Delano April 2018 by Maison Moderne

# 58 APR IL 2018

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

A QU E S T OF TRU ION ST As con fid Europe ence in tech com mus and giv t hope that G panies has ero e D d residen control back PR will do its ed, to citiz ts over job en their p ersona s and l data.

rust. The word keeps cropping up at Santa Clara University. “They denigrated whenever there is talk about the Euro European privacy laws without realising pean Union’s new General Data Protection there was a European in the room,” he Regulation and the recent scandal surrounding said. No stranger to Luxembourg, thanks the harvesting of Facebook user data by to his visits to the European Court of Justice, Cambridge Analytica. Trust has been broken Schrems has been called “a catalyst for by companies that were supposed to self- change” after he won a case against the regulate. The rebuilding of trust, with the transfer of Facebook data from Ireland to help of stringent new checks such as those the USA. Indeed, there is a case to be made imposed by GDPR, can be used by com that it “spurred plans for GDPR and led panies to gain market to Privacy Shield.” Schrems advantage, reckon several is licking his lips at the “DATA SUBJECTS, prospect of the cases he of the experts we have interviewed for the cover AS THE INDUSTRY can file once the General story in this edition. “But Data Protection Regulation LIKES TO CALL blind trust is no longer becomes law, the article INDIVIDUALS, sustainable,” says Dutch suggests. WILL SHIFT MEP Marietje Schaake in The Cambridge Analytica THEIR TRUST an op-ed for The Guardian, story at least has opened FROM TECH in which she praises the the eyes of many users of COMPANIES EU for “setting norms in social media. They are now the digital economy.” Indeed, wary of algorithms and TO THE the success of GDPR is a bots, and they are shutting AUTHORITIES.” cornerstone of plans for down apps and taping over the Digital Single Market, camera lenses on their which the European Commission claims mobile devices. But with the apparent could create hundreds of thousands of new safeguard of GDPR in place, many will jobs and contribute €415 billion per year continue to upload photos and data that to the EU economy. can easily be used without their consent for The Facebook scandal was indicative of all sorts of purposes. Data subjects, as the what appears to have been an almost sys industry likes to call individuals, will shift tematic disdain by US tech companies for their trust from tech companies to the au European privacy principles. In a recent thorities that will hold those companies article about data privacy activist Max accountable. We will just have to trust that Schrems, Bloomberg cites the young Aus the authorities are up to the job. trian as he describes a visit by tech company representatives to a class on privacy law DUNCAN ROBERTS that he was taking as an exchange student Editor-in-chief

ON MY MIND Excited about Delano’s 16 April launch of an online news partnership with The Guardian--wondering if the Octave on 22 April will herald the permanent arrival of spring--preparing for the 17 May Paperjam Club debate on the US midterm elections. April 2018

corporate finance board & CEO support strategy & transformation economic modelling crisis management

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Write to PO Box 728 L-2017 Luxembourg Offices 10 rue des Gaulois, Luxembourg-Bonnevoie ISSN 2220-5535 Web www.maisonmoderne.com Founder and chairman Mike Koedinger CEO Richard Karacian Administrative and financial director Etienne Velasti Phone (+352) 20 70 70-150 Fax (+352) 29 66 19 E-mail news@delano.lu Editor-in-chief Duncan Roberts (duncan.roberts@maisonmoderne.com) Desk editor Aaron Grunwald (aaron.grunwald@maisonmoderne.com) Journalists Jess Bauldry (jessica.bauldry@maisonmoderne.com) Margaret Ferns (margaret.ferns@maisonmoderne.com) Martine Huberty Contributors Stephen Evans, Jean-Paul Gomez, Sarita Rao, Alix Rassel Photography Marion Dessard, Jan Hanrion (Maison Moderne), Lala La Photo, Patricia Pitsch (Maison Moderne), Mike Zenari, Matic Zorman Proofreading Pauline Berg, Lisa Cacciatore, Laura Dubuisson, Sarah Lambolez, Elena Sebastiani Intern Magaly Piscarel DESIGN Phone (+352) 20 70 70-200 Fax (+352) 27 62 12 62-84 E-mail studio@maisonmoderne.com Director, Maison Moderne Studio Guido Kröger Creative director Jeremy Leslie Studio manager Stéphanie Poras-Schwickerath Art director Sascha Timplan Layout Tae Eun Kim (coordination), Monique Bernard, Nathalie Petit

CONTENTS

DELANO APRIL 2018 CURRENT AFFAIRS

TRAM GAINING SPEED

MUDAM FLAP

Not everyone’s a fan of the capital’s new tram. Since its first tranche starting running in December, however, public opinion has been swinging in favour.

BUSINESS

ADVERTISING Phone (+352) 20 70 70-300 Fax (+352) 26 29 66 20 E-mail regie@maisonmoderne.com Partner-director, advertising sales Francis Gasparotto (francis.gasparotto@maisonmoderne.com) Sales manager Luciana Restivo (luciana.restivo@maisonmoderne.com) SUBSCRIPTIONS For subscriptions, please visit www.delano.lu Luxembourg (shipping included) 1 year / 8 issues / 25 euros 2 years / 16 issues / 50 euros Europe (shipping included) 1 year / 8 issues / 31 euros 2 years / 16 issues / 68 euros Printed by Imprimerie Centrale Distribution by Valora Services Luxembourg

A “permanent” exhibition may not be so permanent.

COVER STORY

WHAT PRICE GDPR? 30

TECH TRAINING

Delano visits the Numericall coding school.

The EU’s new general data protection regulation comes into play in May. It is, in the words of more than one expert, a game changer. Ready or not, Luxembourg will have to comply… or face huge fines.

LIFESTYLE

In accordance with article 66 of the law of 08.06.2004 on the freedom of expression in the media: the company that publishes Delano is indirectly held, by a stake exceeding 25%, by Mike Koedinger, an independent editor registered in Luxembourg. Richard Karacian is chartered with daily management. Delano™ and Maison Moderne™ are trademarks used under licence by MM Publishing and Media S.A. © MM Publishing and Media S.A. (Luxembourg) COVER PHOTO

Tine A. Larsen, head of the CNPD, Luxembourg’s data privacy watchdog. NOTE TO OUR READERS

The next print edition of Delano will be published on 8 June. For daily news updates, commentary and our weekly what’s on guide, visit www.delano.lu.

STYLE

BLOG THIS

What makes fashion? Is it the clothes, the people wearing them, the brand, or as Karl Lagerfeld said, “an attitude”? We asked three local trendsetters.

Here are four refreshing local bloggers. Log on soon.

April 2018

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CONTENTS

CURRENT AFFAIRS 8

GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP

Have trouble catching your Zs? You may need a sleep coach.

BUSINESS

LIFESTYLE

FUNDS & GDPR

QUICK TAKE

The investment sector is racing to meet the EU’s new privacy deadline, writes Olivier Reisch.

LOST AND FOUND

DIGITAL DELANO DIGITAL HIGHLIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS

Sylvia Camarda on her Arte TV series about dance. 72

GENDER EQUALITY

FUNDS & REGULATION

What happens when you forget an umbrella on the train or your glasses at a concert? We tracked down your stuff at the CFL and Philharmonie.

Clarification on delegation and pictures from Alfi’s asset management conference.

CATCHING UP WITH…

YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT

Dirk Daenen on his ambitious plans for TedXLuxembourgCity.

A fun way to end International Women’s Day weekend. 74

JUST APPOINTED

Marie Louise Ashworth, new president of The Network. icon_website www.delano.lu/business

EUROPEAN COUPLE

WHO’S WHO

Michel Wurth speaks for 80% of companies in Luxembourg. 24

A CLOSE SHAVE

Do the kids of today have the right skills for tomorrow’s economy? 48

RENOVATING AN ICON

Geoff and Marie-Louise have come full circle; what was in their suitcase when they “returned” to Luxembourg? 76

MOBILE LIBRARY

They’re bringing books to Luxembourg’s refugee community.

GLOBAL ISSUES NETWORK

High school students from around the world tackled sustainability. icon_website www.delano.lu/snapshots

FLAMENCO FESTIVAL How BCEE refurbished “the castle” on avenue de la Liberté. 54

Head to Esch for dancing, music, workshops and more. 88

THEATRE

HOME LOANS

“I LOVE HIM!”

Banks are setting stricter conditions on mortgages.

Gauthier Destenay is Brigitte Macron’s “favourite”. icon_website www.delano.lu/lifestyle

CORRECTION

In the February edition, we misspelled the name of Linda Egan, a co-founder of the startup Vera Nova. Sorry.

CLOCHE D’OR

A new neighbourhood takes shape.

Check out these new performances from BGT and Talent Lab.

OFFICE RENTS

MUSEUM TIME

Demand has been high, but more supply is coming on stream. 68

AGENDA

TEAM PLAYER Why you should bring the kids to one of Luxembourg’s 40 museums in May.

DELANO LIVE n ore each print editio

The evening bef a pre-release par ty. comes out, we host live on-stage es Delano Live featur jects we cover in sub interviews on the an afterwork open the magazine, and win free passes? to nce cha a bar. Want k page for details. Check our Faceboo ine gaz Ma o lan icon_facebook De

Find a complete line-up of networking, culture and community events. icon_website www.delano.lu/agenda

Insurance professional by day, MariePascale Verlinde talks about taking the pitch as part of the “Clocking off!” series.

AUNTIE ELEANOR

Delano’s advice columnist answers reader questions on the tram, startups, Octave festival and shopping at Ikea.

WANT MORE? Sign up for Delano’s “Breakfast briefing” and “Noon briefing” email newsletters. Go to the bottom of our home page.

April 2018

Patricia Pitsch/Maison Moderne ISL SIP/Emmanuel Claude LaLa La Photo (archives)

Don’t distract a razor-wielding man.

UPFRONT

CURRENT AFFAIRS

GETTING A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP Do you lie awake at night listening to the clock ticking, your head swimming with thoughts? Then you have a sleep problem, and you may need a sleep expert. April 2018

leep problems affect most of us from time to time, but for some it can have a serious impact on daily life. “Most people don’t realise that sleep is as important as diet and ex ercise. Sleep deficiency has been linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease and even the risk of a heart attack or stroke,” says Christine Hansen, sleep coach at Sleep Like a Boss. She explains that higher frequency brainwaves occur when we are awake, but the lower frequency theta and delta ones occur when we sleep. The theta frequency is present in light

sleep, the point when we are dreaming. Delta brainwaves occur during deep and dreamless sleep when our body is healing and restoring itself. It’s at this point that muscle tissue is repaired and energy is built up for the next day. “Not enough sleep can lead to lethargy, impaired concentration and memory. It makes us unable to manage stress and weakens our immune system,” she says. Hansen mainly deals with those insomniacs who simply can’t sleep versus those who voluntarily sacrifice sleep. She cites the number one reason

Christine Hansen is seen in a portrait taken for Delano by Mike Zenari

THE JOURNAL

SETTING A SLEEP ROUTINE Hansen has written a book, called Sleep Like a Boss, on the foundations of a good night’s sleep, including environment, routine and mindset. She plans to publish another book on the biochemistry affecting sleep, covering gut health, hormone imbal ance and nutrition, all three of which contribute to stress and insomnia. “Most of the men and women I see in all age groups are sensitive and worry a lot about themselves or the people around them, so their dose of stress is high.” On a one-to-one basis, Hansen recommends reviewing physical issues, diet, lifestyle and personal emotional stress. “I help people deal with emotional triggers, create a proper bedtime routine, and I also look into their intestinal health,” she explains, adding: “I can help with stress man agement, but if there is trauma or depression involved I will usually recommend a psychotherapist.” Hansen also runs lunchtime workshops for corporations and has worked with the European Invest ment Bank and Deloitte. Sleep deprivation is an economic issue. A recent study found that the US, UK, Germany and Japan all lost significant GDP due to days taken off work from lack of sleep. Her workshops cover jet lag and power

naps. She is also the sleep expert for a mattress company, giving advice about sleep beyond just bedding to its clients. “Better sleep means better functioning, higher creativity and productivity. We appreciate and experience life more after a good night’s sleep.” icon_website www.sleeplikeaboss.com

Reported by SARITA RAO

NUMBERS

19% France had the highest prevalence of insomnia, as a disorder, in Europe. Germany had the lowest rate: 5.7%.

DAMES IN THE DESERT Nine days in the Moroccan desert with only a compass and teammate to get you through.

he women’s race Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles may sound like a night mare for anyone who can’t live without GPS and air conditioning, but for competitive spirits like Julie Kohlmann (pictured, right), it was heaven. “You can just hear the wind and when there’s no wind, you hear nothing. You can spend hours and hours without meeting another vehicle. The feeling of freedom is so big,” Kohlmann told Delano a few days after finishing twentieth. A private banker in Luxembourg, the 2018 edition was the fourth rally for the French national who competed with newcomer Elodie Baudin in team 242. “Considering it was Elodie’s first race, we’re more than satisfied with

our ranking,” Kohlmann said. But she was not without regrets. The aim of the race is to travel the shortest distance possible between checkpoints, while manoeuvring around sand dunes, using only a compass and map. On day five, they reached all eight check points, all that remained was to travel eight kilometres to the bivouacs. Then came the sand storm. “We couldn’t see more than ten metres away. I think we drove 80 kilometres to find them,” Kohlmann said. “With out that, we would have done better.” But, there were also plenty of positive memories, for one crossing the Erg Chegaga dunes, a 40-kilometre stretch of giant sand dunes. “It was really, wow! When you arrived at the bivouacs you could hardly move but it was the best moment of the rally.” The pair drove Kohlmann’s Land Rover Defender, which had been

Mike Zenari

for sleeplessness as stress, and says the impacts can be felt not only on the body but on the psyche. “It can have a lot to do with the pace of life we lead, but it mostly has to do with communication. A lot of people are emotionally stressed because com munication is getting lost at work, in relationships or our social life.” She goes on to highlight that nutrition is also a big factor: “Many people are unaware of how nutrition and blood sugar levels affect their sleep. Also food sensitivities are often the body’s reaction to stress.” Hansen works with GPs in Luxembourg to do lab testing. In 100% of her sleep cases, people have an intestinal problem. “A lot of issues are also related to hormone imbalances and the thyroid, which influences sleep,” she says.

April 2018

CURRENT AFFAIRS

THE JOURNAL

specially tuned for the race and em blazoned with the Luxembourg flag, artwork from Luxembourg artist Claire-Lise Backes, and the sponsors’ names. The latter is increasingly important for professionals and non-professionals alike for a race in which interest has exploded since it first began in 1990. Participation costs up to €35,000, not including purchasing or renting a vehicle. As Kohlmann said: “If you have no sponsors, you stay at home.” There is little doubt that increased support from sponsors has boosted participation and the general standard. While the rally attracts mostly French nationals, in addition to Kohlmann, there has been a handful of competitors from Luxembourg in recent years. This year, team 181, Stéphanie Marseaut and Mathilde Antoine Thanner, who placed 106 out of 140 finishers, also had a Luxembourg connection. After such a rush, the next challenge was readjusting to being “back on earth, in real life”. Baudin returned to work just four days after the prize giving. Kohlmann spent a few days at her family’s home in the Auvergne where she was still dreaming about the race. “There’s a 100% chance I will do it again. The question is will it be in 2019 or 2020? 2020 will be the 30th anniversary of the rally. They will drive in other areas of Morocco. I’m wondering should I wait? Or should I listen to my heart and do it again next year?”

CONTINUED

LOST THEN FOUND What happens to your personal effects when you forget them on a train or at a concert? Delano wit nessed the care and concern of staff who work with the lost and found departments of rail operator CFL and music venue Philharmonie. “Yesterday, we received the money and passport of an American tourist. The telephone number was inside but we couldn’t reach them,” CFL’s Giancarlo Martucci told D elano dur ing a visit in March. In this instance, valuables are passed on to the police. Other items left on trains and buses are kept for two months before being given to charity if they are not claimed. At the Philharmonie, each forgotten item is carefully wrapped in a document detailing how it was found and stored until the end of the season. “We get 20-30 pairs of glasses,” Philharmonie’s Sylvia Hanzen said. JB

TRACKING VALUABLES A. The CFL lost and found office is in Luxembourg central train station B. Lost property is sorted by item into boxes C. Each box contains items handed in over a two-week period D. All items are logged in a database E. A lot of umbrellas are left behind, no doubt to the irritation of their owners F. At the Philharmonie, lost property is wrapped in the sheet logging its story G. Elisabeth Sousa holds up an earring found in the Philharmonie

icon_website www.rallyeaichadesgazelles.com

NUMBERS

1990 The year the first edition of the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles was organised in Morocco by Dominique Serra.

April 2018

Patricia Pitsch (Maison Moderne )

Reported by JESS BAULDRY

CATCHING UP WITH…

DIRK DAENEN

The organiser of TedxLuxembourgCity talks about his ambitious plans for the event.

he TedxLuxembourgCity organiser is the first to admit that he underestimated the popularity of the event. The German-born lecturer in communication at UBI University, Dirk Daenen, explains that his chosen venue, the Salle Robert Krieps in the Neumünster Abbey, has a capacity of just 290--not nearly enough to accommodate the more than 1,300 people who pressed the “buy now” button at the same time, making the system crash. Tickets to this year’s TedxLuxembourgCitysold out in six minutes. But Daenen promises to deliver something bigger in the future, with the help of the Neumünster Abbey. He cites a potential outdoor Tedx in the summer, and other Tedx related events in Luxembourg. His ambition? To make TedxLuxembourgCity an annual event (the last was held in 2013) “until people get bored”. “Considering the interest, it would be a shame not to do it,” he says. Ever the optimist, he is planning on creating a TedxLuxembourgCity “salon” every two months at which Tedx enthusiasts can come together and watch and discuss Ted talks. He even plans on organising Tedx youth events for students and Tedx women events. “Tedx is all about getting the community involved you know, just having great ideas and spreading those everywhere.” In addition to the ten inspirational speakers, TedxLuxembourgCity promises unique perfor mances and an extraordinary “wood furniture” show. Daenen is steering a team of volunteer students from UBI University in Wiltz who have been in charge of everything from the décor to the logo design, from finding the “Uncaging Possibilities” theme (a reference to Neumünster’s past as a prison) and broadcasting the event. “Tedx as a platform works so well together with education. I mean, it is an educational platform,” says Daenen. Each year, the university gives one of its students the opportunity to speak on stage to reinforce that connection. “More than a conference, TedxLuxembourgCity is the opportunity for communities, organisations and individ uals to find the motivation to carry out their projects,” Daenen says. “The audience at a Tedx event will listen to the ideas and will do something with it.” Text by MAGALY PISCAREL Photography by JENNA THEIS (MAISON MODERNE)

NUMBERS

10% Proportion of the Fijian population who play rugby union.

FIJIANS IN TUNE WITH LUXEMBOURG RUGBY Coming to Luxembourg marked a series of firsts for four Fijian teenagers who were invited by Rugby Club Luxembourg for a three-month exchange in 2018.

t was the first time they had left Fiji, their first time on a plane and, by the time they landed over 16,000 kilometres away at Findel airport, their first time seeing snow. The latter provided arguably the biggest shock, because the temper ature never falls below 10°C in Fiji. “We thought that snow would be really hard. But when we touched it, it was soft. After training our hands were numb,” Peni Raivalitia recalls. The young men, all aged April 2018

CURRENT AFFAIRS

THE JOURNAL

CONTINUED

CRIME IN LUXEMBOURG IN 2017

April 2018

icon_website www.rcl.lu

Reported by JESS BAULDRY

NUMBERS

25% The proportion of Luxembourg’s population who will be over 65 by 2060.

Sebastien Goossens (archives)

touch with RCL via former Harle quins winger and current actor Danny Ligairi-Badham, who has set up the Barefoot Project, collecting unwanted football boots and trainers to send to Fiji and Kenya. The actor is organising a similar exchange for two Kenyan players in the spring. “The Fijians play barefoot and have nothing but God, family and rugby,” Ligairi-Badham tells Delano. “The Kenyan children have less: no fresh water, nothing. I’m glad I could be of help and with my support and ideas, give them opportunities.” New opportunities and experiences were not lacking. The players all talked fondly of their time at school in Luxembourg. “My favourite subject is English. I like poems very much,” Luke Seru explains. And they will never forget a chance encounter during a visit to an open training at Racing Metro in Paris, with their heroes, former All Blacks players Dan Carter and Joe R okocoko. “They signed some rugby balls for us. The next day they invited us to visit them at their home,” Taniela Tuirabe smiles. The four have since returned to Fiji to finish their edu cation. They say they dream of returning to Europe to study and play rugby.

