Delano February 2016 by Maison Moderne

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CURRENT AFFAIRS Expat divorce

LIFESTYLE Driver’s guide

LUXEMBOURG IN ENGLISH

CAN THE BREXIT BUS BE STOPPED? WHY DENISE VOSS WANTS THE UK TO STAY "IN"

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02/2016

ISSUE 41

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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 CEO Mike Koedinger Administrative and financial director Etienne Velasti Innovation, quality and operations director Rudy Lafontaine

EDITORIAL

Text by DUNCAN ROBERTS

Photography by LALA LA PHOTO

GIVE CULTURE A CHAMPION

PUBLISHER Phone (+352) 20 70 70 Fax (+352) 29 66 19 E-mail publishing@maisonmoderne.com Publisher Mike Koedinger Editor in chief Duncan Roberts (duncan.roberts@maisonmoderne.com) Desk editor Aaron Grunwald (aaron.grunwald@maisonmoderne.com) Contributors Wendy Casey, Neel Chrillesen, Stephen Evans, Kasia Krzyzanowski, Marina Lai, Alix Rassel, Tonya Stoneman, Wendy Winn Photography Julien Becker, Sven Becker, Marion Dessard, Steve Eastwood, Jan Hanrion, Lala La Photo, Christophe Olinger, Mike Zenari Proofreading Pauline Berg, Muriel Dietsch, Sarah Lambolez, Inès Sérizier 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 Art director Cassandre Bourtembourg Studio manager Stéphanie Poras Layout Sophie Melai (coordination), Cassandre Bourtembourg, Jan Hanrion, Tae Eun Kim, Sara Giubelli, Zoë Mondloch, Patricia Pitsch ADVERTISING Phone (+352) 20 70 70-300 Fax (+352) 26 29 66 20 E-mail regie@maisonmoderne.com Director, Maison Moderne Advertising Sales Francis Gasparotto (francis.gasparotto@maisonmoderne.com) Sales director 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

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. Mike Koedinger is chartered with daily management. Delano™ and Maison Moderne™ are trademarks used under licence by MM Publishing S.A. © MM Publishing S.A. (Luxembourg) COVER PHOTO

Mike Zenari shot Denise Voss in Kirchberg. Many thanks to the Philharmonie for lending us the primo parking place. NOTE TO OUR READERS

The next print edition of Delano will be published on 11 March. For updates, commentary and our weekly what’s on guide, visit www.delano.lu.

uch fuss was made when freshly minted Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau unveiled his first cabinet in early November, and not just because it was perfectly gender balanced. The young Trudeau handpicked ministers to take on portfolios for which they had proven experience and skills sets. So the minister of health is a qualified physician, the minister of defence is a career soldier who rose through the ranks and was deployed overseas four times. And the minister of Canadian heritage (essentially the minister for culture) has served on the boards of numerous orchestras, museums, dance companies and festivals. Here in Luxembourg, the post of culture minister is all too rarely given to someone with experience of the arts, never mind someone as obviously passionate as Mélanie Joly in Canada. The last minister of culture who had the respect of the Luxembourg arts world, even if they did not all agree with her politics, was the CSV minister Erna Hennicot-Schoepges. Since then the portfolio has been shunted around cabinet members who have had other more important tasks or been given as a sop to politicians from the eastern constituency. Unfortunately neither of the last two incumbents in the latter category, Octavie Modert and Maggy

Nagel, inspired much confidence in artists or those working in the field. And now the portfolio has been taken over by Xavier Bettel with support from a new secretary of state, Guy Arendt, a lawyer and mayor of Walferdange who by his own admission has had little time to devote to the arts other than to organise the annual Walferdange book fair and attend a few concerts. Luxembourg is not alone in viewing the culture portfolio as a job that can be carried out by administrators with little experience in the arts. But the arts represent an opportunity for the Grand Duchy to shine on the international stage, to showcase creativity and diversity, to encourage emerging talent and attract artists from abroad. If the government is taking seriously its commitment to nation branding and to diversifying the economy, then surely the job should be given to a genuine champion of culture?

