with a food court and a covered play area will also be built.
In addition to the existing twice-weekly markets, a new market could be envisaged in Place du Théâtre once the square has been upgraded.
The College of Aldermen will encourage the setting up of local business in the city's various districts, and particularly in premises rented out by the City. District centres will be given a facelift, and retail kiosks or spaces reserved for food trucks and drinks and ice-cream vendors will be created in public spaces. The feasibility of creating shared spaces in each district will be examined.
Children
The College of Aldermen believes that creating top-grade facilities for children, and ensuring that they well are well looked after in schools, foyers scolaires and crèches, are top priorities. The physical and mental well-being of children, and the involvement of their families in supporting them in their educational tasks, are among the College of Aldermen's main concerns.
Infrastructure
Schools should take account of advances in pedagogical approaches, and promote close and effective collaboration between schools and foyers scolaires. New schools and sports facilities are planned in Dommeldange, Gasperich, Limpertsberg, Kirchberg and Beggen. In the Gare district, a central school campus serving the entire district will be built. To shorten waiting lists in foyers scolaires, newly created schools and childcare centres will have an equal number of places. All new school buildings will be built to accommodate persons with special needs, and existing buildings will be upgraded to accommodate the needs of all children. An innovative schoolyard concept will be formulated in collaboration with the educational community. Schoolyards should incorporate green spaces and options to move classes outdoors. Security in schools will be stepped up.
Schooling
The College of Aldermen is in favour of introducing full-time schooling (Ganzdagsschoul) in Luxembourg City. Fruitful collaborations have already been established with the Gaston Thorn and Michel Lucius international elementary schools.
Full-time school could be introduced for children in transition classes.
The College of Aldermen would like to diversify educational initiatives in natural and cultural settings. At the Maison de la Nature in Kockelscheuer, classes learn about connecting with nature. Empathy for animals, growing vegetable crops and exploring the forest are central to the activities organised here. In the city's museums, children can discover our rich tangible and intangible heritage, and can gain a better understanding of our history.
A second nursery school in the forest is planned. The educational plan for gifted children will be maintained. The "Schoul dobaussen" project, which was launched in Kirchberg, will be further developed. Children can have classes both indoors and outdoors. Music and dance programmes, and classes in cultural expression to develop children's self-confidence, agility and learning skills will be developed. The exposure of all children to music, sports and dancing, and to our history and heritage, should be encouraged and improved. The College of Aldermen believes that it is important to cultivate a love of reading from an early age. School libraries, book-exchange boxes in schoolyards, and readings of the works of well-known authors will be encouraged.
Children in distress
The College of Aldermen is particularly aware of the need to prevent sexual, physical and psychological abuse. Educational projects addressing the prevention of abuse, as well as projects aimed at developing children's self-esteem and teaching them how to recognise different forms of abuse, and who to confide in should the need arise, will be supported. Teachers should also receive ongoing training on these issues. The College of Aldermen will also support educational projects that address taboo subjects, such as death, violence in the home, inability to express emotions or emotional detachment, and psychological violence. Steps should also be taken to combat bullying and cyber-bullying among schoolchildren. In cases of suspected abuse or violence against children, Service médical scolaire (School Health Department) will help protect children and provide parents with guidance and advice. Refugee and migrant children should be integrated and supported as much as possible. Children in precarious situations should be receive material and psychological assistance and support. The College of Aldermen welcomes educational projects that promote the development of empathy in children. To that end, professional development courses will be offered to educators.
Online
The City of Luxembourg has always been at the forefront of promoting modern media platforms, and schools in the capital are very well equipped in terms of IT resources. Thanks to advances in technology, new ways of communicating and learning have been developed. The makerspace at Technolink will soon be opened. Children will learn programming, teachers will undergo continuing professional development, and courses will be offered to parents so that they can keep abreast of their children's online activities. Modern learning methods drawing extensively on the use of tablets will be promoted, and introductory courses on these methods will be proposed to interested parents.