Patricia Pitsch (Maison Moderne)

under 18, stayed with host families and studied in the English section at Lycée Michel Lucius. Arriving on 10 January, they began training with RCL under-18s the following day and two of them played their first game for the club on their third day. While they eventually adjusted to the cold--the club helped kit them out with boots and warm clothing-they joked they missed the Fijian sun in Luxembourg. But for the people whose paths they crossed, the polite young players seemed to have brought the sun with them. They offered tribal gifts for their host families, taught their new team mates valuable rugby skills, coached junior players and introduced an element one rarely hears in rugby except during international games: singing. Back in Fiji where rugby is the national sport, played by over 10% of the population, singing to God before and after each game is commonplace. In Luxembourg, they had even convinced their teammates to join in. The act gives a striking insight into life in Fiji, where almost two thirds of the population are of the Christian faith. Education was only made freely available in 2008, when the players were seven. In 2013, 28% of the population was living below the national poverty line. The four, who are part of a rugby academy in Fiji, were put in

Foreign nationals were slightly more impacted by crime than Luxembourgers in the majority of crime categories in 2017. According to annual figures published by the police, the only crimes in which Luxembourgers were more likely to be victims were forgery, vandalism and burglaries. The number of reported crimes in Luxembourg fell in 2017, continuing a downward trend since a peak in 2014. In total 36,721 incidents were reported, equivalent to 1,816 fewer than in 2016. This, combined with a growing population, brought down the rate of crimes per 100,000 inhabitants by 7% from 6,688 in 2016 to 6,217 in 2017. Police noted a growing trend in thefts linked to cars (27%), illegal entry into the country (47%), public drunkenness (30%) and burglaries in empty homes (16%). The report shows there were 2,424 thefts in relation to cars in 2017, up from 1,903 in 2016. It would seem that 2016 was more an anomaly, however, as there were over 2,100 thefts linked to cars reported annually since 2013, with the exception of 2016. The report, meanwhile, found that one in ten people convicted of a crime in 2017 was a minor, equivalent to 2,200 out of 23,911 offenders. JB

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Sheer Driving Pleasure

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CONTINUED

When The Beatles sang about ageing in ‘When I’m 64’ in 1967, life expectancy in Luxembourg was 70. Today people are expected to live to 82. How to enjoy those twilight years is being addressed by senior citizenssupported co-housing project Nouma.

mma Zimer founded Nouma in 2016 after a career in the social sector. She felt that there was a lack of choice in existing accommodation for the elderly. “It shouldn’t just be the choice between staying at home or moving into a care home,” she said. Add to that the wealth of evidence showing a connection between lone liness and an increased risk of premature death, Zimer created a solution through participatory co-housing, where senior citizens live in a building, whose construction they could project manage and finance. “The idea is everyone has their own flat. There are communal areas: a living room or kitchen, which could be used by the community or rented out. It could be a café or crèche, for example,” Zimer explained. Nouma’s first project is guiding a group of six women in building their own co-housing, dubbed ‘Beienhaus’. “These people are over 60 and live autonomously at home. They want to create something positive for when they are older,” the entrepreneur said. The group’s main challenge has been finding land. After months of searching, they appear to be close--Beienhaus was short-listed in a tendering process for land in Belair on a leasehold ar rangement. Another challenge is finding people. The target community is not easy to reach and people in Luxembourg are attached to traditional housing models. Zimer added that with no concrete example to show them, it can be a hard sell. But the six trailblazers are set in their resolve they do not want to live alone during April 2018

the last part of their lives and see Beienhaus as a smart alternative to a retirement home. “It will be a huge step outside my comfort zone--a real challenge,” 64-year-old retiree Astrid admitted. 67-year-old Marie-France agreed it was a big challenge as “co habitation like this is very new in our country but we still have the energy to do it”. She said what was important for her about the project was spending the last part of her life together in one place with people who have similar ideas and respect one another. Co habiting projects have existed abroad for several years, but their success comes often because they are cheap. “Here it is less the case. People are motivated by not wanting to live alone,” Zimer said. And what sets Beienhaus apart from existing assisted living facilities, is that residents essen tially choose who they live with, in creasing their chances of living fulfilled later lives. “A co-location project for

seniors does not exist so far in Lux embourg. I am sure once it is set up and the group has moved in, there will be followers,” Astrid said. Given that over-65s are set to account for a fifth of the country’s population by 2030, and a quarter by 2060, according to Statec, Astrid’s forecast may be spot on. Attend the next Beienhaus talk on 20 April, at 2:30 p.m., at the RBS Center fir Altersfroen, 20 rue de Contern, in Itzig. icon_website www.nouma.lu

Reported by JESS BAULDRY

COUNCIL TRIES TO GET BACK ON TRACK A government advisory group, which is meant to speak for nearly half of the country’s population, has had a rough few months. But it’s now back up and running, with an initial six-point plan of action.

ew members of Luxembourg’s national council for foreigners, the CNE, plan to get the outfit back on track and overcome its tumul tuous recent history. The CNE, an

independent advisory body to the government created in 2008, should play an essential role in a country whose proportion of non-national residents topped 47% this year. But it had not met in full session from the time new members were elected in July 2017 until February of this year, drawing fire for what critics called a lack of engagement. The 6-month wait was due to delays in the appointment of representatives of employers groups, trade unions, NGOs and Syvicol, the local

Jan Hanrion (Maison Moderne)

GROWING OLD TOGETHER

government federation, and a rep resentative for refugees. That was not finalised until the end of January. The CNE then held a plenary session, attended by the DP minister for family and integration, Corinne Cahen, on 28 February. Cahen urged the council to work proactively so that the country could maintain its role as a model of integration. CNE’s president, Franco Avena, and vice president, Claire Geier-Courquin, said at the meeting that they want to create a mood of trust and trans parency among members, and also ensure the CNE maintains good relations with organisations such as the Luxembourg’s foreigner inte gration office, Olai, under whose umbrella the CNE operates. The body voted to create six com missions: migrants and cross-border workers; refugees and applicants for international protection; youth, education and continuing education; civic participation and liaison with associations; and finally, seniors. “We have chosen topics that are closest to the reality of the country,” Avena told Paperjam. The CNE met again on 28 March to ratify the composition of each commission. The committees will study and report back to the president on various topics, which will be submitted to plenary meetings, Avena explained. Other working groups will also be created, for example, to deal with internal and external communication of the CNE, the issue of dual nationalities and languages. Among the first projects, new members will work on will be the multi-year national integration action plan, requested by Olai. Cahen has, meanwhile, given the go-ahead to the CNE to submit proposals to improve its functioning, according to her response to a parliamentary question from Déi Lénk MP David Wagner. icon_mail info@olai.public.lu

Reported by JESS BAULDRY, CAMILLE FRATI and DUNCAN ROBERTS

WHO’S WHO

MICHEL WURTH

“We cannot grow by 4% every year and at the same time create 4% more jobs.” Born 17 April 1954 in Luxembourg City Education 1977 Law degree, Université des Sciences Sociales de Grenoble 1979 Master of science in economics, London School of Economics and Political Science 2012 Doctor of Laws honoris causa, Sacred Heart University Career highlights 1979 Joined Arbed 1996 CFO, Arbed 1986-present Member of the executive board, BGL BNP Paribas 2002-present Chairman, ArcelorMittal Luxembourg 2003-present Board vice chair, Fedil business federation 2004-present Board chair, UEL business association 2004-present Board chair, Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce 2006-2014 Member of the group management board, ArcelorMittal Luxembourg 2014-present Member of the board of directors, ArcelorMittal

Michel Wurth is one of the most influential players in Luxembourg’s economy. As chair of the business lobby UEL, Wurth represents 80% of companies in Luxembourg. He spent most of his professional career within ArcelorMittal or one of the steelmaker’s constituent companies, serving as both CEO and deputy CEO before being named to the board of directors. Wurth also serves on the boards of the engineering firm Paul Wurth, BIP Investment Partners, BGL BNP Paribas, sustainable development agency INDR, Luxembourg Central Bank, Luxembourg Bankers’ Association (ABBL) and Luxembourg Red Cross. Wurth has been in the news recently because of his opposition to increasing the minimum wage. He argued that the lack of housing and exploding home prices have contributed to the risk of poverty among low earners. Increasing the minimum wage, he reckons, would not enable people to get on the property ladder, and would even lead to job losses in the trade, agriculture, hospitality and retail sectors. Contrary to expectations (as a business leader and chair of the UEL), Wurth has spoken out against the current growth model, which is, according to him, excessively geared towards creating new jobs and not enough on increasing productivity. He said: “We need to grow by having more productive jobs and having less job growth.” Instead he advocates a “qualitative, sustainable” development for the grand duchy, which supports the local economy, with less focus on attracting big multi nationals and immigration. This model would include higher productivity per head through digitisation, innovation and lower corporate tax rates, lower wealth taxes and lower taxes for startups and on bonuses. MH April 2018

CURRENT AFFAIRS

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Text by DUNCAN ROBERTS

Photography by MATIC ZORMAN

TRAM ON

Three months after it began operating along its initial stretch of track in Kirchberg, the city’s new tram service is enjoying passenger satisfaction, if not exactly high usage. Now plans for the next phases of the tram construction have been unveiled and even more ambitious plans for the future have been mooted. Not everyone is happy, but opinion seems to be swinging in favour of the tram.

TRACK

TOWARDS MASS ACCEPTANCE April 2018

Illustrations by Luxtram Foster + Partners Tetra Kayser Associés

ublic opinion is notoriously difficult to shift, but over the past three years approval of Luxembourg City’s tram system has risen from 57% to 84%. During the same pe riod, disapproval of the project has fallen from 38% to just 13%, ac cording to a TNS Ilres survey con ducted at the end of January. The project still raises strong opinions. A handful of politicians and many more commentators on social me dia vehemently oppose the tram for a variety of reasons--they are angry at its cost, at the impact it has had on other public transport services, at the disruption caused by its con struction, or even by what they see as government policy in prioritising the tram over improving traffic flow for private vehicles. But there is no doubt that public opinion is slowly

ALLÉE SCHEFFER Current: Tracks have already been laid and trees replanted along the road on the northern perimeter of the Glacis car park. Future: During the annual Schueberfouer the track closest to the car park will be used to house fun fair stalls.

swinging further in favour of the tram since it began operating on 10 December 2017. Initial figures measuring num bers on Tuesdays and Thursdays, released just six weeks after the Kirchberg stretch opened, indicat ed that 17,000 passengers on aver age per day used the tram service. That far exceeds the 8,400 daily passengers projected by operator Luxtram. The novelty of the new mode of transport, and the fact that riding the tram was free for the first month of its operation, probably accounts for such high numbers. The funicular connec tion between the new Pfaffenthal railway station and the Red Bridge/Pfaffenthal tram stop was being used by an average of 6,000 passengers a day.

The more recent TNS Ilres sur vey reveals that some 28% of the population had used the tram al ready; although 22% said they had only used it between one and three times. Indeed, only one percent say they regularly use the service to get to and from work. That is hardly surprising, given that the current route serves just eight stations along a 3-kilometre stretch of track on the avenue J.-F. Kennedy, said Charles Margue from the TNS Ilres pollsters. “Once it is accessi ble in the centre of the city, the numbers will rise.” More encouraging is the 72% of the population that say the intro duction of the tram has made them rethink using public trans port. And of those that have used the tram, 90% of passengers are

April 2018

CURRENT AFFAIRS

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

CONTINUED

PLACE DE L’ÉTOILE Current: Work has begun on redesigning the crossroads to accommodate the tram stop and bus terminus. Future: Buses bringing passengers from the west of the country and Belgium will terminate here rather than continue into the city centre.

AVENUE EMILE REUTER Current: The road is packed with cars and buses on five lanes of traffic. Future: The road will be reduced to two one-way lanes of traffic adjacent to the tram tracks, with the addition of a two-way cycle lane.

generally satisfied with the experi ence. “These percentages are very high compared to other cities that have a tram,” said Luxtram direc tor André Von Der Marck, who had experience of developing the tram system in Strasbourg and managing public transport systems in Nice before taking charge of the Luxembourg project.

RETAILERS UNHAPPY But not everyone is happy about the time it is taking to build the tram network. Guill Kaempff, president of the UCVL city retailers’ associa tion, is demanding compensation for members who have had their business disrupted by construction. “Storekeepers who are on the route of the [tram] construction site have

April 2018

suffered, and those that have not closed are only surviving,” he said at the UCVL general assembly in late March. Prime minister Xavier Bettel, who was mayor of the city from 2011 to 2013, retorted that retailers will just have to bite the bullet and be patient, and reap the rewards later. “In the medium term it will bring added value to the city,” he said, adding that additional parking spaces at the place Guillaume II car park will also benefit store owners. But the authorities point out that work is being carried out six days a week and at night to complete the next phase of the tram, connecting the Red Bridge/Pfaffenthal stop with the place de l’Étoile, by June this year. The route will pass by the

Grand Théâtre and along the allée Scheffer on the northern side of the Glacis car park. When com pleted, the tram will take around 17 minutes from its current termi nus near Luxexpo to the place de l’Étoile. Work on the tram station at the new Royal-Hamilius com plex will be carried out inside the confines of the current construc tion site to minimise the impact on traffic along the major artery.

TREES SAVED Among all the negative comments surrounding the tram project, there were rumours, since proven un founded, that the noise of the vi brations caused by the tram passing so close to the theatre could disturb performances. Trees along the allée

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BOULEVARD ROYAL Current: Construction of the Royal-Hamilius building can be seen on the right of the photo. A major tram station will be built further down the boulevard towards the post office. Future: Trams turn the corner of avenue Reuter opposite the shining Royal-Hamilius complex of shops, offices and apartments. The face of the city has changed drastically.

PONT ADOLPHE Current: The newly renovated and strengthened bridge is still undergoing some construction to prepare it for the tram. Future: The tram passes over the bridge in both directions, and pedestrians can use paths on both sides of the bridge while cyclists use the special suspended bridge beneath the main structure.

Scheffer, which were removed and replanted during the preparation work for the tracks, have now been restored. The two tracks will be markedly different, however. While the tracks furthest from the car park will be enhanced with a grass over lay, the tracks nearest the car park will be laid on concrete. This is so that they can be used to house stalls during the annual Schueberfouer fun fair, when the allée Scheffer stretch will be reduced to one track. If the temporary removal of trees on the allée Scheffer caused some consternation, then that was noth ing like the outrage on social media sparked by reports that trees would also be removed along the avenue de la Liberté, one of the most icon ic streets in the capital city. The

controversy was soon put to rest when the government and city au thorities announced that although the majority of the 72 trees--49 plane trees and 23 Japanese cherry trees-that currently line the avenue would be removed, and replanted else where, new trees would eventually take their place. Secretary of state for the environment Camille Gira explained that because the cherry trees are neither environmentally friendly nor indigenous, the avenue would probably be planted with plane trees along its entire length. “In six to eight years nobody will notice the difference in the trees, and we will have a beautiful and uniform avenue,” Gira said. In addition, Gira said, the fact that diesel buses will no longer run

along the avenue once that section of the tram is operational means that air quality in what is one of the country’s pollution blackspots will be vastly improved. RGTR buses will terminate at the train station, and the Ville de Luxem bourg’s bus routes wil be redirected along avenue de la Gare once the tram is running along avenue de la Liberté. A total of 2,200 buses every day will be removed from routes that pass through the city because they will terminate at stops on the periphery, minister for sustainable development François Bausch explained. What’s more, the tram along the avenue de la Liberté will not be powered by overhead cables so that the magnificent view from

April 2018

CURRENT AFFAIRS

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

CONTINUED

PLACE DE PARIS Current: The two sides of the square are totally separated by lanes of traffic. Future: The natural stone paving extending on to the tram stop seems to reach across to the other side of the square, making it a larger and more open space.

AVENUE DE LA LIBERTÉ Current: Five lanes of traffic, including two bus lanes, take up the entire road. Future: Tram, traffic, pedestrians and cyclists are all accommodated. Trees line the avenue and natural stone is used to surface the pavements along the tram tracks.

the place de Metz down to the sta tion is retained, said mayor Lydie Polfer. A two-way cycle lane will be installed on one side of the road, and new paving in natural stone will be laid. The same stone will be used for the bedding surface along which the tram tracks are laid. Work on the connection between the place de l’Étoile and the place de Paris will start before the sum mer holidays this year. The plan is for the tram to start operating along that stretch of track in 2020.

AND FOR THE FUTURE? Current construction of the tram network should be completed in 2021, when it will operate a service between from the Cloche d’Or to

April 2018

Howald, Bonnevoie, the central train station and avenue de la Liberté, the boulevard Royal, the place de l’Étoile, the Glacis and along Kirchberg to the new Héienhaff Park & Ride facility before terminating at Findel airport. But that does not signal the limit of the government’s ambitions for the project. Bausch has already suggested that the government is looking into extending the tram network to Leudelange and Mamer in the future. And, at the end of March, Bausch unveiled a surprise sugges tion of building a fast tram line parallel to the A4 motorway, con necting Luxembourg with Eschsur-Alzette and Belval. The idea is

part of the government’s Modu 2.0 strategy that will set the tone for future sustainable transport in the country. A feasibility study is expected to be completed in June, but parliament is already sched uled to discuss the Modu 2.0 strat egy in April. Initial findings suggest that by 2035, a fast tram line capa ble of integrating with the capital city’s tram network would be the best system to meet demands for public transport in the south of the country. “I want to leave my successor with a strategy and tools that will help him make the deci sions that will be required. In terms of mobility, the country must move,” the minister said, referring to October’s elections. <

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CURRENT AFFAIRS

ART WORLD

Text by DUNCAN ROBERTS

MUDAM MIRED IN FRESH CONTROVERSY Just three months after its new director took up her post, the decision to dismantle an iconic work leaves the modern art museum once again making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

ICONIC WORK The chapel has been in place at Mudam since the museum opened in 2006

aving seemingly recovered from the controversy of the Enrico Lunghi “affair”, which led to the resignation of its former director and censure for broadcaster RTL, the Mudam contemporary art museum was the subject of renewed public outcry in early April. Its decision to dismantle one of its most iconic exhibits, Wim Delvoye’s Chapelle, was met with dismay by fans of the art work, and with perplexion by its creator. News of the decision to take down the gothic-inspired chapel, which was created by the Belgian artist for the opening of Mudam in 2006, was broken by daily newspaper Le Quotidien. That prompted a parliamentary question from the ADR party’s Fernand Kartheiser of prime minister Xavier Bettel in his role as minister of culture. Bettel confirmed that the work would be dismantled and “stored”, but that it could also be exhibited elsewhere. Delvoye learned of the decision via an insider at Mudam and through the media. He was apparently asked if he would help in the dismantling. In an interview with Delano’s sister publication Paperjam, Delvoye says he asked the new director of the museum, Suzanne Cotter, if she could explain the decision. She told him the space in which the chapel resided was needed to house a permanent space for children’s workshops as part of the museum’s education programme. The education programme is partly funded by the Leir Charitable Foun dations, which recently extended its support of the museum for a further ten years. April 2018

That is hardly a “valid reason”, argues the artist. “The work has helped the reputation of the mu seum, which, as you know, has experienced plenty of turbulence,” he said. “The director of a museum is free to do what she wants, but she should make decisions based on artistic arguments and also think of the public,” he told the Lëtzebuerger Land. Delvoye says he also spoke with Philippe Dupont, vice president of the Mudam board, but that the conversation was far from friendly. “He was clearly irritated by my call.” Attempts by Delvoye to speak with Bettel by phone have so far been in vain, the artist says. Delvoye says he would like to give a museum elsewhere the chance to exhibit the chapel in its entirety and has the SMAK contemporary art museum in Gent in mind.

The decision sparked a wave of support for Delvoye on social media. Plenty of people in Luxembourg clearly admire the chapel. It was created to fit the space it occupied since 2006 when IM Pei designed the museum, although the corner on the first floor of Mudam was not originally meant for the exhibition of art. Delvoye claims that Pei was “very happy” to see the work on show there. The Chapelle is certainly more popular than another of Delvoye’s works, The 1999 sculpture Trophy showing two deer copulating, but in the human missionary position, ranked 5th out of 15 in a list of the “World’s ugliest art” published on the Bored Panda website in the summer of 2016. It is located in the Dräi Eechelen park that surrounds Mudam.

CHAPELLE Created in 2006 in time for the opening of Mudam, Wim Delvoye’s Chapelle is perhaps only rivalled by local artist Su-Mei Tse’s Many Spoken Words ink fountain as the work most synonymous with the museum. It is constructed of laser-cut Corten steel and stained-glass windows that display subversive images, many of which reference the artist’s own work. There are obscene gestures, kisses, human intestines and skeletons and X-rayed pieces of meat. “The skulls, the bones and their by-products are grimacing, cynical modern vanities,” writes the artist. icon_website w ww.wimdelvoye. be

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CURRENT AFFAIRS

IN FOCUS

A CLOSE SHAVE

Photography by MATIC ZORMAN

4 MARCH Coiffeur and barber Carlos stylises the beard of a visitor at the Vintage Fair at Luxexpo. Photographer Matic Zorman compared Carlos’ focus to that of a surgeon and his determination to that of a conductor leading an orchestra. “To show his focus and his attention to the client, I had to get close. I decided to use my favorite lens, the 35 mm, for this photograph. With it I could fill the frame only with Carlos and his client.” Like Carlos, Matic decided to cut the frame cleanly “while taking care that I was not being a distraction to a razor-wielding man”. DR April 2018

April 2018

UPFRONT

BUSINESS FROM ADEM TO HTML

Luxembourg’s next crop of web develop ers are hard at work at the Numericall digital training centre. In a large class room, 17 students sit in pairs, examining lines of code. The students are enrolled in Fit4Coding Jobs, a four-month inten sive course provided by Numericall. “This programme is web development from A to Z,” says Alice, a student origi nally from Romania who worked in com munications before deciding to reorient her career path. On the day Delano visited, the class was hard at work in a peer-programming activity involving PHP 7. “The market in Luxembourg asks for PHP, so they train us to be directly operational in it,” says Gabriel, a Luxembourg student.

icon_mail info@numericall.com

6.85% Estimated overvaluation of residential property prices between 2012 and 2017, partially fuelled by an expansion of mortgage credit, according to a report by Sara Ferreira Filipe, an economist at Luxembourg’s central bank (BCL). The trend has slowed in recent quarters, she wrote in February. April 2018

“INSURERS KEEP TELLING US THAT THIS QUESTION IS WHAT KEEPS THEM AWAKE AT NIGHT”

Nicolas Mackel, CEO of Luxembourg for Finance, the government-backed promotion agency, quoted by Reuters in March. The question was whether or not cross-border insurance policies would remain valid, and claims would still be paid, post-Brexit.