ENCOURAGING EMERGING TALENT The minister for culture should be an advocate of the arts February 2016

DELANO ADVERTORIAL

KICHECHEF: MUCH MORE THAN KITCHENS Kichechef is the region’s leading kitchen store, but most of its huge store has furniture and fittings for every room in your home. Director Marc Hilgert explains. Do you have furniture and fittings for every room? Marc Hilgert: Yes, and we have done so for decades. Our name and logo suggest a focus on kitchens because that is where we started 40 years ago. However, we have offered a comprehensive range of products for many years. We were able to realise our dream of becoming literally a one stop shop after moving to Capellen in 2000, with the store being extended further in 2010. To illustrate my point, we have 100 kitchens on display, offering clients an unmatched opportunity to get a feel for a selection of our products. Yet this department accounts for less than a tenth of the 38,000m2 floor space spread over three floors. Given that you would need to drive for more than two hours to find a bigger store, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. What are the options for bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens? All our products are of good basic quality, and the range extends upwards to include major designer names. Our suppliers come from across Western Europe, particularly Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and France; countries known for their technical and artistic excellence. Then there is the office furniture and equipment, plus everything for your garden, terrace or balcony. We also have an entry level, flat-pack range we call “Clever You”. How do you help clients chose? Well-trained, experienced advisors guide clients through the wide choice. There are English speakers in each department, as well as all the other February 2016

A. Simple elegance B. A uniquely wide choice of styles, furniture and accessories C. Classic styles or something different in the bathroom D. Specialised, versatile teams take care of every detail

languages you would expect in Luxembourg. As well as the display models, we have 3D graphic visualisation tools for kitchens and bathrooms, and for some living room suppliers. We can even come to your home so you can see our products in place. This is particularly useful for signature items such as carpets. A client might be undecided between five carpets, so we can bring these items to them to help them chose. Do you take care of installation? We have our own teams of fully trained technicians, including

electricians, plumbers, and masons. Of course we install kitchens and bathrooms, but we also fit products such as lights. Some elaborate lighting systems can be difficult to install, and we make it easy for our customers. We also have a team dedicated to taking exact measurements of rooms using digital technology, ensuring that every installation we make fits perfectly. One of our unique strong points is that this enables us to tailor our work surfaces before we arrive for the installation. Unlike most suppliers, we do not

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" OUR NAME AND LOGO SUGGEST A FOCUS ON KITCHENS BECAUSE THAT IS WHERE WE STARTED 40 YEARS AGO. HOWEVER, WE HAVE OFFERED A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF PRODUCTS FOR MANY YEARS." MARC HILGERT

carry out the cutting job at the clients’ kitchens, we can do this in our workshops. The result is a better quality finish, quicker service and less mess. What accessories do you offer? We have a comprehensive range of smaller items for every room: tableware, glassware, ceramics, small electrical goods, practical household goods, textiles and soft furnishings, decorative items such as vases, mirrors, candles and sculpture, tools for open fires, garden accessories... We also have baby products, ranging

from pushchairs to furniture to decorations to toys. Many customers put their wedding and baby present lists with us. How have you made the store a comfortable place to shop? Although our three-floor showroom is big, it is on a human scale with a light, airy design. As a break from shopping or to give themselves thinking time, customers can visit our café, and there are restaurants within and near the building. We help parents take their time over decisions by providing a well equipped, supervised playroom

for children aged 3 to 11 years. There is a ball bath with a slide, a movie show and video games. This room is also available for reservation for private parties. How are you marking your 40th anniversary? We are stepping up the number of events we organise this year. We always have sales in January and July, and fairs for weddings, babies, and the summer where we invite partner companies to participate. We are planning to do more, so keep a look out for some surprises.

One stop shop Kichechef has large, medium and small items for living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, offices, gardens… and kitchens. There are large installations and furniture items, plus household goods, textiles, lighting, carpets, baby equipment, electrical goods, even a supervised children’s play area. 38,000m2 This is the largest shop within a two-hour drive. At 38,000m2, it is bigger than five football pitches. Where to find Kichechef? It is located just off the motorway to Belgium at 69, Parc d’Activités, L-8308 Capellen. Coming from the City, leave the motorway, take the first right, and drive through the office park. There is ample indoor and outdoor parking. It is served directly by the 255 RGTR bus. February 2016

Opportunity lies ahead Deloitte Luxembourg’s app is Deloitte Luxembourg’s app is

CONTENTS

DELANO FEBRUARY 2016 CURRENT AFFAIRS 8

UPFRONT Carte blanche

Over-competitive parents are killing kids sports, writes Simon Smallbone. 12

BUSINESS 30

UPFRONT Perfect weekend

SNAPSHOTS Members cocktail

AUTOMOTIVE Behind the wheel

Take in some art, craft and music made by talented females to mark International Women’s Day.