Suitably adapted computer hardware will be made available to children with special needs and first-time arrivals. An online platform listing all of the activities, sports clubs and cultural associations available in each city district will be created. Parents will be able to enrol their children for online courses, and have an overview of all of the activities on offer in the city.
An online portal where parents can enrol their children in schools and in foyers scolaires is planned. Media literacy for children will be promoted, as they need to be made aware of the dangers of content and techniques found in the online world.
Foyers scolaires
Societal changes in the capital have led to constantly increasing demand for places in foyers scolaires (childcare centres). Planning for educational facilities must include, within a school campus, the same number of places for children in the school as there are in the foyer scolaire. Additional foyer scolaire centres are planned in Neudorf, Beggen, Limpertsberg, Kirchberg and Gasperich. Foyers scolaires provide children with balanced and tasty meals with a focus on local and organic products. Learning about food must be integrated here, so that children can feed themselves healthily once they are adults. Homework support in foyers scolaires needs to be evaluated and improved if necessary. Ongoing training and the recognition of professional skills (as well as "school tasks"), which enable further studies alongside a part-time job, are systemically encouraged. Educators in foyers scolaires must be supported in their role through coaching and supervision. Collaboration with secondary schools that train educators needs to be improved. Collaboration with the municipality's psychologists and social workers needs to ensure that children's problems are spotted quickly and that children and parents receive swift support. Foyers scolaires must be a safe space in which parents receive advice and children are supported in a compassionate manner.
In order to reduce waiting lists, there needs to be collaboration with the public sector. Similarly, the easing of access to employment for non-Luxembourgish educators must be encouraged through dialogue with the Ministry. The Plan d'Encadrement Périscolaire (PEP – Extracurricular Support Plan) will be reviewed and continuously improved in the interests of children. An educational landscape that fosters collaboration between the school, the foyer scolaire and associations in the district will be pursued and developed. Recreational activities for children through CAPEL (Creative Learning Centre) are an integral part of the City's policy.
Crèches
The College of Aldermen is committed to setting up additional municipal crèches. Modern architecture, small parks, biotopes, art in buildings and indoor water play are just some of the innovations introduced here for children's wellbeing. Supportive supervision, communication in Luxembourgish, creativity, spending time together in a group and in play, and close dialogue with parents focused on the young child's best interests are at the heart of the educational concept employed in municipal crèches. A crèche in Cents and another in the city centre on Rue Pierre d'Aspelt are nearly completed. Additional crèches should soon be set up in the Gare district, Cessange and Beggen. The possibility of opening a crèche in a woodland setting is being considered. Crèches provide advice to young parents and work with non-profit organisations in order to prevent young children from experiencing abuse, violence or negligence.
Social policy
Young people
The College of Aldermen takes young people's problems and issues seriously and aims to assist with their day-to-day lives and the organisation of leisure and recreational activities. It is important to create a wide range of opportunities for them to interact and to take into account the problems that young people may face on their journey to adulthood. From a social policy perspective, issues related to precarious living situations, drugs and social marginalisation are areas of concern for the College of Aldermen.
Across the municipality, 250 associations work with young people and are supported by the City. There are currently seven youth centres across the city, and the network of youth centres is planned to be expanded to other areas. The College of Aldermen wants to encourage interactions between young people from international and Luxembourgish schools by organising sporting and cultural events. It is important to avoid parallel societies among young people, to ensure social cohesion for future generations.
The College of Aldermen wants to promote the participation of young people in local life. A youth prize will be set up to give special recognition to projects created or led exclusively by young people. It is a good idea to make use of young people's skills with media and information in order to encourage them to participate in social dialogue. The College of Aldermen wants to develop an assessment of young people's quality of life in Luxembourg City. Dialogue with young people will continue through "youth forums" held in the different districts, and may lead to the establishment of a youth municipal council.