BURGEONING STARTUP SCENE

Emilie Bechet of the Luxembourg Open Innovation Club told Delano in an interview in April: “The startup ecosystem is only getting richer.” icon_website www.delano.lu/business

Marion Dessard Nader Ghavami (archives) Loic

NUMERICALL TRAINING CENTRE A. Alan Kavanagh of Numericall gives an interview to Delano writer John-Paul Gomez, in his office at the Technoport in Esch-Belval, 1 March B. Students Reza (left) and Gabriel (right) hard at work examining lines of HTML C., D. Fit4CodingJobs students Frank and Nathalie working with PHP 7 E. Roger Wagner of the Adem jobs agency, which places many of the students in the course F. Members of the Numericall team: communication assistant Alan Kavanagh, co-founder Yves Lepage, intern Fanny and co-founder Brigitte Lepage

SPEAKERS’ CORNER

Mike Zenari (archives)

TICKER

A baker has won his legal challenge against rules that prevented him from opening before 6 a.m.; most small businesses can now open at 4 a.m. >>> Docler Holding, a digital media firm based in Kirch berg, has started an IT recruitment service for other companies. >>> Luxembourg placed second for green finance penetration and sixth for green finance quality in the first Global Green Finance Index. >>> Luxembourg is a top target for financial crime, said a PwC report; asset misappropriation, cybercrime and money laundering are the top three threats. >>> The European Investment Bank could help fill the €10bn-€13bn EU budget gap when the UK leaves the bloc, if EU budget rules are tweaked, said Alexander Stubb, a vice pres ident at the development bank. >>> The EIB has lent more than €1.15bn in “venture debt”, loans to help small and medium-sized firms grow without needing to sell a stake to investors, since December 2016. >>> Ferrero Group completed its $2.8bn acquisition from Nestlé of 20 American confectionary brands and three manufacturing facilities in the US. >>> The Génaveh chocolate brand has not gone bust. Its former owner, Génaveh SA, filed for bankruptcy, but La Luxembourgeoise du Chocolat, which now holds the brand, is doing just fine, says its chief. >>> The satellite operator SES “is now de livering video content to more than 1bn global viewers” in 351m TV homes, according to its market research study.

FUNDS RACE TO MEET DATA DEADLINE The EU’s new data privacy rules require the investment fund sector to fundamentally rethink how it handles data, writes Olivier Reisch. The General Data Protection Regulation and the investment fund industry are not a natural match. GDPR has been drafted with the major players of the information society in mind, relying heavily on the processing of personal data as the foundation of their business. Data processing by the investment fund industry, however, is mainly driven by the strict need to manage investments and regulations (anti-money laundering rules, for instance). This mismatch has led on one hand to a rather late realisation by the in vestment fund industry that GDPR required action and on the other hand to many practical difficulties in translating GDPR requirements to the complex world of investment funds and their service providers. As a result, the different players are now racing towards the 25 May 2018 compliance goal at risk of losing sight of the exact requirements that need focus. It is unfortunately not sufficient to amend the prospectus with new standard language, add a clause or two to the sub scription form and amend some service agreements. GDPR requires a more funda mental change in how data processing is looked at and in how to deal with a certain number of topics such as data security, data loss or data access requests, not only for

future, but also existing data. This requires a change not only in documentation, but also in internal processes and awareness. Fleshing out how exactly to deal with these challenges has been the objective of multiple GDPR working groups within the Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry over the past few months and the amount of effort and dedication that has gone into the sessions is commendable. The outcome shall build a reference basis for the industry to drive their GDPR projects forward for the period leading up to 25 May and beyond. It is, however, also important to underline that any positions will only reflect the opinion of the working groups based on the discussions that have taken place and the information at hand. It is likely that any recommendations will have to vary and evolve in the future, depending on the specific role each industry player assumes. In that context, I also welcome the proactive approach taken by the Luxembourg data regulator, the CNPD, in providing in formation and guidance to the different industries, notably the financial sector. Olivier Reisch is a data privacy lawyer and co-chair of Alfi’s GDPR working group. icon_website www.alfi.lu April 2018

BUSINESS

FUNDS

Text by STEPHEN EVANS

Photography by LALA LA PHOTO

FUND REGULATOR ON THE SPOT

ow will the European cross-border fund business function post-Brexit? Alarm bells rang last summer when the European Securities and Markets Authority issued two papers related to how UK investment funds would be treated in the EU market post-Brexit. Then the European Commission launched a review of the way Esma and other pan-European regulators operate. Could this presage the end of the “delegation” model that the industry argues has worked well for 30 years? Speaking at an Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry conference, Steven Maijoor, Esma’s chair, sought to calm nerves: “The intention of issuing those opinions was to add flesh to existing regulations as they are applied now”. Specifically, it will give national regulators a com mon understanding of how rules are applied in areas such as assessing the “substance” of companies to which tasks are delegated cross border. The aim, he said, is to avoid shell compa nies, not duplicate regulatory functions at the European level. icon_website www.alfi.lu

April 2018

SNAPSHOTS FUND REGULATION TALK A. Thorsten Hens and Christina Coustry attending the Alfi European Asset Management Conference, 6 March 2018 B. Jeremy Sutter and Lawrence Omolo C. Yann Lih Lim, Ami Nagata and Keiko Kojima D. Steven Maijoor of the European Securities and Markets Authority speaks during the “European regulatory outlook” on-stage interview E. Thomas Siebeke and Marc-Oliver Scharwath F. Andrew Dyson and Roshan Adam G. Aylin Mutter, Stéphanie Pirlot and Monique Pluim H. Cécilia Vernhes and Karim Rezki I. Denise Voss, Alfi board chair

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WHAT PRICE GDPR?

COVER STORY

LEGISLATION

Text by MARGARET FERNS and DUNCAN ROBERTS

Photography by MATIC ZORMAN

On 25 May, the European Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new General Data Protection Regulation comes into force. GDPR replaces the 1995 Data Protection Directive and applies directly to each of the 28Â EU member states. But it also applied to anyone transferring data to a company or entity in one of the member states. It is, in the words of more than one expert, a game changer. But will Luxembourg businesses be ready for GDPR compliance on deadline day? And how much of an impact has preparing for GDPR had on companies? Delano spoke with representatives of regulatory authorities, professional associations, advisory firms and private companies.

April 2018

PRINCIPLES HAVEN’T CHANGED

The week after 25 May, we

Not really. Some are ready.

will be having a data protec-

Big companies that have the

tion week when we will launch

financial means and are aware.

a large-scale information

But not 100% of the actors are

Tine A. Larsen and Christophe

campaign aimed at private

ready. There are still issues

Buschmann (president and data

individuals. And we have

that need to be clarified

protection commissioner at the

developed courses on data

before 25 May. We are working

National Commission for Data

protection basics that will

with other European authori-

Protection, CNPD)

be open to all free of charge.

ties to get the answers.

GDPR concerns their privacy.

We have to see how the system

The CNPD has been proactive

The data belongs to them,

works in practice.

in providing information

and it has value that they

I think we can say many

sessions and advice about

could use themselves. These

organisations are nervous.

GDPR. What have been the main

are the sort of words that

There is some psychology

concerns that companies have

have reached individuals

involved as well, even among

raised about compliance?

and made them think.

those who are ready. But those

We have been holding many

Data controllers are respon-

who are not ready should move

conferences over the last few

sible for creating trust with

on it. They shouldn’t say they

months. To be honest, many,

the individuals, or data

can’t achieve compliance,

many questions have come up

subjects. If they manage that,

so won’t try. Then there are

with regard to the basic princi-

by informing them about what

those who don’t even have it

ples of GDPR and data protection

data they collect and how they

on their radar. The organisa-

in general. Which is a surprise,

process it, citizens will be

tions we meet at our confer-

because the principles haven’t

willing to provide the data.

ences at least have GDPR on

changed that much since 1995.

What feedback has the CNPD

their radar.

The first thing many SMEs are

had to the test phase of

saying to us is that they don’t

the Compliance Support Tool

have the resources to become

you set up with the List

compliant with GDPR. But in

and Digital Lëtzebuerg?

fact, companies should have

Roughly 40 organisations

woken up 20 years ago and should

took part in the test phase.

have data protection processes

Feedback was good enough for

in place.

us to be confident to launch

The change with GDPR is the

the live tool at the end of

accountability aspect, although

December. In the meantime,

the exercise they have to do

around 1,000 accounts have

is not that complicated. And

been created. It is probably

IMPRESSIVE AMOUNT OF WORK

the actions they have to put

better suited to organisations

Catherine Bourin and

in place are scaled to the

that are used to dealing with

Julien Leroy (member of

risks of the processing it

regulations. I am not sure

the management board and

carries out to the rights and

whether the tool would be

legal advisor at ABBL,

liberties of the data subject.

the first or only answer for

the bankers association)

The big difference is for

smaller entities who are not

companies located outside the

used to complex regulations,

As the deadline for the GDPR

EU that provide services and

but we are working on that.

implementation approach-

products to citizens, or moni-

We are going to use the tool

es, do you have the impression your members are ready?

tor data subjects, within the

on ourselves, as well, to

EU. They now realise they need

ensure we are compliant as

Currently, ABBL members are

to get themselves a framework

we are a public entity and

in the process of preparing

to legitimise these transfers,

we have designated a data

the implementation. The amount

but tools like standard data

protection officer.

of work related to GDPR is

protection clauses exist already.

Do you get the general impres-

impressive. For instance, banks

As well as providing

sion that companies in Luxem-

will have to set up records of

advice to businesses,

bourg are fully aware of the

processing activities, draft

has the CNPD also provided

requirements they must meet

internal procedures, undertake

information to the public

under GDPR, and do you think

risk assessments, communicate

on the implications of GDPR?

most will be ready by 25 May?

with related stakeholders → April 2018

COVER STORY

LEGISLATION

CONTINUED

and update their documentation

organise an information event

and privacy notices. This is a

on GDPR in early May.

tremendous work that has to be

Have you and your members

done by the 25 May deadline,

encountered any unexpect-

at which time all organisa-

ed issues during the im-

tions have to comply with the

plementation process? How

new legislative requirements.

are they being resolved?

GLOBAL GAME CHANGER Alejandro del Río (manager, information security and privacy advisory at EY)

As a reminder, the sanction

GDPR adds an additional layer

in the case of non-compliance

to existing data protection

can be as high as 4% of the

rules derived from previous

organisation’s turnover,

directives such as PSD II,

or up to €20 million.

Mifid II or AMLD 4.

What is the ABBL doing

The challenge is to sort out

Who will be affected by GDPR? Data is personal. The new regulation will ensure it stays this way. It increases

to assist its members?

any potential conflicts with

The ABBL is assisting its

existing rules, contracts or

members in several ways.

procedures. While some simi-

Two working groups have been

larities and interactions may

created to tackle specific

appear between various legal

issues related to data protec-

texts, entities should address

tion. The first one focuses on

specific issues separately.

how to implement the novelties

accountability around how data is processed, stored and used. Data protection is key to the success of any digital transformation programme, and can be a powerful driver of competitive advantage. GDPR is a global game changer, the importance of which no organisation can afford to

stemming from the General Data

under estimate. However, while

Protection Regulation in a

working toward compliance,

practical manner. The second

companies can also use it to

working group--Data Protection

gain competitive advantage.

and Human Resources--is

The first step is to under-

focusing on specific questions

stand its impact on citizens

related to employees’ data

and companies.

collection, treatment and

The aim of the GDPR is to

storage. The ABBL will also

reinforce data protection JULIEN LEROY AND CATHERINE BOURIN ABBL is assisting its members in several ways

rights of individuals, facilitate the free flow of personal data in the digital single market and reduce the administrative burden. Changing regulatory requirements--including GDPR--are combined with rising customer expectations, which create growing challenges around data privacy. What are the key challenges for Luxembourg entities? The whole mindset needs to be changed; to consider data privacy as an intrinsic part of each organisation. GDPR distinguishes between data controllers and data processors, imposing a different set of obligations and liabilities on both. Companies need to clearly establish their identity as controllers or processors to determine their responsibilities under GDPR. If an organisation decides on the purposes

April 2018

and means of data processing

national laws, meaning that

the regulation, being techno-

activities, alone or jointly

companies will now deal with

logically neutral, enables innovation to continue to thrive.

with others, it is considered

only one law, not 28. So in

a data controller under GDPR

the same way, companies will

and needs to comply with wider

also have to deal with only

any organisation as a compe-

legal requirements.

All these factors will impact

one single supervisory author-

titive edge and a differentia-

ity, not 28, making it simpler

tor in the market to gain

one of GDPR’s biggest impacts

and cheaper for companies to

the trust of its customers

is the need to appoint a data

do business in the EU. Finally,

and shareholders.

For many organisations,

protection officer to take res ponsibility for GDPR compli-

ALEJANDRO DEL RÍO Companies need to see GDPR as an opportunity

ance, organisational awareness, advice and decision making with respect to data processing. Since this is a new role, organisations often struggle to incorporate the DPO into their existing organisational structures. How will GDPR benefit companies? Companies would need to see the new regulation as an opportunity, in particular to know what personal data they are currently processing, how this data is protected and to optimise those business processes impacted. Furthermore, companies would need to safeguard private information, which means that systems need to be built consistently to cover these aspects. This already provides extra opportunities to companies to invest in

(RE)TAKING CONTROL OF PERSONAL DATA

access control systems or data management, reducing exposure to risks. As for process optimisation, companies and organisations must notify their national supervisory authority within 72 hours of data breaches that put individuals

Georges Wantz (director

at risk and communicate all

at Deloitte Luxembourg)

high-risk breaches as soon as Can you briefly explain how

possible to the data subject. To comply with this requirement,

GDPR will impact Luxembourg?

companies must rework on their

The General Data Protection

incident management processes and as such optimise their communication processes when data breaches occur. Additionally, the one pan– European law for data protection replaces the current inconsistent patchwork of

“COMPANIES SHOULD HAVE WOKEN UP 20 YEARS AGO.” TINE A. LARSEN

Regulation will apply directly across all 28 European Union member states. By applying to every personal data processing activities, the regulation aims at strengthening and unifying data protection for all individuals in the European → April 2018

COVER STORY

LEGISLATION

CONTINUED

GEORGES WANTZ Entities will hopefully benefit from an increase of trust

April 2018

Union. The regulation will

it believes to act as a proces-

Companies will most probably

apply to any and all public

sor or a controller or both,

face a huge challenge to be

and private entity processing

or otherwise face individually

ready as the subject is quite

personal data on the European

or collectively consequences

complex, some guidance from

market. Under this new regula-

in the form of fines, indemni-

the DPAs is still missing

tion, data protection authori-

ties or even collective ac-

and the overall effort to make

ties (DPAs) of member states

tions. Among the most impor-

oneself compliant can be quite

such as the CNPD in Luxembourg

tant duties stated in the GDPR

overwhelming. Recent studies

have investigative, corrective,

that both affect processors

have shown that a large number

advisory and authorisation

and controllers, we find the

of companies, over 50%,

powers. They are entitled to

keeping of an updated register

do not believe that they will

impose administrative fines

of processing activities, the

be fully compliant by 25 May.

ranging from 2 to 4% of the

cooperation with supervisory

However, this should not keep

groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worldwide annual turn-

authorities, the potential ob-

any entity from starting their

over of the preceding financial

ligation of appointing a DPO

preparation process. Achieving

year or â&#x201A;Ź10 to â&#x201A;Ź20 million,

in some cases, the restric-

some level of compliance by

whichever is higher.

tions on cross-border data

the end of May, and having

What are its key challeng-

transfers and most importantly

a plan for how to master the

es for Luxembourg companies?

the accountability.

rest will always be better than not having started at all.

Each entity will need to as-

Do you have the feel-

sess its very own obligations

ing that local companies

under the regulation, whether

will be ready by 25 May?

A CONTINUOUS PART OF INTERNAL DATA GOVERNANCE

closely monitored, we believe this should not cause an issue. Although the GDPR preparations might cause some headaches for companies, it is after all a good idea as

Toomas Korka

it encourages the protection

(IT solutions/project

of citizens’ data. Companies

management at Prisma)

now must take care of how they get, store and use

How are your preparations

personal data.

for GDPR progressing? We started preparations in 2017. We performed an internal analysis, put an action plan in place and created an internal working group dedicated to GDPR compliance. We have also already requested consent from our contacts to continue using their addresses to send them information such as newsletters. In order to keep up with the latest updates, members of the Prisma GDPR working group have attended relevant conferences on a regular basis and have been closely following the news on this topic. Will you be ready for the 25 May deadline?

“ALTHOUGH GDPR PREPARATIONS MIGHT CAUSE SOME HEADACHES… IT ENCOURAGES THE PROTECTION OF CITIZENS’ DATA.” TOOMAS KORKA

To resolve our GDPR challenges and in compliance with article 30 of the GDPR, we have decided to implement a database to track any personal information that we may process related to our partners, customers, employees, and anyone we have interaction with in any way. How, if at all, will the new regulation benefit your company and your clients? We feel GDPR will benefit both ourselves and our clients.

As there can always be

The disruption that comes with

last-minute surprises, we are

any regulation is, for the most

aiming to be ready with GDPR

part, for a greater good.

preparations ahead of the

As a company, the GDPR has

deadline in order to ensure there will be some contingency time. We are currently on

BE PREPARED

track to reach this goal. However, we don’t assume that all GDPR-related work

spurred us to upgrade our current processes and procedures. This has enabled us to guarantee and reinforce the protec-

Lee Marshall (head of

tion of the concerned points of

operations at Kneip)

personal data. For our clients,

will be done by 25 May.

GDPR has made us strengthen the

Rather, we see GDPR compliance

Has GDPR posed any partic-

measures and become more trans-

as a continuous element of

ular or unexpected chal-

parent over our clients having

our internal data governance

lenge on a practical basis?

full control over what personal

procedures, going forward.

As with any new regulation

data is processed by us.

Do you foresee any diffi-

coming into force, GDPR has

What advice would you give

culties in its application

presented a number of unex-

other companies in the

on a practical basis?

pected challenges. Our busi-

implementation process?

We do not foresee difficulties

ness is focused, among others,

We would advise other

as such, but rather the chal-

on European regulations

companies to organise GDPR

lenge of adaptation and chang-

and regulatory changes,

awareness training for all

ing the way we work and how we

therefore we’re used to

team members. Staff awareness

store data, or not. As long as

getting our clients and

should be a major concern

appropriate, clearly defined

ourselves prepared to be

for organisations looking to

procedures are in place and

in compliance in good time.

comply with GDPR. We have set → April 2018

COVER STORY

LEGISLATION

CONTINUED

VINCENT WELLENS At the end of the day, GDPR concerns the protection of individuals

the last months, but it is clear that such guidance often can have a major impact on GDPR gap analysis that is already ongoing. Does GDPR contain any requirements that will complicate how companies in Luxembourg conduct their business? Absolutely. Whereas data protection regulation is often considered to be complied with when an organisation sends notifications to the CNPD, the Luxembourg data protection authority, the GDPR is built around the principle of accountability. This means that an organisation must not only be compliant, but also be able to document and to evidence that it acts in conformity with the GDPR. This requires the introduction of several data protection processes and policies that are currently very often lacking within the relevant organisations.

up a specific internal GDPR

Who will benefit?

training session to explain to

Good question. It is all about

all our employees the new, and

the protection of the personal

reinforced, rights under GDPR.

data of individuals, and that

The training also includes

should also be the redline in

Kneip’s action plan to fully

any GDPR compliance project.

guarantee compliance with GDPR to our clients and ensuring customer delight. For companies who are only starting to think about the implementation process now,

REGULATORY GREY ZONES

We see that a lot of consultancy firms take GDPR as a very strict set of rules, which must be complied with for a 100%. We see, however,

the changes can take some time,

Vincent Wellens (partner

a lot of grey zones and for

and if you want to do it well,

at NautaDutilh Luxembourg)

those difficult questions that

Have companies in Luxembourg

grey zones, we always ask our-

may arise in these regulatory

it might be too late.

“THE DISRUPTION THAT COMES WITH ANY REGULATION IS, FOR THE MOST PART, FOR A GREATER GOOD.” LEE MARSHALL

April 2018

encountered any unexpected dif-

selves the question: what is

ficulty in preparing for GDPR?

the impact on the individual?

Even when GDPR was adopted in

What is her or his legitimate

April 2016, it left a lot of

expectation with respect to a

interpretation questions on im-

particular type of processing

portant topics, such as: when

of personal data?

do we need a DPO, when do we need to proceed to data pro-

We are very confident that data protection authorities will

tection impact assessment, etc.

see this in the same manner.