In order to support young people on their journey to adulthood, the College of Aldermen will work to create low-cost housing and promote alternative housing, such as flatsharing or cohousing. The College of Aldermen will continue to pursue measures to create employment, wherein young people with no training are prepared for the job market and can carry out work that benefits the community. New initiatives of this type are being undertaken. Young people will continue to be hired to join municipal departments on apprenticeship contracts. Associations and institutions that support young people experiencing difficulties (Abrigado, A vos côtés, Parachute, etc.) will be supported.
The creation of additional youth centres, multi-use sports fields and outdoor fitness areas, the development of sports facilities, and the appointment of a councillor for associations who will provide information on financial aid and logistical support during events, are recommended. The building of new Scout buildings and improving information about activities for young people through an online platform aimed at young people are further initiatives intended to encourage interactions among young people. The promotion of innovative sports, guided tours in the city focused on the interests of young people, and training young people as guides for a young audience are some ways to better integrate young people into the social life of the city.
The launch of a maison relais pilot project for 12-14-year-olds to facilitate the transition to secondary school for this age group, provide support with homework and organise recreational activities is planned at the Gellé school.
Cultural activities such as My Urban Piano, the Intra-Urban Youth Dance Festival and the Future Talent Lab, improving young people's access to culture, the establishment of a working group to promote street art across the city, and taking young people's interests into account in theatre, art, music and dance are priorities for the College of Aldermen in this area. Rehearsal spaces are made available for youth music groups.
Intercultural projects are organised in collaboration with associations. In this context, innovative information channels and social media need to be used so that the information reaches young people. Young people from migrant backgrounds will receive the College of Aldermen's full attention in relation to any specific problems they may face.
Elderly people
At the end of 2022, Luxembourg City had a total of 22,190 senior citizens over the age of 60 and 11,279 residents over the age of 70, from a population of 132,778. The College of Aldermen supports all efforts tackling the social isolation of elderly people in the interest of their day-to-day wellbeing and sense of community. The wellbeing of elderly people will be supported through active-ageing programmes, a range of recreational activities for the third and fourth ages, and intergenerational projects.
The College of Aldermen will continue its efforts to create accessible and adapted housing, to promote a sense of community among elderly people, to set up intergenerational projects, to arrange for help for elderly people in their daily lives and to organise training to teach elderly people about new, digital technologies. There will be a focus on tackling the social isolation of elderly people through offering activities and other opportunities to volunteer and meet people.
Elderly people need to feel safe in our city. Pedestrian-only routes, public toilets adapted for people with special needs, an optimal distance between cycle and pedestrian paths and having plentiful benches in public spaces are some examples of measures to improve the daily lives of all citizens, and elderly people in particular. The Call-a-Bus service will be expanded so that people with reduced mobility can travel around the capital. Electric bike taxis will be introduced.
The refurbishment of the Konviktsgaart senior citizens' residence will continue.
Regarding the Téléalarme personal alert system, it will be possible to call for help through an SOS watch.
The College of Aldermen is working to raise awareness of the Service Seniors, which offers guidance and advice. The City's social workers support seniors with matters related to day-to-day life, health and looking for housing. Cultural and sporting activities for seniors will be continued and expanded. The multicultural population of seniors is taken into account, and they can access assistance with their day-to-day lives. Intergenerational projects will be promoted, and contact between children, young people and elderly people encouraged. The City supports digital training for seniors so that they can learn about digital tools, such as mobile phones and tablets. Promoting ongoing training for seniors in modern technology, which can be of great help in daily life, will enable them to gain swift access to information and ensures a higher level of integration into social life. Cultural activities such as concerts and lectures will be offered in the afternoons, including in retirement homes.
Special needs
The integration of people with special needs or chronic conditions encompasses every generation, as well as many areas of municipal policy. City planning, the design of public buildings and pavements, awareness-raising in schools and associations, and general communication, all play an important role. Encouraging autonomy and participation in public life for people with special needs as well as optimal inclusion for all people are always objectives for the College of Aldermen.
Children with chronic conditions or special needs are integrated into schools and foyers scolaires, and receive individual support. This gives all children the opportunity to overcome prejudices and make friends. Crèches welcome children with special needs, and there is a good level of collaboration between professionals and public welfare associations. Among the values learned through schools and foyers scolaires, respect must be a key pillar. Inclusion is an important step on the path to a tolerant and empathetic society. Facilities are adapted or changed for children with special needs.
People with special needs are included in sports and social events. Cultural visits accessible for all are arranged – for example, tours in sign language or with audiophones. Associations that work with people with special needs will continue to be supported. In our theatres, spaces are reserved for wheelchair users. Access to culture for people with special needs generally needs to be further improved.
The City of Luxembourg will continue to remove obstacles for people with special needs. Pavements are being made accessible for wheelchair users, pedestrian crossing lights are optimally designed for blind people and wheelchair users, buses are adapted for people with reduced mobility and a space is reserved on buses and trams for wheelchair users or people with special needs. All municipal buildings are being built or adapted in order to be accessible. Ramps, handrails and benches need to be installed in public spaces. A navigation app for people with visual impairment needs to facilitate access to public buildings. The requirements of people with special needs must be taken into account in urban planning. The City works with restaurants to ensure that toilets are accessible to all. Public toilets must be accessible to all. At public events, spaces are reserved for wheelchair users and people with special needs. The City collaborates with the Ligue HMC in order to help people with special needs better integrate into the world of work. The supply of accessible housing, assisted living facilities and shared living for people with special needs must be expanded. Advice and day-to-day support needs to continue to be provided to people with special needs. All communication needs to be accessible to all. Therefore, the City will strive to also communicate in language that is easy to understand.
Eliminating prejudice remains a major challenge in society. Clichés and prejudice must be eliminated from every area of social life, and people must not only be viewed through the lens of their special needs. This relates to communication, inclusion in municipal services and ongoing training to ensure a constructive approach among colleagues.
Help for those most in need
The City's policies must adapt to the changing issues in the capital. The College of Aldermen will continue to work with the Ministry of Family Affairs and Integration and research institutions in the area of social monitoring and the analysis of social issues. It is important to understand the context of social issues and to conduct precise analyses of poverty and homelessness in order to provide targeted help to people in need in the city. The government has made a commitment to eliminate homelessness by 2030, and the City will be an important partner to help achieve this goal.
The College of Aldermen will make every effort to prevent social problems. In childcare facilities, it is important to advise young parents, and especially those who feel overwhelmed by their role and who are in vulnerable situations. In youth centres, educational discussions are held with parents. At-risk young people are supported as best as possible. Sports clubs provide a constructive environment for young people where they can experience support, team spirit and positive incentives to perform. In our schools as well, there is great importance placed on providing advice to parents. Psychologists and social workers offer additional support in order to identify social problems as early as possible. Schools and childcare facilities must encourage respect and solidarity. Drug and alcohol information and prevention need to be further improved for children and young people.
The housing issue aggravates social problems in the capital. People experiencing drug addiction, homelessness or young people without support systems or family support must be helped in a targeted way to find reasonably priced housing, to give them a chance of gaining control over their lives. Several new support centres will be set up. The College of Aldermen is committed to increasing the number of "housing first" spaces. A homeless shelter will be created in Eich. It will be open day and night, with individual rooms that can be locked. The Abrigado centre for people with drug addiction should be reviewed as part of a national decentralisation process. The exact needs for the reintegration of drug addicts will be discussed with professionals on the ground. The number of furnished rooms offered by the City will be increased. The City, together with the relevant associations, will increase the number of night shelters available in order to prevent people from sleeping rough. Social workers offer people they meet in the street the opportunity to spend the night in these centres. Domestic violence shelters will be supported. The City will develop targeted measures for deprived people or those experiencing homelessness – particularly women, who are vulnerable to multiple forms of violence on the street. Municipal housing projects will be promoted in order to reduce housing costs for individuals and to foster solidarity.