The Article 29 Working Party,

It is very important to remember

which regroups representatives

that GDPR is not just another

of all data protection author-

compliance burden, but at

ities in the EU, has provided

the end of the day concerns

guidance in this respect over

the protection of individuals. ←

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BUSINESS

SKILLS AND TRAINING

Text by SARITA RAO

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK Is Luxembourg’s unemployment record as good as it looks? With youth unemployment running at more than twice the rate of neighbouring Germany, do the kids of today have the right skills to tap into one of Europe’s fastest expanding economies?

nemployment is not a much talked about subject in Luxem bourg. Standing at 5.6%, according to the latest figures from the national statistics office Statec, it’s one of the lowest rates in Europe. But youth unemployment figures were just over 14% in January 2018, and suggest a slightly different story. Whilst youth unemployment in Luxembourg is still below the Eu ropean average, and nowhere near the 30% plus rates currently expe rienced in Spain and Italy, it is still higher than in Germany (6.6%) and the UK (12.4%). It could be argued it’s on the decrease too, peaking at 22.7% in 2014 and dropping three percentage points in the past year alone, but according to data on Trading E conomics, it’s expected to stay at the 13-14% level until at least

April 2018

2020, and youth unemployment still remains higher now than the longterm average of 10%. So is there a skills gap preventing some young people from working in a country which advertised 6,443 job vacancies at the end of February 2018? And is education failing to meet the standards required by in dustry or the private sector? “The education system plays a central role in building a strong basis for each young person. But adapting our education system is just one approach. The new digital economy represents new challenges and new opportunities we have to adapt to,” says Nicolas Schmit, the minister of labour and employment. A European Commission report on education and training in Luxem bourg published in 2017 found that

the performance of 15-year-olds in maths, reading and science was below the EU average and that early exit from school remained high. The previous year, an OECD report found Luxembourg had high levels of grade repetition at school, that vocational training was not aligned to the labour market, and that 60% of foreign-born residents have tertiary education versus 42.5% of native born residents living in Luxembourg.

PROMOTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP “Civil servant jobs offer job stability and a significantly higher salary than in the private sector. They’re highly valued by Luxembourgish society and still represent for most Luxem bourgers a sign of success,” says Julie Noirhomme, an executive

NICOLAS SCHMIT The labour minister reckons Luxembourg needs to adapt to the digital economy

“A GOOD EDUCATION BUT ALSO LIFELONG LEARNING AND EFFICIENT REOR UP-SKILLING ARE NECESSARY.” April 2018

BUSINESS

SKILLS AND TRAINING

committee member of the Adecco Group Luxembourg, a recruitment firm. “There is a gap between the qualifications required by the market, such as languages, academic back ground and soft skills, and the qualifications and experience of young people on the job market.” Stéphanie Damgé, CEO of Jonk Entrepreneuren Luxembourg, concurs: “Young people are not always aware of their own capacities and don’t receive enough support to develop and discover these capacities. In addition, many students don’t nec essarily have a link to the private sector and aren’t always aware or exposed to the opportunities that exist for them. We need to have further links between education and the professional world so that young people can talk to someone who can inspire them with knowledge and experience and motivate them.” The Jonk Entrepreneuren initiative was created in 2005 to foster and encourage a more entrepreneurial spirit in Luxembourg, and although it doesn’t specifically seek to address youth unemployment, it recognises it as a challenge. Today it has 500 pro fessional volunteers, and each year 10,000 students aged 9 to 25 participate in its initiatives, which include the mini-enterprise programme for 16-19-year-olds (see box on page 42). This programme encourages students to create and manage a real business putting together business and finance plans, developing marketing and managing human resources. This year 64 mini-enterprises took part in the programme. “Entrepreneurial competencies such as creativity, initiative, respon sibility, flexibility and team spirit are required in many different fields and working environments. There is a skills gap. On the one side we hear from employers that they have diffi culty finding talent, but also jobs are changing and people don’t know exactly what future skills they will need,” says Damgé. The OECD report also found that 20% of workers in Luxembourg felt they didn’t have the right skills to do April 2018

CONTINUED

their current job. “Beyond technical and linguistic skills, young people must be able to demonstrate critical thinking, curiosity and creativity, interpersonal intelligence, resilience and great adaptability. They should also be comfortable with new tech nology,” explains Noirhomme. She believes that schools and universities do not prepare students enough in this sense: “When young people enter the job market they are often destabilised, and have expec tations and visions of work that do not correspond to the market. It takes time before they find a compromise between their desires and reality.”

FIRST JOB CHALLENGE Compromise has been critical for one young man who left university with an international business and administration degree (who asked that Delano not publish his name).

JULIE NOIRHOMME The Adecco Group executive says there is a gap between employers’ expectations and young jobseekers’ qualifications

“My dream is to create my own business, work in international trade or to be an account manager for a multi-cultural company,” he explains. Although he was able to secure a job in less than a week, the problem he says lies in the quality of work: “My job is not directly linked to my studies, but for the first year I think it’s a good way to learn how things work, how people think, and what they expect.” He says high salary levels in Luxem bourg lead to high expectations from employers: “You have to be productive from the first day you arrive in a company as you are costing them a lot.” He highlights that the most interesting jobs require three-plus years’ professional experience in a specific field. Moovijob organises one of the biggest career fairs in Luxembourg

“NOBODY IS BORN TO SEARCH FOR A JOB.”

every spring. In 2017, some 150 com panies collectively offered more than 2,500 jobs and 500 training oppor tunities. Moovijob’s Oriane Martin admits that many of the job oppor tunities at the fair asked for three to five years’ experience and that 79% of companies expected candidates to have a university degree. She does emphasise that recruitment varies by sector. “In finance, being qualified is not necessarily enough, you need to be specialised. In IT, there is such a shortage of talent in Luxembourg that companies are willing to hire young professionals and train them to cope in a changing environment,” she explains. The young man in this article found a temporary job as an admin istration assistant, which, he says, has given him many opportunities to learn. “I will continue to learn at my job, but I will probably try worklinked training in a year’s time in order to be specialised in a particular field,” he says. Noirhomme says that temporary work is undeniably the springboard to employment for many young people. “It takes time to train a young person, the investment is measured in the long term and the temporary contract is just the beginning. The image of temporary work has changed too. It’s a flexible form of contract for both parties. Before, we used to study, and then take a job. Today a career is much more about studying, working, up-skilling and changing careers,” she says.

BRIDGING SKILLS GAP Lifelong learning is one of the goals of the current government. “All European countries are facing some kind of skills gap due to rapid technological change. So a good education but also lifelong learning and efficient re- or up-skilling are necessary,” says Schmit. He states that the government is investing in training programmes to allow people to acquire or update skills to find work or evolve their careers. “We need to think outside the box, to anticipate future

STÉPHANIE DAMGÉ The head of Jonk Entrepreneuren (young entrepreneurs) says students often need a boost to discover their own capabilities

“JOBS ARE CHANGING AND PEOPLE DON’T KNOW EXACTLY WHAT FUTURE SKILLS THEY WILL NEED.”

SUPPORT FOR YOUNG JOBSEEKERS Anelo.lu Newly qualified with a diploma? This site (in French, German and Luxembourgish) is for job searches, training, placements and voluntary work. Anelo.lu also has a section called “I’m looking for work” which provides practical assistance on CVs, application letters, and validation of your diploma. Developed in collaboration with Local Action for Youth (Antenne Locale Pour Jeunes – ALJ) to help young people prepare for job interviews, Anelo.lu provides short filmed scenarios, expert advice and online quizzes. icon_website www.anelo.lu icon_website www.alj.lu

The Guidance Centre (Maison de l’orientation) Located on the place de l’Étoile, it brings together initiatives from Local Action for Youth, the National Youth Service, Lifelong Learning, and psychology and guidance. icon_website portal.education.lu/mo

Association of Luxembourg Student Groups (ACEL) The student union publishes an annual guide for future diploma holders. icon_website www.acel.lu

Hello Future Launched in 2017, Hello Future aims to encourage young people aged 14-30 years old to take up jobs in the logistics, automobile, digital and other sectors. It also offers school tours. icon_website www.hellofuture.lu

National Employment Agency (Adem) Adem has a youth employment service aimed at those under 30 years old. This includes employment support contracts (CAE) for young job seekers devised to ensure practical and theoretical training is given at work. icon_website www.adem.public.lu

Youth Guarantee The Youth Guarantee is aimed at 16- to 24-year-olds who have left school or lost their job. It endeavours to make sure that young people are not without a job offer, a training opportunity or work placement for more than four months. icon_website www.jugendgarantie.lu Student jobs Search for jobs and advice on the government’s youth site. icon_website www.jobs.youth.lu University of Luxembourg Find job and internship listings, plus advice, on its careers site. The university also hosts a job fair in September for graduates looking for an internship, with more than 2,500 offers in Luxembourg. icon_website careercenter.uni.lu

April 2018

BUSINESS

SKILLS AND TRAINING

CONTINUED

JONK ENTREPRENEUREN LUXEMBOURG PROGRAMMES Our Community: 9 to 11 year-olds A bird’s-eye view on how businesses work in the community, providing a link between school education and professional life, it aims to develop students’ sense of initiative, decision making skills and adaptability to the world of work.

Mini-Enterprise: 15 to 19 year-olds Designed to stimulate entrepreneurial spirit in school, students have one year to create a minibusiness helped by external professionals and teachers. Training is given in essentials such as business planning, marketing and sales techniques.

Fit for Life: 14 to 16 year-olds An educational programme of six teaching units exploring personal finance and various options for students based on their qualifications, interests and values.

Job Shadow Day: 16 to 19 year-olds In partnership with the Fedil business federation and the Chamber of Trades, students shadow a business leader during a normal working day.

My First Enterprise: 15 to 17 year-olds With capital of €40, groups of students set up a small business detailing raw material purchases, product sales, cash book management and marketing over a 3 month period.

Engineering Trainee Days: 16 to 19 year-olds In partnership with the Da Vinci Association, students can see first-hand the daily work, professional, linguistic and interpersonal requirements of an engineer over a two day period.

Innovation Camp: 16 to 19 year-olds Working in teams, students gather for a day to come up with innovative ideas and solutions for a business challenge set up by a private sponsor. Project Management Awards: 17 to 18 year-olds Projects validated by a school and sponsor across economic, social or cultural fields can win a prize. Young Enterprise Project: 19 to 25 year-olds Targeted at higher education students, the initiative helps develop perseverance, confidence, team spirit and responsibility, as teams realise their own business plans. The winning project is put forward in the international competition.

Get in touch icon_facebook Jonk Entrepreneuren Luxembourg icon_linked_in Jonk Entrepreneuren Luxembourg asbl icon_website www.jonk-entrepreneuren.lu

evolutions and needs. Investing in skills means avoiding future unem ployment,” he explains. Schmit also stresses that the gov ernment is working with social partners to elaborate on this approach to create a digital skills bridge and to eliminate any possible skills gaps. The Youth Guarantee which was put in place a few years ago has helped successfully to “get young people on track, either back to school, onto the labour market or in an orientation programme”. He goes on to highlight that the jobs bureau Adem and the Guidance Centre have been reformed and have to adapt permanently. Training programmes are being extended April 2018

participate yet”. She also argues that not all initiatives have the same impact; some are very similar, making it complicated for schools to decide or have a clear insight into what is offered. She believes programmes should be checked to ensure they are getting it right. “Our approach is to provide critical experience, where students learn by doing,” she adds. In October 2018, Europe’s Youth Guarantee coordinators will meet in Luxembourg to exchange best practice on programmes. The gov ernment also plans to reform the system of traineeship and recently launched the Fit4Coding programme to help unemployed people acquire digital skills. It reports that 80% of those completing the programme have found work within three months.

FIND A STRATEGY Noirhomme encourages young people to have a strategy for finding work and to develop and extend their network. Martin suggests that adopting a job search culture--read ing articles, visiting career websites or finding a mentor--can help immensely. “Nobody is born to search for a job. You need to know yourself and to know what you are looking for,” she says. Damgé puts the spotlight on one of Jonk Entrepreneuren Luxem bourg’s success stories. Two young men who participated in the mini- and adapted to meet new challenges enterprise programme three years and new skills requirements. He ago were inspired to start another says that “the many efforts to co- project, Drockmeeschter (Printing ordinate programmes from different Master). They print logos and names ministries, especially labour and on t-shirts and bags for companies education, have been fruitful”. and sports teams. Having started “The government has opted for a the business in a garage, they will holistic approach, putting young celebrate moving to their first com people at the centre and adapting mercial premises very soon. infrastructures around their needs. She advises young people “to be Much emphasis has been put on open-minded and don’t underesti profiling the specific needs of each mate yourself. If an employer sees person. One size fits all cannot suc a young person who is motivated, ceed as recent programmes have flexible and open, then they will shown,” he says. take a risk on you.” Damgé agrees that there are more And the young man interviewed initiatives today than five to ten years is hopeful: “After one year I think ago, “however not every school class I’ve learned many things, and I am or student has the opportunity to better at everything I do.”

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PR STUNT OR PARADIGM SHIFT For some years now, the Luxem bourg government has been committed to the principles of the circular economy, seeing it as essential for long-term economic survival. How is the grand duchy doing? lthough still primarily a linear economy, advances have been made in Luxembourg to adapt to the circularity model, especially in tradi tional industry. Now the government wants to expand into other sectors of activity. A definition of circular economy is provided by Luxinnovation, a statebacked promotion group: “The restor ative use of materials and products in renewably powered cycles where everything is a resource for something else, generating positive economic, social and ecological impacts through improved quality and resource productivity.” However, there are some in Luxem bourg who believe the government’s good intentions have not progressed beyond the drawing board. According to Markus Hesse, professor of urban development at the University of Luxembourg, there is an appetite for circular economy “smartness”, “but at the moment it remains at the policy-making level”. His concern is that the government is using the notion of the circular economy, including clean technology and the idea of smart cities, solely as a PR stunt. “From what I have seen so far, Luxembourg’s handling of the smart cities concept has mostly been for economic marketing and PR purposes. We see new technology as the solution to all our problems, while the more basic challenges and con straints (such as housing) seem to be absent from the debate.” Romain Poulles, managing director of the sustainable construction April 2018

PIERRE KOPPES The Wiltz town councillor is confident circular economy concepts will deliver concrete benefits

management company ProGroup, reckons that progress has been made, but challenges remain. “It takes a complete paradigm shift to solve the problems of the earth (pollution, di minishing raw materials...). The circular economy is a credible (economic) model to help solve these problems. Its trans position requires the adaptation of legal and financial frameworks, insur ance, logistics and so on,” says Poulles, who is also president of the EcoInno vation business development cluster.

MOBILITY PROBLEM In his view Luxembourg is ahead of the game in this regard and it has a key role to play by adapting its

frameworks to become an international leader in circular economy activities, attracting new businesses from around the world. To take full advantage of this opportunity, however, there re main some challenges to be resolved. “We face a mobility problem that risks stifling economic activities.” Poulles tells Delano: “Part of this problem originates from the geo graphical separation of functions. We have created independent business parks, commercial areas, industrial zones and residential neighbourhoods. In a circular economy, it does not make sense to separate these functions since the idea is that each will have a positive impact on the other.”

Marion Dessard (archives) University of Luxembourg

MARKUS HESSE The University of Luxembourg professor says the “smart cities” concept has, so far, mostly been PR

that respects the environment and does not waste resources. “Living in a home or going to work in smart buildings that are healthy or going to state-of-the-art schools that are also healthy places for our children.”

The town of Wiltz was designated a circular economy “hotspot” in October 2015 and, although others may argue that the government is simply making a PR move, Pierre Koppes, a town councillor, is confident of concrete benefits. “When the government proposed that Wiltz become a circular economy “hotspot” we jumped at the chance. The idea is that we be a “laboratory” in Luxem bourg for circular economy projects, which can then be used as a model for other communes.” Koppes believes that Wiltz will profit from the many benefits of a circular economy, particularly the possibility of living in a community

INVESTMENT MAGNET Many projects have been launched since Wiltz’s designation as hotspot and Koppes is confident that they will “attract investment and new business into the area, creating em ployment opportunities and, thus, new residents. An improved roads infrastructure is also something that the commune sorely needs and will greatly benefit from.” One of the most ambitious projects of the Wiltz hotspot has been the “Wunne mat der Wooltz” project, a large-scale housing development built along circular economy principles on a brownfield site that was detailed in January 2017. Bob Strotz, partner at the architects Heisbourg Strotz Associates (HAS), one of the firms involved in the creation of the site’s urban development masterplan, says the project is making progress: “We have held numerous meetings of the inter-ministerial and urban

planning group, where four main themes have emerged, each of which contains layers of sub-themes linked to the circular economy. As a result, three pilot projects are ready to be launched on mobility, the sharing economy and materials passport.” He explains that the project envi sages the use of materials that are healthy for inhabitants, which have no impact on the environment, and which are removable and reusable. “Energy will be produced through inter-seasonal solar energy storage, high-performance photovoltaic sys tems, and a smart grid system, which allows the intelligent recovery and transposition of energy produced.” The final details of the urban development plan are set to be intro duced this May and an interactive exhibition, presenting the entire project, will also soon be open to the public at the Wiltz railway station. Strotz states: “Construction work is expected to start in 2021 with an average of 70 dwellings per year anticipated. Thanks to our plan, the first houses and public buildings will be ready for occupancy upon com pletion, rather than at the end of the entire project.” April 2018

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Text by AARON GRUNWALD

Photography by MAISON MODERNE

THE PROPERTY GAME

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HOME PRICES

€600,000 Median purchase price of a house in Luxembourg [3]

€425,628 Average cost of a flat in Luxembourg [2]

€649,425 Average purchase price of a house in Luxembourg [3]

€275,515 Average price of a house in the Trier area [4]

81,830 Number of apartments in the grand duchy [7]

€190,000 Average price of existing Metz area houses [6]

April 2018

€6,563 Sale price per square metre for existing apartments in Luxembourg City [3]

€77,500 Estimated price of a garage or inside parking space in Luxembourg City [3]

€7,811 Sale price per square metre for newly built apartments in Luxembourg City [3]

€176,296 Average price of a house in the Belgian province of Luxembourg [5]

Sources: [1] Statec, figures updated 26 March 2018 [2] AtHome.lu, Sept. 2016-Sept. 2017 [3] Statec and Observatoire de l’Habitat,

The cost of housing in the grand duchy has risen by nearly 50% over the past decade [1]; here’s a snapshot of the current marketplace.

3Q2016-3Q2017 [4] AtHome.de, January 2017 [5] Statbel, 3Q2017 [6] Notaires de France, 3Q2017

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Text by STEPHEN EVANS

Photography by JAN HANRION (MAISON MODERNE)

RENOVATING AN ICON When the Banque et Caisse d’Épargne de l’État purchased the ex-HQ of steel firm Arbed on avenue de la Liberté, it faced more than a simple renovation job. This iconic building has national monument status, and is a physical manifestation of the country’s economic independence. How did the bank meet these challenges?

ffectionately known as “d’Schlass” (the castle), many Luxembourgers have an emotional attachment to the building at 19 avenue de la Liberté in the capital. Where once this country was an economically-backward pawn in great power politics, its booming steel industry gave the country eco nomic independence to go with political freedom. By the early 20th century Arbed had emerged as Luxembourg’s largest steel company and was looking to make an impression. They decided they needed a grand headquarters.

NATIONAL AND EUROPEAN SIGNIFICANCE This decision coincided with the government’s desire to develop the land on the Bourbon plateau, the land between the Pétrusse valley and the central railway station. The Adolphe bridge had been built in 1903, but yet this neighbourhood had still not fully taken shape after fortress bastions had been removed in the 1870s. While the government considered building a grand national museum, Arbed came forward with their plans for 19 avenue Adolphe, as the stately main artery was then called. The current building was inaugurated in 1922, just as the company embarked on its interna tional expansion programme. Some historians see the first steps toward the creation of the EU having taken place in this building. In June April 2018

1925 the first Western European steel summit meeting was held as part of an attempt to better coordinate German and French steel production. The meeting broke up without agreement, but less than 30 years later the European Coal and Steel Community was created, with its HQ a couple of blocks away. Before then, though, the building was used by the occupying forces, before reverting to civilian use on the renamed “avenue de la Liberté” in 1944.

HISTORY FOR SALE The building became the HQ to the world’s largest steel company Arcelor Mittal in 2006 following two rounds of mergers. However, the new mana gement decided a modern construction was a more appropriate work space. They moved around the corner, and started to look for a buyer for “d’Schlass”. Rumours circulated that international investors were considering a bid to turn the building into a hotel or shopping centre. Responding to

popular disquiet, the government made the building a national monu ment in 2014, thus limiting the changes that could be made to the structure. Then the public bank BCEE stepped in, completing the purchase in early 2015. Press reports put the purchase price at €97m, and the bank also invested considerable sums in stateof-the-art renovation.