The College of Aldermen is very conscious of all forms of deprivation and distress among the city's inhabitants. Solidarity funds will be adjusted to reflect the increase in the cost of living. The agreement with Wunnéngshëllef for the Etape 21 project (furnished rooms with social care) continues. Initiatives such as Stëmm vun der Strooss, Caritas Buttek, Cent Buttek, Bistrot social, Parachute, Abrigado, the Red Cross, Inter-Actions and Caritas shelters, Péitrusshaus, Les Niches, Les Chronifiés and housing for social inclusion projects (PISL) will be supported. There will be a proactive approach to contacting the owners of unoccupied flats to make this housing available to one of the City's social housing agencies.
Initiatives such as Streetwork and A vos côtés will be supported and expanded, so that people in need can find someone to talk to and get help their life on track. Vollekskichen will continue to offer low-cost meals. The Cultur'all initiative promotes access to culture for people in need.
Integration
As the capital and regional financial centre, the seat of European institutions and an international banking centre, Luxembourg City is an attractive place to live for people from all over the world. Our population now includes over 70% non-Luxembourgish nationals, and for the City of Luxembourg, ensuring dialogue and interactions among all nationalities is a priority. Thousands of people move to our city every year, and thousands of others leave, meaning there is a high level of mobility among the population.
The College of Aldermen wishes to further develop its Luxembourgish language and culture courses so that people from all countries can meet, learn our language, and more easily find a job and friends. Associations working towards integration and social cohesion, projects like Café des Langues and the Cooltur initiative, which arranges cultural visits and meetups for new arrivals, will be supported. Welcoming new arrivals to the capital will be supported by guides detailing all the activities offered by the City, as well as other useful information. The College of Aldermen is committed to welcoming, supporting and protecting international asylum seekers. The integration of non-Luxembourgish children in schools and foyers scolaires is of ongoing concern, requires our continued efforts and is a keystone of social cohesion. The College of Aldermen is attentive to the needs of vulnerable people who are looking for support through social initiatives. The City's committee on integration will become the committee on intercultural living together, as set out in the new law on living together. This committee will have internal rules and regulations, to be developed by the College of Aldermen. The College of Aldermen encourages cultural events where residents meet up and new arrivals can showcase the culture and culinary traditions of their country of origin.
In order to better integrate foreigners, initiatives will be undertaken across the city to integrate new arrivals. The Hoplr app will be reviewed and, if necessary, expanded. All City of Luxembourg information must be made accessible to all. The Neighbours' Day initiatives will be continued. An open and tolerant attitude towards non-Luxembourgish people and tackling prejudices and all forms of discrimination must be encouraged through the city's communications. Parallel societies must be avoided, and public schools and the various associations have an important role to play. The welcome provided to families who arrive in our capital will be further improved.
Equality
The City of Luxembourg is firmly committed to equal opportunities within the municipal administration and for the public at large. The aim of the equal opportunities plan is to analyse and remove all barriers to gender equality so that women and men have the same career opportunities in the administration, as well as the same opportunities to have a work/life balance. At the same time, the College of Aldermen supports awareness-raising initiatives, cultural and social events, and associations that promote gender sensitivity in the city. It is important to combat all stereotypes, but also to highlight the serious problems of violence against women, such as forced prostitution, genital mutilation, sexual abuse and violence against women and children within families.
Violence
In order to prevent all forms of violence against boys and girls, the College of Aldermen supports sex education and awareness-raising covering all forms of sexual or physical assault. Sex education must ensure respect for the individual. It is important to pay particular attention to families from cultures where women and girls do not have the same rights as men. Teachers and educators must be able to recognise the signs of sexual abuse or violence towards children and learn how to handle this type of situation.
The College of Aldermen supports ongoing training for teachers and educators to highlight gender bias and promote respect between boys and girls.
The City promotes public events, conferences, round tables, lectures and concerts that draw attention to gender discrimination in society. The City takes part in Orange Week, which raises awareness for the elimination of violence against women. Conferences and initiatives to promote women's and men's health will continue to be organised. The City will continue its dialogue with associations and the police to help sex workers who are the victims of human trafficking.
Visibility
Every year, the City awards the Anne Beffort Prize to a person or association for achievements in the field of equal opportunities in the city.
Luxembourg City is an LGBTIQ+ freedom zone and encourages tolerance towards all regardless of sexual orientation.
Sports events organised for women, as well as related conferences and round tables, are supported and promoted. The sports on offer must take account of the interests of both boys and girls.
The College of Aldermen reaffirms its commitment to a gender-responsive staff policy in which men and women have the same opportunities for career progression. It is important to have a family-friendly policy on remote working, and to promote the best possible work/life balance for men and women through parental leave for mothers and fathers and options for part-time work. Ongoing training on gender-related work conflicts and procedures to tackle sexual harassment of men and women in the workplace should be reviewed.
Public safety
Society is governed by rules, and even the safest city needs a police presence and security arrangements. Luxembourg City continues to be one of the world's safest capital cities, although there have been some worrying developments. Not only has there been an increase in burglaries and thefts, but the number of assaults in public spaces has also increased.
This is why the College of Aldermen will be intensifying its efforts at national level to re-establish a municipal police force acting under the authority of the Mayor. These neighbourhood policing units would not only be able to respond quickly to crimes because of their presence on the ground and their local knowledge, but they would also serve as a deterrent by regularly patrolling on foot.
The use of CCTV in public spaces not only enables us to identify the perpetrators of offences, but also plays a major role in crime prevention. The College of Aldermen will continue to liaise with the Grand Ducal Police with a view to extending video surveillance of public places.
The College of Aldermen will also continue its discussions with the state with a view to introducing a "Platzverweis", namely the authority to remove people from public areas, in the form that already exists in other countries. In addition to the existing powers that the police have to ensure that entrances to private dwellings remain unobstructed, the "Platzverweis" should enable them to intervene in the event of certain public order offences and to restore public order.
All pedestrian zones in the Ville-Haute and the Gare district, as well as any high-traffic areas, will be protected by retractable bollards. Appropriate street lighting will also make the public feel safer in public spaces.
A Night Council will be set up based on the German "Stadt nach acht" model. This body will bring together representatives from the hospitality sector, the police, the mobility sector etc., with the aim of making the city more attractive and safer with better transport options at night, while making residential areas quieter.
The College of Aldermen will analyse ways of making it easier for national agencies to eliminate control noise-related nuisances or granting municipal officers the powers to do so.
In order to formalise in a single document the measures taken, as well as those to be put in place with regard to public safety, a "local safety plan" will be drawn up, supervised by the City's municipal prevention committee.
Culture
The College of Aldermen is committed to promoting culture in the city, and actively encourages innovative offerings in municipal theatres, museums, the Cinémathèque, the Photothèque, the municipal archives, the Conservatoire, theatres and other private initiatives in the city. We endeavour to showcase our city's cultural history, foster understanding among all nationalities in cultural life, and involve all generations in cultural events that encourage social interaction and reflection.
We constantly seek to make culture accessible for schoolchildren and socially disadvantaged individuals and families, since culture makes an important contribution to equal opportunities and participation in the development of society.
The Old Slaughterhouse is to become a new community space for cultural events and social gatherings. There are also plans for rehearsal rooms to be made available for musicians/artists and associations. The Cinémathèque is to be modernised and made accessible to people with special needs. The Victor Hugo Hall will also be given a complete facelift. The Michel Rodange house in Clausen is due to be renovated and will be the new home of the Conservatoire's local music school. The administration unit and a reading room for the municipal archives will be relocated in the city centre. The City supports the ongoing digitisation of Luxembourg City's historical records. The working relationship with national cultural institutions such as the Philharmonie, Neumünster Abbey and Les Rotondes will be continued.
The College of Aldermen supports the display of works of art in public buildings. Exhibitions, sculptures, graffiti and paintings should be accessible to everyone as creative food for thought. Culture in public spaces will continue to be encouraged. Exhibitions in the city's parks, as well as initiatives to install sculptures in different districts, will be supported. As part of the LUGA, a "Poets' Trail" will be created in the Pétrusse valley. Concerts in public squares, both in the city centre (Place d'Armes) and in residential areas, will create a welcoming atmosphere. Major musical events, such as the concerts on the Kinnekswiss, will continue to be staged.