19 AVENUE DE LA LIBERTÉ A. The former Arbed castle, now owned by BCEE, Luxembourg’s state savings bank, seen during a tour given to Delano on 26 February

“ I’M SURE I SAW TEARS IN HIS EYES WHEN HE WALKED INTO THIS BUILDING.” RUDI BELLI

The bank decided this high prestige building would be ideal for its cor porate banking and high-net worth private banking activities. As well, its central location lent itself for use as the bank’s training centre and base for marketing and communication. It also has conference and cultural facilities. But first they had to under take the sensitive task of bringing the building up to meet today’s norms of safety, comfort and efficiency while respecting the historic design of this national monument. “The national Sites and Monuments Department were involved at every stage of this project,” explained BCEE’s Marc Bettendorff, assistant vice president in the buildings and logistics support unit. Everything from the shade of varnish used on 130 solid oak doors to 375 brass door handles made from original models, to the design of corridor lighting, to how fire extinguishers should be deployed needed to be in keeping with the building’s original architec tural style and décor. The building was structurally sound. Although it is clad in stone, the floors of the building have a concrete and steel structure. The most substantial work was the need to replace the aged slate roof. No less than 4,370m2 of slate roof had to be replaced, with the substructure also needing to be renewed and insulation fitted. This was a tricky task due to the undulating

B. The BCEE’s name for d’Schlass is 19 Liberté C. The original lifts needed bringing up to modern spec D. Modern lift surrounds and original ironwork E. One of the 12 training/meeting rooms with bespoke lighting F. Veranda overlooking the central courtyard and Pétrusse valley G. Conference room with its subtlety dramatic lighting H. Coffee corner with a subtle contemporary touch I. Original fittings were preserved where possible

MONUMENTAL EXPRESSION 19 avenue de la Liberté was created in the historicist architectural style. This look was favoured in the mid-19th century by the rising middle classes as the industrial revolution swept Europe. Hence it was a retro choice in 1922. Designed by French architect René Théry, number 19 was particularly inspired by the châteaux constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries. In the early 20th century, other countries were embracing new trends like art deco and modernism. But Arbed had no desire to be on the cutting edge. It is a building that seeks to reassure and suggest a timeless permanence. It is also maybe not a coincidence that this style was chosen at a time when the country was turning towards Belgium and France following the Great War. April 2018

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detail of the roof, including 150 dor mer windows. Moreover, there is extensive green oxidised copper cladding, much of which had to be replaced. It takes many years for shiny new copper sheets to develop the distinctive green patina, so the bank had to source pre-oxidised metal. An added complication was that the scaffolding had to be freestanding due to the building’s delicate façade of white Comblanchien limestone from Burgundy and yellow-tinged Savonnières stone from Lorraine. Internally the décor was feeling tired, but this was not just a simple painting and decorating job. Nearly a hundred years of dust and tobacco smoke had discoloured the interior stonework. Strong detergents would have damaged the surfaces, so a more innovative solution was required. A mildly adhesive gum was power-sprayed onto the wall. When dry, this was pulled away, removing encrusted dirt but leaving the stone intact. The building has parquet flooring. The original wood was renovated where possible, but otherwise replaced with matching coloured slats. Doors and surrounds are in varnished oak. In both cases, just the right tone of varnish had to be used to match the walls and the historic colour scheme. Original storage spaces and cupboards were also preserved where possible.

CREATING A MODERN OFFICE SPACE While taking care to preserve as much of the 2,700m2 of walls and around 1,500m2 of floors and ceilings as possible, there was also the matter of bringing the building’s specifica tions up to modern standards. No less than 108km of IT cable, 137km of electrical wiring, 850 ceiling lights, and 120 emergency ceiling lights had to be installed. This had to be done without cutting visible slits into the stonework. Moreover, the LED light fittings had to be specially designed by the architect in collabo ration with a lighting specialist to match the building’s historicist style, while projecting light in a subtle fashion. Wifi routers, intruder alarm sensors and fire extinguishers also April 2018

had to be accessible but hidden. Fire alarms and electronic access pass sensors are one of the few visible compromises to the necessities of contemporary office life. The old wooden lifts are a particu larly delightful feature. The mechanics needed replacing and protective surrounds installed, but the wooden doors and structure remain as they were first installed. However, these four person lifts are inadequate for modern needs, so a new lift was in stalled, again in keeping with the surroundings. Also not up to scratch were the bathroom facilities, originally designed for an era when steelmaking was a man’s business. Kitchen spaces also had to be renovated and blended into the surroundings. The turnaround was very quick, not least because there were expec tations from the government for a speedy renovation. Work began with the Luxembourg architect Jim Clemes early in 2015, with attention to the roofing and façade starting in May, with internal work beginning in June. A team of ten from the architect were active on the project, coordinating more than 70 companies involved. Completion was about 18 months later in July 2016, when it was offi cially inaugurated. Before coming

J. Oak doors varnished to the correct shade K. The old management committee meeting room L. View from the smoking room with a plaster cast of a façade decoration M. A tricky task to replace the roof

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into service, the building was opened for a public viewing in November 2016. Around 10,000 people visited, with queues forming around the block. This is testament to the place this building has in Luxembourgers’ hearts and minds.

N. The Arbed name lives on O. Pre-oxidised copper had to be sourced from across Europe P. Where the Nespresso machines are kept Q. Sensitivity needed when bringing the building up to meet modern standards R. Classical grandeur S. A peek inside one of the offices T. Corridor lights with integrated emergency lighting

AN EMOTIONAL CONNECTION “After the work was completed, I brought my father to visit because he had worked for Arbed all his life,” commented Rudi Belli, senior vice president and head of secretary general department at the BCEE. “I’m sure I saw tears in his eyes when he walked into this building, such was the importance that building played in his life.” Indeed, there is a symmetry that this landmark is now being used by a bank. Steel was the country’s eco nomic lifeblood for a hundred years, and now it is finance. Whether the buildings that today house fund ad ministration companies, private banks and consultancy firms will stir the emotions in a hundred years’ time remains to be seen.

April 2018

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Text by STEPHEN EVANS

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

REAL ESTATE SPECIAL REPORT CONDITIONS FOR GETTING A HOUSING LOAN Banks are now more willing to lend to prospective home owners than three years ago, but conditions are still substantially tighter than before the global financial crisis in 2007/8. What is the current state of play?

onditions required by Luxembourg mortgage lenders have eased in the last three years. This is directly linked to the radical actions of the European Central Bank in response to the 2014/2015 Greek debt crisis, moves which made it much easier for banks to lend. This change shows up clearly in figures (see chart and box, page opposite) from the Luxembourg Central Bank (BCL), which indicate how local banks have eased the con ditions (deposits and interest rates) they require from mortgage borrowers. The figures represented in the chart result from a survey of seven local banks conducted by the BCL. The results point to how conditions have changed in broad terms. Con ditions eased in 2017, and the BCL suggests this was driven by increased competition between banks, lower costs and increased willingness to assume risk. Meanwhile, demand for loans has increased strongly as the economy and consumer confidence has improved.

20% DEPOSIT IS STANDARD Official sources will not reveal com mercially sensitive details about these changes, so Delano spoke to Benjamin de Seille, CEO of the mortgage broker Keasy. “We see quite a degree of volatility in conditions, and it can vary from month to month,” he said. April 2018

BENJAMIN DE SEILLE The CEO of Keasy, a mortgage broker, says exact loan requirements can vary from month to month

“The director of credit at a given bank can decide that they need to reduce risk, and this translates into the requirement to pay higher deposits and interest rates.” However, in general, for the average person working in the private sector, lenders require around 20% of the purchase price as a deposit, but this can rise or fall by 5-10 percentage points depending on circumstances. Of course, the profile of the client is key. De Seille indicated that a public sector employee in a managerial position with a good credit rating may only be asked to stump up a 10% deposit. Conversely, someone working in the private sector with substantial debt or a poor credit history might be lucky

to be granted a loan at all, or at best, with the requirement for 30% down.

TOUGHER TERMS THAN IN 2007 As to how this has changed since the global financial crisis, de Seille sees a broad ten-point change. That is to say, if a 20% deposit is required now of the average borrower, pre-2008 10% was the norm. He noted that pre-crisis it was also not uncommon for the most valued clients to benefit from 110% mortgages, with banks lending to help pay notary fees and the purchase tax. But now 90% is the maximum. Then there is the question of interest rates and reimbursement periods, and here too it is dependent on the

CHANGES IN CONDITIONS FOR APPROVING MORTGAGES Synthetic indicator of the conditions lenders require of borrowers; higher percentage indicates increasingly stringent terms

30 20 10 0 -10 -20

-40

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

client, the amount of the deposit, and the size of loan they are seeking. Given current low interest rates, de Seille sees the majority of clients opting for fix rate mortgages. Despite the world economy growing robustly, inflationary pressures and thus interest rates remain low, but this could change so clients who plan to stay in Luxem bourg generally like the predictability of a fixed rate deal. People who are only likely to be in Luxembourg for a few years, however, might be better to take out a variable interest loan as these are less costly to leave.

MORTGAGE OPTIONS High street banks are the main option for mortgages. Alternatively, there are

German savings/loan schemes whereby interest earned on savings contributes to the mortgage payment. Which option is right for you depends on your individual situation. It’s also a question of tax deductions, as these are available for both straight mort gages and the savings/loan options. According to the BCL, a total of €5.6bn was lent to resident individuals and families to purchase homes in 2016, and the figure is on course to have been slightly higher in 2017. There had been high double digit growth in this figure from 2014-2016 after the amount lent fell back in the three years after the eurozone debt crisis first broke in 2011. 2017 lending is set to be 2/3 higher than in 2007. Throughout this period, about twothirds of lending has been for houses and a third for apartments.

NEW CONSUMER PROTECTION REGIME The rules governing how lenders operate is set to change, if a legal reform designed to curb the potential for risky lending is passed. The EU’s European Systemic Risk Board ex pressed their concerns in late 2016 that Luxembourg and ten other EU countries’ mortgage loan markets

Source: BCL

-30

were threatened by vulnerabilities. This opinion broadly contradicts the BCL’s view that housing market prices are driven by the law of supply and demand, as the growth in the number of people seeking a home is outstripping the rate of building. Moreover, Luxembourg’s banks are particularly well capitalised when compared with other European countries, and that there is no evidence of loose lending practice. Nevertheless, the government felt compelled to legislate and in December 2017 draft law 7218 has been presented to the Chamber of Deputies. This will toughen current rules regarding how banks ensure that clients do not take on too much debt relative to clients’ potential future earnings. It will also seek to ensure that clients are fully aware of the risks they are taking. Rules of this kind already exist, and clients are able to appeal to the financial regulator CSSF if they feel they were granted an excessively risky loan. Better than relying on rules, though, potential purchasers need to be clear sighted of why they want to buy. This is a long term project that should be driven mainly by the desire to have somewhere pleasant to live. Making investment returns is a bonus.

lobal financial G crisis Eurozone debt crisis Increased ECB monetary stimulus

A BUMPY RIDE It’s tougher to borrow to buy a home than it was ten years ago. Easy credit was the central cause of the global financial crisis, but by the time Lehman Brothers collapsed in September 2008 banks had become nervous about lending. Sentiment calmed somewhat for a couple of years before worries about state debt in Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Cyprus spooked the market once again. After a period of relative calm, troubles in Greece again spooked lenders, until aggressive monetary easing by the European Central Bank from early 2015 had the desired effect of encouraging banks to lend. April 2018

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BLOOMING CLOCHE D’OR

MICHEL KNEPPER The Grossfeld PAP executive calls Cloche d’Or a walkable neighbourhood

Just in time, the Cloche d’Or extension project on the Ban de Gasperich is relieving a good deal of pressure on the property market. By the end of next year this 80 hectare site will have injected thousands of square metres of space into the housing, commercial and retail sectors.

evelopers began the process of acquiring the farmland between Gasperich and Howald in the late 1990s, but only now are the buildings coming on stream. A five-year battle with residents over planning law in the 2010s didn’t help. But if you haven’t driven through this site recently, you will be amazed at the speed with which the project is progressing.

OFFICES FIRST, THEN SHOPS PwC were first with their tower in 2014, with their consultant colleagues Deloitte set to join them by the end of this year with a 17-floor building. Domiciliation firm Alter Domus will have their 11-storey offices in place by July this year. Other than these major landmarks, thousands of square metres of space will come on stream over the coming years to a total of 62,000 square metres in the northern part of this development. By way of comparison, this is about half of the total new office space created in Luxembourg last year.

“WE ARE IN THE FORTUNATE POSITION OF HAVING MOST OF THE SPACE PRE-LET BEFORE CONSTRUCTION.” Shopping is also to receive a major boost. Space for around 150 new outlets, a major food court, plus an Auchan hypermarket will come on stream in April 2019. This three-storey commercial centre will then have about three times as many shops as the current Auchan in Kirchberg, April 2018

and the hypermarket itself will be larger. Other retail, catering and services outlets will be dotted around the office and residential zones.

A LIVING ZONE People are now living in the new neighbourhood, with 186 flats delivered in January. A total of 900 apartments will be available by the end of 2019, with most of these already sold off plan. A major leisure park will have been completed by this time. Also just over the neighbouring motorway, the planned football and rugby stadium will also be finished in 2019. The French language Lycée Vauban opened in February, just after the inauguration of the district’s innovatively designed water tower. The renovated Howald train station is providing connections to the city and towards France. Although such is the demand that accessing trains going south in the evening can be a

problem. The site’s road infrastructure will be completed next year, with the tram due to come into operation in 2021. Several park-and-rides will be completed by 2020. A full multimodal transport hub is envisaged for the end of the 2020s. “We are in the fortunate position of having most of the space pre-let before construction,” commented Michael Knepper, director of oper ations with the developer Grossfeld PAP. So far he is pleased with progress, but will judge market conditions before releasing more space onto the market. On current trends he expects the northern site to be com pleted by 2021, with the southern site fully developed by 2025-27. He is keen on the zone’s walkable design: “If you are in the centre, you are no more than 400m from the different areas.” This place should have a markedly different feel than the Kirchberg.

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LID KEPT ON OFFICE RENTS, JUST Office rent in Luxembourg is comparable to that in other mid-sized financial centres. Demand has been high in recent years, but sufficient supply has come on stream to prevent costs rising further. What is the outlook?

SUSTAINED DEMAND Market conditions are fairly tight in the grand duchy. Around 200,000m2 of office space is currently vacant from a total stock just over four million. This means the “vacancy rate” was around 4.5% last year, a percentage which is likely to stay broadly stable this year. This figure fell below 2% in the pre-global financial crisis boom, before rising swiftly to more than 7% in 2010 as businesses retrenched. Demand is likely to remain sustained this year, but prices should not rise thanks to substantial amounts of new office space coming on stream, par ticularly the fast-expanding Cloche d’Or project (see previous article). “Take up has passed 200,000m2 in the past four years, and we are on course to do so again, not least as more than 170,000m2 have already been allocated to future tenants,” April 2018

JULIEN PILLOT The Luxembourg agency head of Inowai, a real estate agency, says firms needing larger office spaces are planning ahead

commented Julien Pillot, Luxembourg agency head with Inowai.

PATCHY SUPPLY Some big projects are set to be de livered this year. In Cloche d’Or there will be Deloitte’s 30,000m2 and 10,000m2 for Alter Domus, in B ertrange Telindus will move into a new 7,000m2 premises, with Grant Thornton taking 5,000m2 in Hamm, and the CSSF

expanding next door into a further 5,000m2. However, countrywide, one of every two transactions is for a place of around 300m2. “There is a lack of supply of large offices if you want to be in the CBD [central business district], the Gare or Kirchberg, so large businesses are planning ahead for the projects they need,” Pillot added. Given this, few promoters see the need to take the

* JLL Global Premium Office Rent Tracker, Q4 2017

n their most recent comparative report regarding the third quarter of last year*, the real estate agency JLL ranked Luxembourg prime office rents alongside places like Dublin, Frankfurt, Milan, Sydney and Toronto. Thus for Luxembourg this refers the centre of town, where rents regularly reach €45-€50 per square metre per month. Places like the City of London, Boston, Paris and Zurich are, on a sliding scale, from 40% to 20% more expensive. Locations where space is particularly scarce like Hong Kong and midtown New York are respec tively five and three times pricier than Luxembourg’s central business district.

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PRIME RENTAL VALUES Monthly rent per square metre entral business district C Gare district Kirchberg Cloche d’Or City belt Periphery Belval

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2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Source: JLL

risk of building speculatively without identifying clients beforehand. When the large players move there is a decent supply of secondhand pro perties, and these are the offices being selected by new arrivals with just a few dozen staff.

“PWC WILL LAUNCH A NEW BUILDING PROJECT THIS YEAR.” ROMAIN MULLER

An exception is Belval. There are quite a few large spaces available, but as yet major players are reluctant to commit. Although prime rent is about half that demanded around the centre, and transport links are good for French and Belgian cross-border workers in particular, not being central is an issue. Also, the feel of Belval is not to everyone’s taste. That said, the zone is popular with smaller operations such as architects, startups, IT firms and accountants, with some seeking to be near the University of Luxembourg. Thus there is a lack of smaller premises in Belval for these types of tenant. Projects are underway to serve this clientele, but delivery won’t be for another 12-24 months. April 2018

Much of the pent up demand is being absorbed by the Cloche d’Or extension project. Although PwC have been there since 2014, it is only now this new district is starting to take shape. Office, retail and residential space is being introduced into the market gradually, and the promoters say this could continue beyond 2025. Rents are lower than in the city centre, but with the tram due to arrive in 2021 and a relatively attractive en vironment in the offing, this zone is likely to continue to attract attention for some time to come. Cloche d’Or’s rate of growth is impressive, as is that of some of the residents which are already seeking to expand. “PwC will launch a new building project this year, and we have heard that Deloitte--which is due to move into their new premises in December--are already seeking to pre-let a new project,” commented Romain Muller, managing director Luxembourg of JLL. Brexit and regulation appear to be driving much of this fast pace of expansion. There are no clear figures on how many firms have pledged to open new offices in Luxembourg due to Brexit, but it is likely to be much

less than 50. But with most of these only seeking to employ a few dozen people in the first phase, it is hard to see how this is driving the overall trend. Yet to this one must add existing businesses which are beefing up their operations with a view to preparing for the UK’s departure in March 2019.

WHY THE HIGH DEMAND? There is also the factor that with the pro-financial sector, pro-business UK out of pan-EU regulatory bodies, the heat could be turned up. Some busi nesses are preparing by putting more resources into compliance to put them in the best place to avoid potential future criticism. Also, global regula tions are requiring international firms to boost the substance of their oper ations in Luxembourg. As well, the country’s efforts to diversify the economy is having an effect. The number of startup centres is growing by the year, and when these businesses mature they will move out and require their own offices. Also, a fast-growing population means that national and local public authorities are having to hire to keep service levels up to scratch.

RECORD OFFICE RENT Rental costs for offices have never been higher. At around €45-€50 per square metre per month in the centre of town, prime rents are about 10% higher than five years previously. These costs are about €10/m2/month more affordable than on the other side of the valley by the station and on the Kirchberg, but here again, increases have been sustained. Prime rent describes the maximum in a given district for a transaction of over 300m2 taken for at least six years. The average rent is generally about 5-10% lower than the prime rent figure in each area.

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REAL ESTATE

PERSPECTIVES We asked five industry experts:

“ Are we close to experiencing a property bubble in Luxembourg? Or is the market simply frothy, or is the market correctly priced?” CBRE LUXEMBOURG

RELY ON STABLE MARKET GROWTH Frank Rosenbaum Executive director

s real estate agents, it is mainly about being able to give our feelings as an agent on the ground, witnessing market reactions. With a market in steady growth rather than suddenly rising, it is difficult to predict whether Luxembourg is about to experience a housing bubble. In fact, whether it is the level of office rents, the level of yields, the vacancy rate or the annual take up, we can observe that these elements have main tained stable annual variations so far, rather than abrupt and rapid fluctuations. We can also note a tendency to a clear decline in speculative developments by developers, who choose to avoid risks and prefer to reach a pre-letting rate, or even to launch “built-to-suit” projects in collab oration with future tenants. Just as in commercial real estate, we cannot venture to talk about a bubble for residential real estate. Indeed, the significant rise in prices in the residential market is mainly due to growing demand, attracted by Luxem bourg’s sustained economic growth, that the current supply is struggling to meet. Are assets wrongly priced? Not necessarily. In the current market situation, an exces sively overpriced property rarely finds tenants/buyers. The current sustained demand faces an offer that has difficulties to follow, but the scarcity does not push the potential tenants and buyers to rent or buy properties at exorbitant prices.

April 2018

f we look at the property market for the last few years, Luxembourg has seen strong demand for homes due to the population increase and the exces sively low borrowing rates. Since 2010, fuelled by very strong immigration, Luxembourg’s population has grown by 2.35%, on average, on an annual basis. At this phenomenal growth rate, Luxembourg should count 110,000 more residents than today by 2025. It is estimated that such an in crease will create demand for 8,000 new homes to be built each year, whereas the reality is that right now only half of these are constructed. Politicians are very well aware about this crucial issue, but turning around this situation will require massive effort and time. With the supply not fully addressing the rapid growth of demand, prices in the capital have increased by about 4.7% annually for the past seven years and there is no sign of that trend changing. Of course, the supply shortage argument could become obsolete in case of a deterioration of Luxembourg’s economy. The fact is that the country has gone through, like all other European states, many crises in the past 50 years. However this tiny country has been agile enough to manage those crises very effectively, to sustain a strong growth rate by reinventing its economy and finding new revenue sources. Therefore, many observers agree that Luxembourg’s economic future is bright and will continue enjoying a financial and political stability. For all these reasons, the Luxembourg market is far from being in a speculative bubble and the risk of a price fall in both the house and apartment market is limited for the foreseeable future. PROPERTY HUNTER

AGILE ECONOMY Marilyn Deby Managing partner

JLL

EXCEPTIONS, NOT RULE

Romain Muller Managing director Luxembourg

n comparison with other European countries, the price per square metre of residential real estate in Luxembourg has followed market trends over the last 20 years, with the value doubling every decade. People often compare the ex ceptional costs of exceptional projects and when viewed like this then yes, it can appear expensive in Luxembourg. However, such cases are not the rule. The government also obliges pro moters to develop apartments and houses with AAA energy certification, which has a cost impact for both the developer and the buyer. However, if we consider total annual costs like heating, electricity, the mortgage, etc., in the end it balances out because a non-AAA house costs much more in terms of consumption. A real estate bubble? Absolutely not. Globally the market is very healthy. There are many ongoing development projects where prices are in line with the location and quality, which is very high in Luxembourg compared to other European countries. Occasionally, we get the impression that the purchase of older properties can be expensive. This type of product, which often does not correspond to current market standards in terms of design and energy consumption, could eventually have a negative impact where we have a balanced situation between supply and demand. However, this is not the case and is not likely to happen tomorrow. At the moment we are producing around 2,500 properties every year against an average demand of 7,000. I remain convinced, therefore, that residential property remains a very good investment.

igh real estate prices, especially in the areas in and around the city, are mainly driven by the scarcity of building land, an offer unable to match demand and growing devel opment costs caused by lengthy au thorisation processes. Prime pricing goes along with prime location. The country boasts a prosperous, stable and slowly but surely diversifying economy. It is recognised as a good place to live that also needs to rely on imported competences, resulting in a strong net immigration. That trend isn’t likely to invert short- to mid-term, and prices are prone to follow the pace, even if perceived as beyond the intrinsic asset values by many. Low interest rates have led investors, who form a big part of the buyers’ community, to accept gross yields of around 3.5%--down from a generally experienced 5% only a few years ago. They attract speculators, further inflating demand. Reasons to be alarmist are currently few. Whilst low interest rates keep fuelling the market, average household debt, although on the rise, isn’t an imminent threat as average household net assets have evolved in similar pro portion over the same reference period. National credit institutions stand among the strongest in Europe. But the market is fragile and a sudden rise of interest rates combined with a tightening of lending and credit underwriting standards could alter the rules of the game. There will be a limit to bearable pricing for both homebuyers and investors. Foreign examples teach us that the existence of a property bubble is generally only admitted once it bursts. BRICKS SOLUTIONS IMMOBILIÈRES

IT’S NOT A BUBBLE UNTIL IT BURSTS Paul Fabeck Owner and founder

FARE REAL ESTATE

DON’T FORGET THE BIG PICTURE VIEW Thomas Fairfax-Jones CEO

or the last 10 years, Europe has experienced a period of sustained low interest rates fuelling real estate prices whilst making it difficult for savers to get a good return on their savings, meanwhile, politically we were all left with many “What ifs”. What if Greece defaults on its debt and is forced to leave the EU? What if populist right wing parties win national elections? As we begin to see the spring colours emerge in the Luxembourg landscape, the development of the Luxembourg economy continues to outpace our regional neighbours. We benefit from strong inbound immigration of pro fessionals into the financial sector, in cluding “Brexit-fleeing Brits”, and this combines with the high salary levels within the public sector, thus maintaining high levels of demand for real estate within both Luxembourg-ville and the surrounding commuting areas. I have heard people complain about prices in Luxembourg, however, in comparison to other major cities such as Paris or London, Luxembourg still provides value. In fact, in comparison to cities such as Zurich or Geneva, Luxembourg is approximately 30% cheaper per square meter for a real estate investor. There are risks to our economic growth and therefore real estate prices. What if the Italian economy relapses under its new populist government? What if there’s a hard Brexit? In our view the upside factors and low interest rates will prevail meaning Luxembourg will remain a stable, prosperous, beautiful nation with in creasing real estate values. Although we do dream of when there will be more space to park in the centre!

he growth of Luxembourg’s property prices today is influ enced by a number of key factors, both on international and on grand duchy levels. I am convinced that a bubble is not a characteristic that would fit the market trends being set by these factors. As one of the most resonant events of the decade, Brexit is contributing directly to the increased demand that we are experiencing today. The prospect of finding themselves outside of the EU drives an increasing number of companies and individuals to look to continental Europe for relocation options. Luxembourg’s reputation ensures that the duchy is on the shortlist of these options. On the national level, the sus tainable and continuous policies of the government inspire confidence in the actors of the market, and in Immo Luxembourg in particular. We see no notable imbalances in the market that might indicate significant upcoming turmoil. Our trust in the market is best reflected by our selection of projects, that continue to grow in size and complexity. While I am convinced that there is not a property bubble in Lux embourg for the moment, a wor risome trend is beginning to develop that will require effective management to resolve. The growth in salaries received by the younger generation is not in sync with the much quicker growth of property prices. While this alone cannot constitute a bubble, it may certainly influence demand in the long term.

IMMO LUXEMBOURG

CHALLENGES AHEAD, BUT NO BUBBLE Murat Mutlu General manager April 2018

BUSINESS

FINANCE

Interview by MARGARET FERNS

SEEKING UNITY IN DIVERSITY C

hristian Strasser, managing di rector of Lalux, was appointed chairman of Aca, Luxembourg’s insurance trade group, in March. He succeeds Marie-Hélène Massard, CEO of Axa, and begins his two-year tenure at a challenging time for the Luxembourg insurance industry. In an interview with Delano, Strasser talks about the key issues the industry is facing and explains his ambitions for his chairmanship. Margaret Ferns: In your view, what are the key challenges for the Luxembourg insurance sector? Christian Strasser: My mandate begins with a major challenge for our sector, which impacts all European

local markets: the implementation of the Insurance Distribution Directive, which is the insurance sector equiva lent of Mifid II. We also have to deal with the usual ongoing subjects, such as the regulatory changes of the markets where Aca members operate, the digital transition and the growth of sustainable finance. How will Aca assist its members in facing these challenges? As a professional association, our main task, and added value, is to bring experts together around the table to discuss common issues. The goal is to try to find common views and solutions, as well as to build a strong basis to initiate constructive conversation with the local authorities in order to promote the insurance sector’s points of view as efficiently as possible.

What are your ambitions for Aca during your term in office? One of the key challenges for our association has been to build a con structive consensus amongst our very diverse membership. Aca represents a large and very competitive industry made up of various players and, therefore, various interests. We represent life insurance, non-life, reinsurance, local and international players. Some of our members operate only locally, others in more than 30 countries. Some have a workforce of ten people, while others have several hundreds of employees. Thus, Aca has to produce unity within diversity. Human rela tionships in this process are, of course, key. This is why Aca has been working on building fair governance to make sure that every voice can be expressed and is properly taken into account.

WHAT IS THE IDD? The Insurance Distribution Directive entered into force in February and, according to the consulting firm Deloitte, “is designed to ensure a level playing field across all participants selling insurance products. As such, its scope is broader than just the traditional insurance industry and it applies to all distributors of insurance products”, including financial advisors and airlines and car hire firms.

CHRISTIAN STRASSER The insurance sector leader says the industry is digesting new EU rules that took effect earlier this year April 2018

Christophe Olinger (archives)

Meet the new head of Luxem bourg’s insurance companies association.

N EW

06:45 Breakfast briefing

BUSINESS

AGENDA

TEN EVENTS

TRUMP TALK

QUICK TIPS

David Schrieberg of VitalBriefing discusses the state of US politics, and how it’s touching on Europe, during the “America in the age of Trump: is Rome burning?” event.

The Network The professional women’s group hosts its 3rd annual “Speed Mentoring Workshop”. Participants can get three 20-minute advice sessions from experienced pros. Space is limited.

Delano presents a selection of upcoming business, in formational and networking events for Luxembourg’s international community. Starting times omitted from all day happenings. Advance registration or fees may be required, so consult the link indicated for details. All events are held in English unless otherwise noted. RISK MANAGEMENT

FINANCE & BREXIT

icon_when Thu 3 May, 18:30 icon_where To be announced icon_website club.paperjam.lu

Tigfi Douglass Welch, a former equity derivatives trader and now independent director, speaks on “Broader risk management issues in the fund industry” at this financial ethics luncheon. icon_when Wed 25 April, 12:00 icon_where Cercle Munster, Grund icon_website www.tigfi.org

PRIVATE EQUITY

British Chamber of Commerce The impact on the financial sector of the UK leaving the EU is examined during “Hard or soft, what’s on the Brexit menu?” forum chaired by Luc Frieden, Luxembourg’s former finance minister. icon_when Wed 25 April, 18:00 icon_where Bil, route d’Esch, Hollerich icon_website www.bcc.lu

WOMEN DIRECTORS

TECH SUMMIT GREEN INVESTMENT

Tomorrow Street “Arch Summit 2018” brings together the corporate and startup worlds. Programme features a €250,000 startup pitch contest and a female empowerment track. Speakers include Xavier Bettel, the PM. icon_when Thu 3-Fri 4 May icon_where Luxexpo, Kirchberg icon_website www.archsummit.lu

LPEA The Luxembourg Private Equity and Venture Capital Association’s “LPEA Insights 2018” conference offers insight on the local PE sector. Speakers include Katrin Wehr-Seiter of BIP Investment Partners. icon_when Wed 25 April, 13:00-19:00 icon_where Philharmonie, Kirchberg icon_website www.lpea.lu

FIND MORE EVENTS Check Delano’s digital agenda for the latest happenings: www.delano.lu/agenda

April 2018

Female Board Pool This conference is part of an initiative to get more women on boards of directors. Speakers include Lydia Mutsch, the equal opportunities minister. In English & French. Free but register by 27 April. icon_when Wed 2 May, 11:30-14:00 icon_where Chamber of Commerce, Kirchberg icon_website www.cc.lu

icon_when Wed 16 May, 19:00 icon_where Le Royal Hotel, Luxembourg City-Centre icon_website www.thenetwork.lu

Luxembourg for Finance “Sustainable Finance Forum Luxembourg” brings together public and private sector leaders in Europe’s sustainable investment community. Speakers include Pierre Gramegna, the finance minister.

icon_when Wed 30 May icon_where Cercle Cité, Luxembourg City-Centre icon_website www.sustainable-finance-forum.com

LEARN TO HAGGLE GET INTO GEAR

Amcham Marc Jacobs, a packaging executive and lecturer at Sacred Heart University, talks about his recent book, Negotiate Like a Local, which aims to help businesspeople bridge cultural differences. icon_when Mon 7 May, 12:00 icon_where Cercle Munster, Grund icon_website www.amcham.lu

Luxinnovation “Digitalisation of Mobility” is the theme at this year’s Automotive Day for industry professionals. On the bill: technical conferences, test drives and B2B matchmaking sessions. icon_when Thu 7 June icon_where Alvisse Parc Hotel, Dommeldange icon_website www.luxinnovation.lu

Flickr user rbanks (Creative Commons) SES Maison Moderne (archives) Flickr user zombieite (Creative Commons)

11:45 Noon briefing

Delano Daily. Your twice-daily dose of Luxembourg business news in English. Subscribe on delano.lu

BUSINESS

Text by JESS BAULDRY

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

TEAM PLAYER TO THE CORE Belgian insurance clerk Marie-Pascale Verlinde thought she was too old to play rugby when she first discovered the sport in 2013. A team player at work and in the sport, now she never wants to quit.

CLOCKING OFF!

elgian insurance clerk Marie-Pascale Verlinde owes a lot to her job. It was, after all, a colleague who got her into playing touch rug by, a mixed, non-tackling version of rugby league, back in 2011. She became curious about rugby union after players from the country’s only women’s club Walferdange joined in a training session. “I thought I was too old to play rugby. I was turning 41,” Verlinde explains, add ing: “It didn’t frighten me. Although the first trainings hurt a bit.” A year later she joined the club, playing full back and wing, a challenging time she recalls as they were playing in the Belgian first division and lost some players to injury. Verlinde said she fell in love with the game when the team dropped a league. “We had a great time. We played well, and we had fun.” Today, not only does she still play, Verlinde is also the manager, organising logistics and administration for a team which she says has come to feel like family. “I think it’s the team spirit, the camaraderie,” she says. She is now working on applying for Luxembourg nationality so that she can play rugby sevens at international level and, who knows, perhaps one day represent Luxembourg at the Olympics. “I tell the girls as long as my body can play, I will continue.” icon_facebook Rugby Ladies Walferdange - Luxembourg

April 2018

20 YEARS IN LUXEMBOURG Marie-Pascale Verlinde started her career in Luxembourg in 1997, working for a bank. She switched to insurance in 1999 and began working for Swiss insurance firm Onelife in 2004. Today she is back office-based, dealing with new business and top up clients, working in French and Flemish. “I had several opportunities to change jobs inside the same company, which gave me the background I have now. It’s quite a challenge and it’s rewarding,” she explains. A big advantage at the firm is its flexible working hours, enabling Verlinde to leave work around 4 p.m. to prepare for an evening of rugby training. “I do it mostly because I love it and it’s a good way to get all the frustration and stress out. Also, after a hard day at work, it’s nice to be outside doing something,” she says.

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LIFESTYLE 70

UPFRONT

The diar y

ARTY WINE This year’s limited edition Art&Vin bottles from Vinsmoselle feature the work of three photographers on their labels. The works of Gennaro Taddei, Christophe Mendes und Ramunas Astrauskas were selected following a contest open to photographers of Luxembourg architecture. The collection of six bottles includes award-winning Auxerrois, pinot blanc, riesling and pinot gris vintages from 2016. They are available from Vinsmoselle boutiques or can be ordered online. icon_website www.vinsmoselle.lu

April 2018

ALCOHOL-FREE BEER Diekirch has launched its first alcohol-free beer. Diekirch 0,0% beer is made using a process that leaves its taste intact, according to the brewery. icon_website www.brasseriedeluxembourg.lu

CAR BOOT SALE AT NEW VENUE This year’s British Ladies Club car boot sale will be held at the Adenauer parking in Kirchberg rather than the traditional Glacis venue. The 25th car boot sale takes place on 2 June from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A shuttle service will operate from the Glacis with a red double decker bus. The sale is open to private vendors, who can book a spot for €30--the money raised from these fees goes to local charities. Registration is open from 23 April via email: icon_mail carboot@blc.lu icon_website www.blc.lu

GET A NEW LOOK Vide-Dressing at the Rotondes is a chance to pick up some bargain second-hand clothes and try out a new look or freshen up a tired wardrobe. The organisers say that visitors usually find something to suit all tastes and ages. icon_website www.rotondes.lu

AUDITIONS FOR CHEKHOV The New World Theatre Club will be performing Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull in February and March 2019 and is holding auditions for 8 male and 4 female roles in May and June this year. The characters, all great roles, range in age from 18 to 80. Further information will be published on the NWTC website or can be obtained from director John Brigg via email: icon_mail jbrigg@pt.u icon_website www.nwtc.lu

SEE BANKSY PHOTOS Large scale art photographs by Barry Cawston of Banksy’s infamous 2015 Dismaland exhibition, and his “Walled Off Hotel”, are on show at the Völklinger Hütte across the border in the Saarland until 4 November. icon_website www.voelklinger-huette.org

RUN TO THE BEAT

The annual ING Night Marathon is more than just a sporting spectacle and personal challenge, it is a full-on weekend of entertainment thanks to visiting samba troupes. Luxembourg’s city centre is transformed into a mini Brazil over the weekend of the ING Night Marathon. Samba bands provide entertainment on six stages dotted around the city on the eve of the race. Performances begin at 6 p.m. on some stages and run though until 9:30 p.m. An indoor samba party takes place from 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. During the marathon itself, some 30 bands will be performing at strategic spots along the course. SambaCabana from Cologne bring their temperamental samba dancers to the Schuman roundabout. The 20-strong Ovos di Campo samba band from Bremen will be performing at the event for the 12th time. They will be stationed on the rue de la Boucherie during the marathon. The Badauê band (photo) will bring some of its 100 musicians from Paris to thrill the crowds and inspire the runners. According to the organiser, Badauê drums out fascinating beats that are impossible not to dance to. In addition to providing entertainment, musicians from Badauê will also host a samba music workshop at the city youth hostel from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the day of the marathon--there is also a dance workshop at the same time. Registration for the workshops can be made via Susanne Ferse at sf@teamtime-ferse.de or tel. +49 170 2060119. icon_when 11 & 12 May icon_where Luxembourg City icon_website www.ing-night-marathon.lu

Bofferding Vinsmoselle Barry Cawston Steve Eastwood (archives) Badauê Batucada

SLEEK BEER Luxembourg’s biggest brewery has launched a new “Slim Can” for its traditional Pils. Boffer ding’s new look 33cl container is easier to hold and to store in the fridge, says the brewery. icon_website www.bofferding.lu

STREET FOOD FEST The spring edition of the Eat It street food festival takes place at Rotondes over the weekend of 28 and 29 April. Food trucks from Luxembourg and the greater region will be parked on the Rotondes forecourt, providing a wide variety of cuisine. icon_website www.rotondes.lu

CRACKING KIDS’ CÉILÍ

The Luxembourg branch of Irish cultural circle Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann organised its traditional céilí for children on the afternoon of St. Patrick’s Day ahead of its adults’ dance in the evening.

QUICK TAKE

SYLVIA CAMARDA

series Move!, adcast of the new Ar te Delano es Ahead of the English bro tak rda ma her Sylvia Ca dancer and choreograp r lively journey to study movement. he of es en -sc he behind-t

icon_website www.delano.lu/lifestyle

Lala La Photo Maison Moderne Arte

ON THE FLOOR A. Children of all ages enjoyed the kids’ céilí B. The dance event for children was organised by the Luxembourg branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann C. The youngest children wait patiently for their turn on the dance floor D. The céilí was held in the Cessange Cultural Centre

l ar tis da and aeria Sylvia Camar in in Move! rt Jonathan Fo

“My character, I am and I remain the Sylvia Camarda that everyone knows.” The Luxembourg dancer, choreographer, television presenter and, lately, politician, caught the eye of dance connoisseur and Arte Germany director Wolfgang Bergmann, who proposed she create a series on contemporary dance. Several brainstorming sessions later and Move! was born. Right from the start, the production company and Camarda engaged on a wide range of subjects. Since its release in 2017, the series has been broadcast in different countries, but will only be available in English from 21 April on Arte’s website. Each episode picks out a fundamental theme such as blood, birth, disguise, migration, Europe, love, fear, sexuality and death. A unique concept that aims to “bring dance closer to the audience, especially those who believe that dance remains an incomprehensible language. It shows that dance is inspired by everyday life, and that dance is a world that remains open to all, because it is a universal language,” claims Camarda. In the first episode, viewers find out how Camarda believes that lives are linked to the flow of water, electricity and blood in human bodies as she explores our relationship with fluids through dance and in interviews with two Belgian choreographers, Franco Dragone and Jan Fabre. Now a member of the Luxembourg City council, Camarda translates the most universal language inherent to human beings: the language of our bodies. Together with Move! director Lena Kupatz, she explores the topicality and significance of the language of dance and movement by finding art in our daily existence. Camarda says she strives to represent each theme through energetic and ambitious movements, and by meeting choreographers and dancers, and researchers and academics. “The biggest challenge was getting myself into the role of moderator, especially getting back to the German language and learning the script by heart. The rest I did as usual; I took the plunge.” With Move!, Camarda says she wants to encourage her audience to “stay passionate, curious and always ready to dare to do new things.” The series arrives on in what is already a packed year for Camarda. She has a number of collaborations in dance and theatre lined up, and she reveals that a second season of Move! will also hit viewers’ screens. icon_website www.arte.tv/en

Interview by MAGALY PISCAREL April 2018

LIFESTYLE

SNAPSHOTS

Photography by LALA LA PHOTO

n u f e h t g n i t t Pu into feminism

t was a lighter postscript to the “Women at work for equality” event put on by the International Women’s Day Platform (Plateforme JIF). “The different member associations of the Plateforme JIF get together and carry out two separate events each year to celebrate IWD,” said Anik Raskin of Luxembourg National Women’s Council (CNFL). “On 8 March, we have a purely political event and on the following Sunday, there’s the more recreational feminist and cultural festival where we have a mix of cultural programmes, games and workshops.” A board game based on gender stereotypes was one of the fun attractions at the festival. “The questions are the most interesting bit… I like how the real responses catch you by surprise at the end,” 8-year-old boardgame participant Emile told Delano.

icon_website www.fraendag.lu

GENDER EQUALITY A. Isabel Wiseler-Lima, CSV member of the Luxembourg City council, and Claude Wiseler, head of the CSV national party ticket, attend the International Women’s Day festival organised by Plateforme JIF, held at Abbaye de Neumünster on 11 March B. Anik Raskin and Jacqueline Kandel, two of the festival organisers C. Participants play the gender stereotypes game D. Anne Estgen and Jennifer Sutor E. Quentin Marcelis and Stephanie Barros F. Anna, Monique, Laura and Thomas G. Sandra, Line, Gary and Natalia H. Astrid, Danièle and Liette I. Participants in the “Girls go skate” skateboarding workshop

April 2018

SNAPSHOTS

www.niessen.lu

The BesT MeAT OUR COUNTRY hAs TO OFFeR

traditionally processed by the butcher and matured on the carcass Troisvierges +352 99 81 03

Luxembourg beLair u* +352 44 65 45 *

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berTrange

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LIFESTYLE

EXPATS

Text by JESS BAULDRY

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

A European art couple at he and Marie -Louise Read UK-German couple Geoff ong international communities, say they feel at home am ve to Luxembourg. hence the decision to mo

GEOFF AND MARIE-LOUISE READ Father-of-two Geoff Read moved from the UK to Steinsel, in Luxembourg, in early March to work as chaplain at the Englishspeaking Anglican Church of Luxembourg. The move brought him and his wife, MarieLouise, a translator and language teacher, full circle as it was in the Konvikt Chapel in Luxembourg City that the pair married in 1985. “We weren’t part of the congregation so we don’t know Luxembourg very well,” Geoff said, explaining it was the closest Anglican church to his wife’s then home in Bitburg. Originally from West Sussex, Geoff studied law at the University of Bristol, where he met Marie-Louise and “faith came alive” for both of them. He found his vocation when a friend suggested ordination. Since then, Geoff has worked in a range of places, from a UK council estate to, more recently, two churches in Germany and Switzerland, 75 kilometres apart. He chose Luxembourg to build on his experience of working in the diocese of Europe. “At the core, we’re a European couple and that has meant that when we’ve been in places where there was a community that was international, it seemed to fit well,” Marie-Louise said. Brexit was also a catalyst, Geoff said. April 2018

IN MY SUITCASE

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WHAT I REGRET LEAVING BEHIND My hobby of dinghy sailing has been rather an on-off affair during the last few years dependent on the availability of suitable water--a lake or reservoir is ideal. Unsure of the opportunities for dinghy sailing in Luxembourg and aware you need the right local boat, I sadly sold my Graduate dinghy just before moving from the UK.