Local cultural associations will be supported. The City is helping to make premises available to them in the local districts and is promoting creative expression for all generations. The College of Aldermen will continue to subsidise associations involved in the history of the city. Cultural associations of the many nationalities represented in the city and multicultural festivals in public spaces will be encouraged.
Children are offered a wide range of cultural activities at school. In keeping with the participatory culture promoted by the City, school classes and families with children can take part in workshops in our museums. Plays for children and young adults are offered in the Rotondes, and all schoolchildren have the opportunity to learn about the city's cultural institutions during their school years. Dance and drama classes will be introduced in the various districts as part of the Conservatoire's outreach work. The College of Aldermen supports cultural and social initiatives for older people, such as visits to exhibitions, film screenings and theatre performances, and small-scale concerts in retirement homes. Creative working relationships are maintained with foreign embassies so that other countries can present their culture in the city too. The College of Aldermen supports the diverse and traditional cultural programme offered by the capital's theatres, museums and other institutions. In our theatres, Luxembourg productions and local artists will be supported. Private theatres in the city receive financial backing. The Conservatoire will be accessible to more children thanks to an outreach strategy. History and art are showcased in the capital's museums. The Cinémathèque organises themed events looking back at different periods in the history of cinema. The Photothèque puts on exhibitions that shine a spotlight on the city's local history, bringing back memories for many citizens.
Sport
Sport and physical exercise are a key responsibility of municipal policy. Health, fitness and team spirit are becoming increasingly important in a society where sedentary lifestyles and rising obesity levels are becoming a public health problem. Teaching children and young people to integrate sport into their daily lives is key to achieving a healthy lifestyle based on physical and mental wellbeing.
The growing population, the need to develop the range of sports facilities, the requirements of school sport in primary schools, as well as the demands of international schools and sports clubs will be at the heart of the City's efforts to promote sport.
As sport is also an opportunity for social contact and interaction among residents in all areas of the city, the College of Aldermen will continue to consult with sports associations and listen to their needs.
Luxembourg City currently has 197 sports facilities and 188 sports clubs. The City needs to invest in more sports halls and pitches, given that its population is growing by around 3,000 inhabitants a year and existing sports facilities are already at capacity.
As part of the multi-annual sports plan, large-scale investment in the development, construction and modernisation of our sports facilities is expected over the coming decades.
Four new buildings are planned to meet the needs of school sport and local sports associations. New school sports facilities will be built in Cessange, Dommeldange and Kirchberg, all of which will include swimming pools. Close collaboration with LASEP will ensure that children at schools throughout the city receive a good sports education. The College of Aldermen is stepping up its efforts to ensure that all children learn to swim at primary school. This is one of our top priorities. Given the popularity of football, the City is committed to expanding, modernising or building the necessary facilities. There are plans for football facilities in Bonnevoie, Hamm, Merl and Neudorf. The existing clubhouse and changing rooms in Gasperich are also due to be expanded.
With regard to rugby and associated sports, there are plans to develop and modernise facilities in Neudorf and Cessange.
In anticipation of the demolition of the Josy Barthel Stadium, the City is to build an athletics stadium in Hamm, with an 8-10 lane track, a clubhouse and changing rooms. An indoor training pitch will be built at the Boy Konen Stadium in Cessange.
The City is funding a series of projects aimed at modernising and expanding the tennis facilities in Mühlenbach and Belair.
The "Sports for All" programme will continue across the city. This programme attracts around 6,000 participants annually. Sports weeks will be held for children and young adults, with 300 attendees each year. Sports lessons and winter sports weeks for older people will allow them to participate in sport in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The City helps to organise sporting events such as Postlaf, Urban Trail, Relais pour la vie, Festival du cyclisme féminin, COSL-Spillfest, Night Marathon, Skoda Tour de Luxembourg, Rencontres sans Frontières, VDL Bike Festival, JP Morgan City Jogging, Luxembourg Ladies Tennis Masters and VDL Sportleréierung. The Roll'n'Run event for wheelchair users at the Night Marathon will continue to be supported.
The organisation of outdoor sports activities, such as "Jump for Fun" at Merl Park, sports on the Kinnekswiss, and fitness activities in the city's parks will continue.
The City of Luxembourg has set up a generous funding system to support sports clubs and enable them to employ coaches. Sports clubs currently have waiting lists and it is important that we develop their facilities. The City is drawing up a concrete action plan. Updating and defining the conditions of use and access to municipal facilities are key in this context. At the same time, the procedure for allocating municipal funding needs to be overhauled.
In order to diversify our sports facilities in Luxembourg City, we are considering building an open-air swimming pool in Kockelscheuer and constructing a BMX track in Cessange. A facility for urban sports (skateboarding, parkour, BMX etc.) is also due to be built in Hollerich on the site of the former abattoir.
Given that many of its sports facilities are in need of a general overhaul, the City will draw up an action plan to modernise them and bring them into line with current standards.
Finance
The College of Aldermen will continue its ambitious investment policy while maintaining prudent financial policies, given that the outlook for the coming years may be less favourable than in the past.
The City will continue to support residents and associations through financial aid and funding.
High levels of investment will be maintained to prepare the city for the challenges ahead, particularly in terms of land and housing acquisition, mobility, and the construction and modernisation of public infrastructure.
There are currently 4,380 people working for the City of Luxembourg. Although staff costs represent around 60% of ordinary expenditure, additional recruitment will be needed to support the city's development in the best possible way and to maintain the high quality of services at all levels (central administration, Bierger-Center, buses, water, sewerage, sanitation, environment, parks, foyers scolaires, housing, traffic, roads etc.).
Internal organisational structure
At a political level
Following the entry of the Pirate Party to the Municipal Council, the number of members of the City's advisory committees will be increased from 16 to 18 so that each political group on the Council has at least one representative on the committees.
At an administrative level
As part of the climate transition, the City will be making adjustments to the way its municipal administration is organised. The remit of the Environmental Officer's team, its staffing levels and the way it works with other municipal departments will be analysed in depth. Restructuring of the departments concerned should help, for example, to speed up the measures needed for the City's buildings as part of the energy transition and to better assist citizens in implementing energy efficiency measures in their buildings.
In the context of housing, and with regard to external procedures, the City will support all measures aimed at simplifying administration and accelerating processes at state level. It will also examine whether its own internal procedures can be speeded up.
The College of Aldermen will continue its efforts to simplify administration by optimising and speeding up workflows within the municipal administration, in particular through digitalisation and the use of other state-of-the-art technology. The "Smart City" strategy will be continued. An analysis will be carried out to determine whether some of the administrative procedures required of citizens are still necessary in their current form. The City will continue to offer face-to-face services for those citizens who are less comfortable with modern technology.
In accordance with European legislation, from 1 January 2024 it will be possible to implement a cross-border change of habitual residence. This new feature is part of the European Union's Single Digital Gateway project, which the Bierger-Center is involved in together with the CTIE and the Ministry for Digitalisation. It should also enable birth certificates to be issued in digital form in future.
The Bierger-Center is also taking part in the "Once Only Principle" cross-disciplinary working group (together with the CTIE and the Ministries for Digitalisation, Economy, Finance and Culture). The "Once Only Principle" refers to the automatic sharing of data via IT interfaces, thereby avoiding the need for citizens to resubmit information or supporting documents already held by other administrations when completing their online procedures. The Bierger-Center is conducting pilot projects in relation to the registration of births and the childcare service voucher scheme.
The City will also be looking at ways of making it easier to register children for foyers scolaires.
As the number of visitors to the Bierger-Center grows, the City will look into the possibility of offering citizens a "customised" service, for example in the form of procedures by appointment.