April 2018

LIFESTYLE

GETTING INVOLVED

Text by ALIX RASSEL

Photography by LALA LA PHOTO

Get aboarbdus the book oss a 2017 article xembourg stumbled acrugees in Greece, Lu in n ca eri Am an en Wh t a mobile librar y for refd three more volunteers on . in the British press abou th it would take her an pa little did she know the

arijanne Andreoupoulus, who originally hails from the US, has been living in Luxembourg for 30 years, but rather than put her feet up during her retirement, she has been a tireless volunteer for the Red Cross, teaching refugees French, and aiding numerous refugee support groups in Luxembourg. A newspaper article planted a seed inside her head, which over time began to germinate and sprout into a tangible concept. Each month Marijanne and her friend and fellow volunteer Marianne de Mazières would visit several refugee centres in Luxembourg and ‘lend’ books to those residing there, a bit like a miniature travelling library. Residents would have their books stamped and could request a book in a language or subject that interested them. The books were paid for through Marianne’s connections with the Sovereign Order of Malta, a lay religious order of the Catholic church represented in 120 countries. It wasn’t long before Marijanne and Marianne met with the founders and organisers of Bibliotherapy, a non-profit supported by Mateneen and financed by the Œuvre Nationale de Secours GrandeDuchesse Charlotte, a Luxembourg charitable foundation. Patricia Schurmann and Raquel Luna, originally from Mexico, had started the travelling multilingual library around 18 months earlier. Bibliotherapy organises a host of other activities including artistic workshops, debates and practical information sessions about life in Luxembourg. The similarities between the two groups were self-evident and they agreed to work together to reach as many shelters as possible and spread knowledge and understanding through the pleasure of reading. “We really make great connections with the people we meet,” explains Marijanne. “One of the refugees wants to April 2018

train to be a paramedic, so is always asking for books on anatomy and health.” Many of the books have been paid for by the Mateneen project or the Order of Malta, but there have also been donations from the Anglican Church of Luxembourg, Editions Saint-Paul, Asti and the ministry of culture. So, has the article Marijanne read back in 2017 come to fruition? “Almost, but not quite,” she explains. “At the moment we are storing the 500 books we have in our own garages or cellars as we have nowhere permanent to house them. We also have to take the books in our cars, so we are limited to what we can carry; we still need that elusive mobile library bus which holds over 1,000 books! That would give the books a permanent home and allow us to easily travel around with them.” In addition to a more permanent mobile home, the group is always looking for volunteers willing to give an hour or two of their time to help out. Volunteers do not have to be literary experts or even multilingual, just enthusiastic, committed and helpful. “In our culture we take reading bedtime stories to our children at night for granted,” says Patricia. “For many of these families, it is the only time during the day that they gather together and speak in their mother tongue. Books can take you on magical journeys of discovery and that’s something everyone is entitled to.”

BOOKS ARE MAGICAL Raquel Luna, Marijanne Andreoupoulus, Patricia Schurmann and Marianne de Mazières

MORE INFORMATION Monthly visits are currently made to the refugee shelters at Don Bosco/Lily Unden, Eich, Differdange, Oberkorn and the cultural centre on rue de Strasbourg in the Gare district. The group currently has approximately 500 books in more than five languages. However, books are always welcome, particularly those in Albanian, Tigrinyan (one of the languages from Eritrea), Arabic, Farsi and anything multilingual.

icon_mail contact@bibliotherapy.lu icon_phone 621 42 63 10 icon_website www.bibliotherapy.lu icon_facebook bibliotherapy.lu

BEWOSST LIEWEN ! Bio! Can you trust what’s on the label?

Our commitment is one of real conviction and true passion… and unlike many global players today there’s no opportunism involved. Whatever you need, we’re committed to providing you with the best organic product. We have one of the largest organic ranges in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. In all our outlets, we are continually adding to our organic offer and we will carry on doing so!

All sections in our stores offer a wide range of fresh organic produce: meat, deli meats, poultry, frozen items, fish, wine, and also bread, pastries, fruit and vegetables, cheese, yoghurts and desserts.

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LIFESTYLE

FASHION

Text by MAGALY PISCAREL

Photography by MARION DESSARD

Diverse es approach to fashion

m, the brand, or, s, the people wearing theswer is inconceivable, the clo the it Is n? hio fas an a specific What makes uals “an attitude”? Providing as Karl Lagerfeld says, hion is a conglomeration. Three unique individn. hio fas s fas ke to ma es d approach because what k share their insights an with a distinguished loo

n a country like Luxembourg, where chic, dark, branded and sophisticated are the most common accoutrements, standing out has become difficult, especially with the “fast fashion” industry at play. Shops like H&M, Zara and Pimkie offer affordable and frequently renewed trends, accessible to anyone. But some individuals, like the ones Delano met, manage to develop their own style--from vintage, to smart and elegant, to casual chic. Who could be more suitable to explain what fashion is than travel and fashion blogger and freelance photographer Anna Katina, who has amassed almost 9,500 Instagram followers in four years? Often associated with a casual chic look, feminine with a touch of masculinity, Anna knows how to combine trends and personal style. For her, fashion is about a mix of trends and personal style. “Creators present their brand and every fast fashion shop creates clothing inspired by these brands,” she explains. But when she is not shooting with sponsored clothes, Anna prefers discovering local shops from all around the world; unique pieces that she cannot find in Luxembourg. Another important factor that makes fashion, according to Anna, is quality. Because nowadays, people are more demanding. “The textile is very April 2018

important. It’s not the brand that motivates me in my choice.” Reproachful of a “not daring enough trend” in Luxembourg, Anna is not afraid to reveal her personality by playing with patterns, sizes and colours to bring out her young and contemporary side.

BEING DISTINGUISHABLE “I like wearing something that reflects my daily mood. It can be very chic to very trash,” says co-founder of the communication and advertising agency Plan K, Kristof Della Siega. He has what could be called a vintage style; retro and antique. Between kitsch blazer, vest, jeans, Cognac shoes with menswear-inspired brogue and extravagant beard and moustache, Kristof does not go unnoticed in Luxembourg. Not into fashion and brands but certainly trendy, he knows how to cultivate his own personal style. “I feel comfortable. I like playing with different pieces that are not necessarily trendy.” Yet, he is not only unique in his style, but also in his confidence and approach to fashion, coupled with a great sense of humour. “I got this problem that people easily recognise me, but I can’t remember them,” he says. Kristof’s approach to fashion is simple, buying on a whim and “being distinguishable”. For Diane Tea, marketing and mergers director and technology investor, fashion is more than

clothing items, it is “a revenge on life”. As a young political refugee, she followed her family to the other end of the world where “clothing wasn’t even part of the basic needs”. Since then, she has expressed her identity, mindset, mood and creativity through colours and designs. “I inspire. I know I inspire women to take care of their look, to take care of themselves and be more confident,” she explains. The dress fanatic reflects a smart and elegant style but “behind the scenes”, as she says, her fashion choices are simpler and more practical with few accessories and pieces. Unable to find clothes matching her body type, she became adept at online shopping on sites such as Zalando where she can find “nice clothes, nice design, great quality and very affordable” fashion. Above all, Diane is an advocate of ecology, sustainability and children’s education in developing countries, and that is reflected in her clothing choice. “I would feel really bad spending fortunes on clothing just for myself.” Willing to invest in her beliefs, Diane aims for a more sustainable world where organic cotton predominates. Three people, three styles and still the same question raised: what makes fashion? Fashion is everything, fashion is an industry, “a combination of a lot of things” as Diane says. But above all, fashion seems to be a projection of who we are.

ANNA KATINA

“THE TEXTILE IS VERY IMPORTANT.” April 2018

LIFESTYLE

FASHION

KRISTOF DELLA SIEGA

CONTINUED

“I LIKE WEARING SOMETHING THAT REFLECTS MY DAILY MOOD.” April 2018

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LIFESTYLE

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m r e t d i m u.s.

s n o i t elec r eg istr at i o r eq n uir ed pa p at erj am. clu b

e t a b de

8 AY 2 0 1 AY 1 7 M D S R U TH

A series of electoral contests will play out in different states on Tuesday 6 November 2018.

What would the consequences of these elections be for Europe and Luxembourg? Behind the candidates and the parties, what are the positions and policies? This debate will oppose representatives of Democrats Abroad Luxembourg and Republicans Overseas Luxembourg. This event will be a chance for US expats as well as global citizens who are eager to make sense of the direction America is taking to hear first-hand both sides of the issues that will determine the outcome of these upcoming midterms.

VENUE Arendt House 41 avenue JF Kennedy L-2082 Luxembourg

AGENDA 18:30 Welcome cocktail 19:00 Welcome speech 19:10 Debate 20:30 Networking cocktail

PARTNERS

LIFESTYLE

QUICK GUIDE

Text by MAGALY PISCAREL

A breathtaking celebration ing , outstretched arms,Festival Esch Authenticit y, fierce stomp edition of the Flamenco improvisation--the 13th ging, guitar and dance performances, includes breathtaking sind flamenco cinema and photography. a range of workshops an

FLAMENCO FESTIVAL ESCH Founded in 2006, the Flamenco Festival Esch is an annual dance and music festival to which artists from Spain are invited. Organised by the Centre Culturel Kulturfabrik and Círculo Cultural Antonio Machado, the festival offers visitors a particularly rich and varied programme packed with baile, cante, palmas and toque, an exhibition and workshops for all. This year’s festival, from 1 to 12 June, features performances by award-winning artists such as Manuel Liñán, who will inaugurate this edition, and rising artists who embody one of the richest expressions of Spanish culture, the flamenco. Each evening will be unique in its approach to the rhythms and music of the genre, and spectators can enjoy food including tapas, tortillas and paella throughout the festival. icon_when 1 to 12 June icon_where K ulturfabrik, 116 rue de Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette icon_website www.kulturfabrik.lu

April 2018

MANUEL LIÑÁN Director, choreographer and multi award-winning dancer, Manuel Liñán takes his audience on an emotional journey back to the memories and instincts of childhood in Reversible--a critical reflection on codes and aesthetic conventions. icon_when 1 June icon_where Théâtre Municipal, Esch-Alzette

DAVID AND ALFREDO LAGOS Accomplished dancer Gema Moneo is accompanied by the hypnotic music of guitarist and soloist singer David Lagos, and his talented guitarist brother Alfredo Lagos. icon_when 2 June icon_where Kulturfabrik, Esch-Alzette

DOCUMENTARY SCREENINGS Silencio by Remedios Malvárez recounts the story of María Ángeles Narváez, who, despite her hearing disability, has managed to become a professional flamenco dancer. Escuela de Flamencos by Javier Vila tells the story of international flamenco school the Cristina Heeren Foundation. icon_when 4 June icon_where Cinémathèque, Luxembourg-Centre

ALALÁ FILM A documentary about the Alalá flamenco centre in the Las 3,000 Viviendas suburb of Seville. The humble school brings hope and new opportunities to its students and keeps its inhabitants in touch with the language of flamenco. icon_when 5 June icon_where Cinémathèque, Luxembourg-Centre

PHOTO EXHIBITION Jean-Marc Bouque’s photographs capture the spirit of flamenco through the dancers’ personal expressions and emotions. This exhibition traces ten years of attending the Flamenco Festival Esch. icon_when 7 to 9 June icon_where Galerie Terres Rouges / Kulturfabrik, Esch-Alzette

CRUZ AND VALIENTE For the first time in 10 years, the Flamenco Festival Esch welcomes an all-female flamenco dance duet. Claudia Cruz and Marina Valiente pay homage to the dance styles from Cádiz and Seville. icon_when 7 June icon_where Kulturfabrik, Esch-Alzette

ALBA HEREDIA Dancer Alba Heredia returns to the festival 7 years after her first performance. She will dazzle audiences with her grace and purity. Her show is preceded by a guitar recital from critically acclaimed Luis Mariano Renedo. icon_when 8 June icon_where Kulturfabrik, Esch-Alzette

EDUARDO GUERRERO Combining contemporary and traditional flamenco dance, Eduardo Guerrero demonstrates his unique style built on a flawless technique in his Desplante show. icon_when 9 June icon_where Kulturfabrik, Esch-Alzette

WORKSHOPS Improve your flamenco skills with a dance masterclass workshop by Eduardo Guerrero, learn beginner’s basics with Alba Heredia (photo) or discover the world of castanets with Victoria Villalba. icon_when 9 June icon_where Kulturfabrik, Esch-Alzette

FLAMENCO OPERA An urban, contemporary flamenco opera by José Luis Tirado is all about the struggle to survive and overcome difficulties, particularly in that of artistic creation. icon_when 12 June icon_where Cinémathèque, Luxembourg-Centre

THE VENUES

KULTURFABRIK Hosting the FFE since its first edition, the cultural centre Kulturfabrik has not always been an arts venue. Built in 1886 in Esch-sur-Alzette, it was formerly a slaughterhouse, until its closure in 1979. A year later, it was used as a space to rehearse and perform for the first time. The non-profit Kulturfabrik association was created in 1983, but it was only in 1996 that it officially became a cultural centre with the help of public support.

CINÉMATHÈQUE The oldest surviving cinema in the capital, the Cinémathèque de la Ville de Luxembourg hosts retrospectives and special screenings of films from its extensive and highly acclaimed archive--the film library is home to over 15,000 films. icon_where Place du Théâtre, Luxembourg-Centre icon_website www.cinematheque.lu

THÉÂTRE MUNICIPAL ESCH The second city’s main theatre was renovated at a cost of €16 million between 2008 and 2010. With a capacity of 517 seats, the venue attracts an annual audience of around 40,000. icon_where 120 rue de l’Alzette, Esch-Alzette icon_website www.theatre.esch.lu

FFE Cornischong/Creative Commons

PREVIEW ONLY

LIFESTYLE

MEDIA

Text by DUNCAN ROBERTS

Photography by JAN HANRION (MAISON MODERNE) and MATIC ZORMAN

The new d r a d n a t s g blo h access to tion point? Anyone wit about their favourite ura sat ed ch rea ing gg dless articles Has the art of blo ms to be publishing en bloggers out there who dare few a WordPress account see a are re the t y trips. Bu clothes or recipes or da g biting satire or refreshing honesty. rin live de t, en fer to be dif

ood satire is notoriously difficult to write. Stray too far into cliché and it becomes little more than verbal slapstick. But attempt to be too obtuse and readers will be scratching their heads rather than splitting their sides. John-Paul Gomez manages to strike exactly the right balance more often than not on his “Luxembourg Wurst” website. No stranger to writing satire, Gomez had launched a US focused site prior to the Wurst, but admits that it didn’t really take off because he was not physically in the States to observe things. “I was just responding to the news.” At the same time, he says he had been toying with the idea of launching a satirical site about Luxembourg but didn’t think there were enough English speakers to make it work. Originally from Colorado, Gomez lived in Barcelona for two years before moving to Luxembourg 11 years ago when his wife, a lawyer, landed a job in the grand duchy. So, he has managed to get to know the country well enough. Certainly, he is familiar with Luxembourg’s quirks and customs and the problems faced by expats trying to navigate bureaucracy and traditions, as well as the frustration some locals have in dealing with belligerent foreign residents. And Luxembourg Wurst is a superb name that works on different levels. Gomez says he is inspired by everyday life, language mishaps, and his encounters with what he calls “two camps of expats”. There are those, says Gomez, who are here for a temporary stay and who have a negative attitude about Luxembourg “that is not totally justified”. And then there are those who and for some reason “just have to rave about everything, and you’re not allowed to criticise”. Using the Wurst, Gomez veers between making fun and catering to both sets of groups. He is, however, adamant that he will not target specific groups of people.

GETTING IN THE JABS His style is dry and toned down, and, by his own admission, more in the British tradition of satire than the American way--though he has been influenced by the style of The Onion and The Daily Mash. “I try not to waste people’s time, so every other line at least contains some sort of jab.” Gomez also has to reign in his penchant for the absurd.

April 2018

A. Tsareena Wimbush blogs with refreshing frankness under the name Manc Girl Missing B. John-Paul Gomez writes spot-on satire in Luxembourg Wurst about everyday life in Luxembourg

BLOG ADDRESSES

“I have to try to remember that other people don’t find the nonsensical funny.” The Wurst has also been instrumental in promoting the hilarious cartoons of illustrator Julia de Bres, an associate professor at the University of Luxembourg, whose Instagram account is packed with drawings that gently poke fun at life in Luxembourg, cultural differences and the grand duchy’s quirky traditions. Done out of fondness for the country she has called home since 2009, de Bres’ work was initially for her own amusement but she has been producing more and more with Gomez’s encouragement and the positive feedback she has received via social media.

BRUTALLY HONEST “People here are really hungry for satire and humour,” says Gomez--although the local satirical weekly Den neie Feierkrop recently announced that it will cease print production at the end of 2018 after 25 years. Indeed, the Wurst was not the first satirical blog in English in the grand duchy. Benelux News was launched in the summer of 2016 by a locally born British national who prefers to remain anonymous. He started the blog for amusement and, in his own words, to piss off taxi drivers in Luxembourg. Overcharging by taxi companies, working in the corporate rat race, lazy retailers and rude waiting staff, the vagaries of public transport, Brexit and the worst of the

nightlife scene are all targets of Benelux News. The style is less subtle than the Wurst, but also often hits the nail on the head. Equally in your face and brutally honest is the new blog by Tsareena Wimbush, who goes by the moniker Manc Girl Missing. Hers is not a satirical site, though her stories of getting stuck while trying to take public transport to Ikea are achingly funny. An accountant by day, Wimbush moved from her native Manchester to the grand duchy in September 2016 after having what she calls “a massive meltdown over Brexit”. She admits she didn’t put a lot of thought into coming to Luxembourg, simply googled “financial jobs in Europe” and after two video interviews landed her current position with a firm in Kirchberg. “I just wanted out of Britain.” Her long-term plan is to be able to work wherever she wants, and her blog will address ways to really afford how to achieve that goal. “I won’t be posting about leaving everything behind with 100 euros in my pocket. That’s just not realistic, and frankly as an accountant the thought frightens me.” But Wimbush also blogs, with refreshing frankness, random thoughts about life in Luxembourg (a keen singer, she has started jamming with local musicians) and Arlon, where she recently moved to get out of a house share she hated. “The goal is eventually to make money from the blog through affiliates.”

LUXEMBOURG WURST A satirical site in the vein of The Onion and The Daily Mash launched in September 2017 by John-Paul Gomez. The cleverly written site hits the nail on the head more often than not and has proven very popular with close to 3,000 Facebook followers. icon_info www.wurst.lu JULIA DE BRES Instagram account of illustrations by the university researcher has gained a cult following thanks to being shared by the Luxembourg Wurst on Facebook. The ingenious cartoons poke gentle fun at the grand duchy’s quirks and customs. icon_info www.instagram.com/juliadebres BENELUX NEWS Publishing “real news from sources so secret, even your mum doesn’t know”, this site, run by a locally born Brit who prefers to remain anonymous, takes no prisoners as it targets everything from taxi rip-offs to property prices, Brexit and the weather. icon_info www.beneluxnews.net MANC GIRL MISSING Tsareena Wimbush, a travelloving expat from Manchester who moved to Luxembourg after the Brexit vote, tackles the vagaries of living in Luxembourg with refreshing honesty in her sporadic blog. icon_info www.mancgirlmissing.com

April 2018

LIFESTYLE

THEATRE

Text by DUNCAN ROBERTS

Photography by MATIC ZORMAN

f o g n i l l e t e R h t y m n r e d o am new adaptation of cast. m BGT is Tom Wright’s The latest production frovel Picnic at Hanging Rock with an all-female no c ssi cla ’s ay ds Lin Joan

he story of the disappearance of three schoolgirls and their teacher on Valentine’s day 1900 at the Hanging Rock geological formation in Victoria has passed into Australian folklore. That it is a fiction created by author Joan Lindsay for her 1967 novel Picnic at Hanging Rock (made into an acclaimed film by Peter Weir in 1975) does not seem to diminish the impact of the powerful mystery, which has almost come to haunt the national psyche. Now comes a new stage adaptation of the novel by Tom Wright. The play debuted in 2016 and was produced at the Barbican in London earlier this year. BGT’s Tony Kingston snapped up the rights to perform Wright’s play for what is a premier on the European mainland at Neimënster later this month. Written for five female actors, the play emphasises several themes of the novel. “Primary among these, in my mind, is the futility of trying to repress natural human or animal instincts,” says Kingston, who directs a cast of four young actresses--Laura Lizak, Gina Millington, Céline Planata and Martina Sardelli--and his wife and BGT stalwart June Lowery. The book and the play are also critical of British colonialism, and as hinted at in Weir’s dreamlike film, there is a sense of sexual awakening also. “The teenage girls of the play are living in a restrictive school environment, particularly sexually,” Kingston explains. “Climbing the rock becomes a symbol both of the liberating power of emotional freedom, but also the uncontrollable and destructive force that untamed emotions can release.” Staging a play set against the wild nature of the former volcano and using only female actors is a challenge that Kingston relishes. He says it is a rare chance to highlight young April 2018

female acting talent, but that it also forced him to “think about the innate arrogance and assertiveness of male body language”. Some of the actresses spend a large part of the play in male roles, and in some cases have to change between characters of different sex in a matter of seconds. “A lot therefore has to be done with body language and voice,” says the director. “It gives a different dimension to see, for example, an intimate scene between two men, separated by class and nationality, played by two young women.” As for creating the atmosphere of the imposing rock, which in the play is what he calls “a psychological, more than physical entity”, Kingston enlisted the help of professional lighting designer Matt

Swithinbank, who grew up in Luxembourg but is now based in London. Sound, too, plays a vital role in creating the idea that the rock is “alive and breathing in every character’s subconscious”. Kingston is experimenting with using the voices of the actresses to create a soundscape for the rock, which is clearly as central to the play as the human characters on stage. “The rock becomes more of a metaphor, a semiimaginary force of darkness and of untamed nature,” says the director. icon_when 24, 25 & 26 April at 7:30 p.m. icon_where Salle Robert Krieps, Neimënster, Luxembourg-Grund icon_website www.bgt.lu and www.neimenster.lu

Delano 180x116mm.indd 1

23.03.18 11:51

LIFESTYLE

FESTIVAL

Text by MAGALY PISCAREL

l a i r e t a m d e r i Original insp

alent Lab #18 is ten days of performan ces, meetings, masterclasses, workshops and roundtables centred around the various forms that theatrical writing can take. A joint effort between the Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg and the Théâtre du Centaure (whose directors Tom Leick-Burns and Myriam Muller are pictured above), the event offers audiences a chance to discover some thrilling moments as original theatre, dance and opera projects are developed. Talent Lab is primarily a birthplace for artistic creation, and values dialogue between artists, audiences and professionals. This year, an international jury selected five project leaders from dozens of submissions. Over the ten days of the event they will get to develop their project and eventually present a 20-minute model of their original production. Each is guided by a mentor-an experienced artist in their chosen discipline. Elisabet Johannesdottir, an Icelandic actress born and raised in Luxembourg, is participating as the writer of theatrical project Emerald & Olive, a dark comedy about greed, iguanas and gun violence. Guided by her Belgian mentor, director and actress Anne-Cécile Vandalem, Johannesdottir tells the story of a small time criminal hiding after April 2018

a diamond heist has gone wrong and whose relationships will only exacerbate the situation. The second theatrical project, Cocons, led by actress and cultural studies student Christine Muller, questions the viewer on the protective virtue of silence, on the boundary between the secret garden and the unspoken. She will receive guidance from her contemporary theatrical artist mentor Julie Berès, assisted by Karim Bel Kacem, The successful Belgium-based dance company Peeping Tom will guide both selected dance projects. Ora Maris, by dancer and choreographer Sarah Baltzinger, is about a search for self. Lost, by Israeli born dancer and choreographer Nir de Volff, is a project in which three Middle Eastern dancers try to understand their relationship with the iconography of suffering and death by exploring different ways to represent them on stage. Guided by lyric soprano Romie Estèves, writer and director FXXX BXXXXX and Latvian composer Santa Bušs will present Speak Red, an opera project inspired by the true story of a woman with aphasia who was sexually assaulted by a carer and brought a trial to court. The model performance presentations take place on Thursday 31 May and Friday 1 June.

WRITING CHALLENGE The third edition of Talent Lab also features a collaboration between Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg and the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, in the form of an international writer’s project. Six authors will write a piece on the subject of the various pressures on today’s generation Z. The series of short plays will be developed and presented as rehearsed readings by three writers from Luxembourg and three from the UK. Each session will be followed by a Q&A. Luxembourg playwright, director and author Rafael David Kohn, along with multi award-winning Scottish playwright Stef Smith, will be the first to reveal their work. They will be followed by Luxembourg dramaturge, director and playwright Olivier Garofalo, and English playwright and screenwriter Chloe Moss. The final session will feature the work of Luxembourg multilingual performer, writer and theatre maker Claire Thill (seen below) and English awardwinning playwright and actress Charlene James.

TALENT LAB #18 icon_when 25 May to 3 June icon_where Grand Théâtre, Théâtre du Centaure, Théâtre des Capucins icon_website www.talentlab.lu

Julien Becker (archives)

orator y and a festival at ft, something between a lab is t tha t en and hone their cra ev y -da ten ge A artists exchan ideas beauty, ing erg em d an ed lish cover the which estab t Lab is a chance to dis isciplinary writing theme. ltid the third edition of Talen mu a gh ou thr of words power and complexity

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LIFESTYLE

ON STAGE

Text by DUNCAN ROBERTS

14 shows you must see mes in pop music grace Some of the hottest na er the next six week s or so, Luxembourg’s stages ovand classical legends , plus a handful of dance jazz and Grammy award-winning sic . unique contemporary mu

icon_when 4 May icon_where Philharmonie, Place de l’Europe, Luxembourg-Kirchberg icon_website w ww.philharmonie.lu

DEERHOOF Honest solo San Francisco indie darlings Deerhoof were once hailed as the best band in the world by the hugely influential Pitchfork. More importantly, the legendary John Peel asked them twice to record sessions for his show. Last year’s politically charged Mountain Moves album was called “the broadest, strangest and coolest sonic canvas that Deerhoof has ever framed” by Magnet. icon_when 11 May icon_where Rotondes, Luxembourg-Bonnevoie icon_website w ww.rotondes.lu

SÃO PAULO DANCE COMPANY Memory dance The São Paulo Dance Company performs a triple bill of works, including Édouard Lock’s The Seasons, which employs images to revitalise the sense memory of dance. Gen by Cassi Abranches uses the sense memory of the body to a soundtrack composed by Marcelo Jeneci and Ze Nigro. And Suite for Two Pianos by Uwe Scholz incorporates projections of paintings by Kandinsky.

CÉCILE MCLORIN SALVANT Grammy star Winner of the best jazz vocal album Grammy for her last two recordings, acclaimed singer Cécile McLorin Salvant returns to the Phil to play the Grand Auditorium. She is joined by the hugely talented pianist Aaron Diehl as well as Paul Sikivie on double bass and Kyle Poole on drums. Wynton Marsalis has said of her: “You get a singer like this once in a generation or two.”

A MAN OF GOOD HOPE Iconic creation Using talent from the townships surrounding Cape Town, the Isango Ensemble’s latest production is an adaptation of a book by Jonny Steinberg based on the true story of young Somali refugee Asad Abdullahi, and the harsh reality he faces upon arriving in South Africa. The Guardian called it “a powerful testament to the resilience of humanity.”

icon_when 1 5 & 16 May icon_where G rand Théâtre, Luxembourg-Limpertsberg icon_website w ww.theatres.lu

icon_when 16 May icon_where Philharmonie, Place de l’Europe, Luxembourg-Kirchberg icon_website w ww.philharmonie.lu

icon_when 17-19 May icon_where Grand Théâtre, Luxembourg-Limpertsberg icon_website w ww.theatres.lu

April 2018

ENGLISH BAROQUE SOLOISTS Bach cantatas Something of an expert on Bach, Sir John Eliot Gardiner conducts the English Baroque Soloists and the Monteverdi Choir in a programme featuring four of the composer’s cantatas dating between 1714 and 1731. Dutch born Scottish-Icelandic soprano Hannah Morrison, American counter-tenor Reginald Mobley and English bass-baritone Matthew Brook are the soloists. icon_when 13 May icon_where Philharmonie, Place de l’Europe, Luxembourg-Kirchberg icon_website w ww.philharmonie.lu

SLEAFORD MODS Have at ’em The Nottingham duo make their highly anticipated debut appearance in the grand duchy. Mixing high octane electro punk with hip-hop, frontman Jason Williamson spits his angry and witty politically charged lyrics over melodies and beats laid down by multi-instrumentalist and DJ Andrew Fearn. Last year’s English Tapas album was described as a “bruising, brilliant post-Brexit tirade.” icon_when 19 May icon_where den Atelier, Luxembourg-Gare icon_website w ww.atelier.lu

Sim Canetty-Clarke

UNITED INSTRUMENTS OF LUCILIN Contemporary sounds Luxembourg’s acclaimed contemporary music ensemble performs a programme of music that has reflections as its theme. It includes two works commissioned for the ensemble, from Pierre Alexandre Tremblay (photo) and Yu Oda. They will be in conversation with Lydia Rilling in the Salle de Musique de Chambre before the concert.

Neil Krug EbruYildiz Erwin Olaf

CIGARETTES AFTER SEX Ambient darlings Following a widely acclaimed show at Rotondes last year, the Brooklyn ambient pop ensemble returns to Luxembourg. They follow what seems to be a tsunami of fellow chillwave acts, but their unique selling point is frontman Greg Gonzalez’s androgynous voice. Their music is subdued with lyrics that can be criticised for being too obsessed with sex, but it is also fascinating and engaging.

BONOBO Elegantly contemplative Labelled the “doyen of percussive atmospherics” by The Guardian, British-born LA resident Simon Green has gone from downtempo pioneer to cult darling and, with the release of last year’s Migration album, now to commercial favourite on both sides of the Atlantic. The record is elegant and contemplative, featuring world music references and homegrown styles.

icon_when 20 May icon_where den Atelier, Luxembourg-Gare icon_website w ww.atelier.lu

icon_when 20 May icon_where Rockhal, Esch-Belval icon_website w ww.rockhal.lu

CALIXTO BIEITO Melody and madness Working with last year’s TalentLAB theatre category leader Laure Roldan and The Heath Quartet, the Catalonian “Quentin Tarantino of opera” brings his latest work to Luxembourg. Music and drama collide with extraordinary results in The String Quartet’s Guide to Sex and Anxiety, which features four actors with the musical quartet.

LCD SOUNDSYSTEM Murphy gang Having reanimated his LCD Soundsystem project in 2015, James Murphy last year released the band’s fourth album American Dream to critical acclaim and played selected festivals. The excitement generated convinced Murphy to undertake a world tour that stops off in the beautiful setting of the Neumünster courtyard, courtesy of den Atelier. This is one of the most anticipated gigs of the year.

COURTNEY BARNETT Honestly good One of the revelations (alongside Kate Tempest) at the 2014 Sonic Visions festival, Courtney Barnett went on to storm the charts with her debut album the following year. After a collaboration album with Kurt Vile in 2017, she is about to release her second long-player, Tell Me How You Really Feel. This promises to be a storming gig in the summer sweatbox confines of den Atelier.

icon_when 9 June icon_where neimënster, Luxembourg-Grund icon_website w ww.atelier.lu

icon_when 10 June icon_where den Atelier, Luxembourg-Gare icon_website w ww.atelier.lu

icon_when 29 & 30 May icon_where Grand Théâtre, Luxembourg-Limpertsberg icon_website w ww.theatres.lu

HÉLÈNE GRIMAUD Brahms’ first Acclaimed pianist Hélène Grimaud is the soloist for a performance of Johannes Brahms’s first piano concerto with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Conducted by music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the orchestra also plays Robert Schuman’s 4th symphony and Wayne Oquin’s Resilience for organ and orchestra featuring Paul Jacobs on the Phil’s magnificent organ. icon_when 25 May icon_where Philharmonie, Place de l’Europe, Luxembourg-Kirchberg icon_website w ww.philharmonie.lu

SNAPPED ANKLES Eco warriors Described by The Quietus as “devilishly playful, suitably daft and absolutely belting”, Snapped Ankles debut longplayer Come Play The Trees made several best of listings in 2017. The band remain anonymous, dressed in foliage and hedgerow, but the music they make is a vibrant aural onslaught that embodies the “feral energy of the forest”. icon_when 25 May icon_where Rotondes, Luxembourg-Bonnevoie icon_website w ww.rotondes.lu

April 2018

LIFESTYLE

KIDS

Text by DUNCAN ROBERTS

Hop to a museum

id you know that Luxembourg is home to around 40 museums? Most people are only familiar with the most popular museums in the capital city (www.museumsmile.lu) and maybe one or two of the more specialist provincial venues. But there is a whole world of exhibitions and interactive displays available out there--and much of it is geared towards younger visitors. Among the lesser known museums is the Aviation Museum in Mondorf-les-Bains, for example. The Fligermusée Lëtzebuerg (www.fligermusee.lu) opened in 2013, some ten years after a band of aviation enthusiasts got together to preserve Luxembourg’s aeronautical heritage. The museum, in the park of the town’s famous spa, is quite small and is housed in what was the pavilion representing the Luxembourg drinks industry at the World’s Fair in Brussels in 1958. But any kids interested in aviation and aeroplane models will enjoy a look around. April 2018

If your kids like flying, then the next best thing while keeping their feet on the ground is enjoying the view from the top of the disused blast furnace, pictured, at the former Esch-Belval steel plant (www.fonds-belval.lu). The site has been open to the public since 2014 and visitors can climb stairs up to a platform to see the stunning view over Belval and a large part of the most southern region of the country. This is obviously not recommended for toddlers, but children over the age of 5 will love it. From the populated industrial south to the rural north and a living museum located in the grand duchy’s smallest village. The Musée Thillenvogtei (www.thillenvogtei.lu) in Rindschleiden near Grevels allows visitors to step back in time and experience agricultural life in the 19th century. The museum is open to groups who can try out a range of activities including threshing grain, harvesting potatoes and baking bread. LUXEMBOURG MUSEUM DAYS icon_when 19 & 20 May icon_website www.luxembourgmuseumdays.lu

icon_website www.philharmonie.lu

Valentina Cenni Steve Eastwood (archives)

Luxembourg’s museums host an open doors weekend in May. The perfect opportunity to experience museums both familiar and new.

MUSIC FOR KIDS The Philharmonie’s series of concerts and workshops for children of all ages continues in May. From 17 to 19, for example, the “1.2..3… musique” series features a music and dance performance titled “BABAbébé” for toddlers under 3 years of age. And on 18 May the “iPhil” series for kids aged 13 to 18 concludes with a concert titled “Manhattan: The American Dream” featuring the Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg conducted by Gustavo Gimeno and featuring pianist Stefano Bollani (photo). The concert programme includes suites by Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin and a piece called ‘Apache Sunrise’ by Luxembourg-based trumpeter and composer Kerry Turner that was commissioned by the Philharmonie Luxembourg.

Open HOUSE @ISL

Lower School

Thursday 17 May, 6.00 pm-8.00 pm Register on: www.islux.lu *

Whether you are interested in applying or just want to learn more about the life and education at the International School of Luxembourg we warmly welcome you to join us at the ISL Open House.

We will provide an introduction to the Lower School’s academic programme and ISL’s unique approach to learning. Moreover, tours of the Lower School facilities will be available, and you will be offered information on the application process. Come and ask your questions! At ISL our mission is to provide an outstanding education and inspire our students to engage in both academic and enriching extra-curricular programmes. Our students set high expectations for themselves, enjoy school and the community is constantly rewarded by their achievements. ISL has earned its outstanding reputation through its students’ successes, its rigorous educational programme, its excellent and dedicated staff, its caring community and its engagement in global issues. With over 50 nationalities in our student body and more than 20 nationalities within our staff, friendship, international mindedness, diversity and inclusion are ways of life in our multi-cultural environment.

*Beside the Open House we also offer individually tailored tours of the school almost every day of the week. More info on www.islux.lu

INDEX

APRIL 2018

ABBL 30 Adecco 38 Adem 26 Anglican Church Luxembourg 74 Alfi 27, 28

European Central Bank European Securities and Markets Authority European Systemic Risk Board EY

Banque et Caisse d’Épargne de l’État 48 Elodie Baudin 9 François Bausch 16 Beienhaus 14 Rudi Belli 48 Marc Bettendorff 48 Catherine Bourin 30 Bricks Solutions Immobilières 62

Paul Fabeck Thomas Fairfax-Jones Fare Real Estate

Sylvia Camarda CBRE CFL Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Commission Nationale pour la Protection des Données Conseil National des Femmes du Luxembourg CSSF

Dirk Daenen Vilitati Dakili Stéphanie Damgé Julia De Bres Marilyn Deby Alejandro Del Río Kristof Della Siega Deloitte Benjamin Deseille DLA Piper

April 2018

Camille Gira John-Paul Gomez Grossfeld PAP

Christine Hansen Sylvia Hanzen

Immo Luxembourg Inowai

72 56

11 10 38 76 62 30 78 30, 58 56 27

Tine A. Larsen Tom Leick Luxembourg Central Bank (BCL) Luxtram

56 28 56 30

62 62 62

16 76 58

8 14

62 60

60, 62 38

K Guill Kaempff Anna Katina Alan Kavanagh Keasy Tony Kingston Kneip Michel Knepper Julie Kohlmann Toomas Korka

Steven Maijoor Charles Margue Lee Marshall Oriane Martin Giancarlo Martu Moovijob Myriam Muller Romain Muller Murat Mutlu

30 90 56 16

16 78 26 56 88 30 58 9 30

28 16 30 38 14 38 90 60, 62 62

N NautaDutilh Julie Noirhomme Nouma Numericall

30 38 11 26

O Onelife

I JLL Jonk Entrepreneuren Luxembourg

71 62 14 70

Philharmonie 14 Julien Pillot 58 Plateforme JIF 72 Prisma 30 Property Hunter 62 PwC 58, 60

R 10 9 72 10 74 74 27 62

38 10 8 14

T Diane Tea Taniela Tuirabe

78 10

V Marie-Pascale Verlinde André Von Der Marck

68 16

W Georges Wantz Vincent Wellens Tsareena Wimbush Michel Wurth

30 30 76 15

Z Emma Zimer

Peni Raivalitia Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles Anik Raskin RCL Geoff Read Marie-Louise Read Olivier Reisch Frank Rosenbaum

Nicolas Schmit Luke Seru Sleep Like A Boss Elisabeth Sousa

mini MBA 2018 FUTURE-PROOF YOUR BUSINESS 8-day Leadership & Innovation Programme · Luxembourg City

The Paperjam Club is pleased to announce the launch of a new 8-day Leadership & Innovation Programme in partnership with Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management. The sessions for the Mini MBA Programme will be spread over 8 days in October and November 2018 at the Cercle Cité in the heart of Luxembourg City.

at i o n -2 0 1 8 for m n i e i-mba n i mor m / m.lu pe r ja u b . pa

4 modules will be delivered: Strategy, Finance & HR, Innovation, and Customer Development. DATES 1, 2, 22 and 23 October 2018 5, 6, 26 and 27 November 2018

CONTACTS & APPLICATIONS Julien Delpy julien.delpy@maisonmoderne.com (+352) 20 70 70-415 Pauline Schmaltz pauline.schmaltz@maisonmoderne.com (+352) 20 70 70-409

LIFESTYLE

THE BACK PAGE

Shopping at Ikea

Mediterranean Sea, where fish are to this day to be found in abundance. Obviously, our continent has changed since then, but some remnants of our watery past remain in the form of deep underground caves which connect to a series of naturally formed tunnels that reach all the way through France to empty into the sea at SaintTropez. Not unlike salmon, the decedents of Luxembourg’s prehistoric fish travel back up these tunnels to emerge near Remich. It is a tradition in this commune for young school children to catch these fish on 1 April and deep freeze them until the Octave festival.

vice columnist considers This month , Delano’s ad, founding her own startup taking the tram to Esch Oc tave festival. and going fishing for the

Dear Auntie Eleanor, I heard the government is considering extending the capital’s tram system to Esch-sur-Alzette. Trains already run down to the town and Belval, so why not increase service instead of building a whole new infrastructure? --Sarah in Limpertsberg Gentle reader, when I first heard this idea floated, I too thought it was slightly off the rails. But ask commuters on the line between the capital and Bettembourg (which goes on to either Esch and Differdange or on to France) if trains can accommodate more passengers. It’s standing room only on a regular basis. More service is planned by 2028, but it seems unlikely that will keep up with population growth. The mooted new tram route runs roughly along the A4 motorway, which opens up an entirely new axe of public transport. The tram is meant to get us out of our cars. Maybe this scheme isn’t as nutty as it seems. Dear Auntie Eleanor, I have just read about yet another startup pitch event in Luxembourg. Why are there so many and what the heck is a hackathon? --Derek in Dippach Gentle reader, don’t get me started. The way the press hark April 2018

AUNTIE ELEANOR

on about them one would think startups are the only businesses driving the economy. Why all the fuss? Luxembourg has got it into its head that it wants to be a nation of startups, to diversify the economy. In 2014, we had a startup rate of 9.7%, hardly a flourishing startup hub, but everyone likes a trier. A few green carrots have been waved and now we have a veritable outbreak of startups in fields that usually end with the suffix “tech”. What is more, startups come with a certain caché, which is why I’m considering starting my own, selling Auntie

Eleanor merchandise. What do you think? And if you’re suffering from a hackathon, I suggest you see a pharmacist. Dear Auntie Eleanor, I always enjoy the Octave festival in April, but I am curious: where do they get the fish, considering Luxembourg is a landlocked country? --Larry in Belair Gentle reader, good question and one that takes us back to prehistoric times. A long time ago, what is now Luxembourg extended as far as the

Dear Auntie Eleanor, why do I need to go to neighbouring countries to buy affordable furniture? Is Ikea opening in Luxembourg anytime soon? --Becca in Bonnevoie Gentle reader, I share your frustration. Luxembourg’s planning rules have traditionally restricted big-box stores, in a bid, for better or worse, to protect the country’s smaller retailers. So Ikea ended up opening a location just over the Belgian border in 2005. At this point, even if the flat-pack giant got authorisation to build in the grand duchy, could it afford to shell out to buy the land? Nevertheless, fear not, gentle reader, because Luxembourg residents will be able to order Ikea furniture online for home delivery starting this summer, if all goes to plan. Billy bookcases and Lack tables for all. SEND IN YOUR QUESTION Want to know something about Luxembourg? Contact AuntieEleanor@delano.lu. Please indicate if Delano can publish your name or if you wish to remain anonymous.

Are today’s businesses prepared for what doesn’t exist yet? Navigate the Transformative Age with the better-connected consultants.

ey.com/lu/digital #BetterQuestions

ed Extend til offer un

0 3 e n u J

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