THE JOURNAL Dispatches from Delano writers

The British Chamber of Commerce launched the new year with an adieu. 34

Why is traffic so bad in Luxembourg; London production outfit launches locally; how doctors help those who’ve fallen through the insurance cracks; you don’t have to be “young” to join the group Young & China; is there a Luxembourg model for prostitution; and who’s Étienne Schneider? 18

LIFESTYLE

UPFRONT Catching up with…

Why the only female chair of a chamber of commerce in Luxembourg wants you to head to Russia.

DELANO DIGITAL HIGHLIGHTS

SNAPSHOTS Grand Duke Jean’s 95th

BREXIT BLOG

Delano tracks the upcoming UK referendum www.delano.lu/BrexitBlog

INSURANCE Travel essentials Need to sort out your licence and registration? Check out Delano’s driver’s guide. 84

What coverage do you need before hitting the road? 48

GETTING INVOLVED Danz fir Lëtzebuerg

EUROPE’S GENDER PAY GAP

What is the disparity between salaries in Luxembourg? www.delano.lu/careers

COVER STORY Next stop Brexit? Join this group and “dance for Luxembourg” at a world cultural summit in Mexico.

The crème de la crème gathered in Kirchberg for a birthday homage to Luxembourg’s retired head of state. 20

LEGAL Expat divorce

How do you split up in a country that’s not your own? 26

Despite tabloid style headlines saying Luxembourg stands to “steal” City of London jobs, the Grand Duchy could turn out to be one of the biggest economic losers if the UK decides to quit the EU. That is why industry leaders like Denise Voss prefer Britain “in”. Are we set for a wild ride?

MUSIC Spring sounds

Big acts and emerging talents are headed to a stage near you.

TELECOM Through the looking glass

ANOTHER PUNCHLINE Luxembourg barely memorable, jokes comic www.delano.lu/news/i-alwaysforget-luxembourg

HAVE A COMMENT? Delano is always looking for reader feedback and guest contributors: news@delano.lu

EXHIBITIONS Judging artistic works

NATIONAL What is Luxembourg?

The multicultural debate continues in the Grand Duchy. 28

Why Luxembourg is going “fibre to the home”.

IN FOCUS Helping the homeless

Carina Rayeck shares an insider’s view of a shelter in Bonnevoie.

MY OTHER LIFE Field of dreams

How a communications manager learned to play ball.

Bernard Ceysson talks about his upcoming shows; plus seven others not to miss. 98

MY FAVOURITES A fine collection

Independent curator Didier Damiani shares three of the country’s best museums.

WHERE TO FIND DELANO The print edition is available to guests of the DoubleTree by Hilton in Dommeldange. More locations listed at: www.delano.lu/WhereToFindDelano

February 2016

UPFRONT

CURRENT AFFAIRS IN TOP TEN FOR KIDS Luxembourg has ranked tenth in a survey of the best countries in which to raise children. The Grand Duchy placed ahead of Germany and France (11th and 12th respectively) and behind the UK in 9th. Sweden, Denmark and Canada were in the podium places.

ESCH WANTS TDF Reports from RTL say that Esch-sur-Alzette has applied to host a stage of the 2017 Tour de France, which will start in Düsseldorf. In 2006 the city hosted the finish of stage 2 from Obernai and the start of stage 3 to Valkenburg in the Netherlands.

Well and truly putting to rest rumours about her well-being after she was rarely seen in public towards the end of 2015, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa joined prime minister Xavier Bettel at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in January. The prime minister had been invited to a panel discussion on “Governors Policy Meeting for Media, Entertainment and Information”, during which he urged the EU to encourage creativity. “It is the basis of all innovation,” he said.

BEST PAID TEACHERS

A survey of teachers average pay around the world has revealed, to the surprise of few in the Grand Duchy, that Luxembourg is the best country in which to enter the profession. The OECD report shows salaries for lower secondary teachers begin at close to $80,000, rising to $139,000 putting Luxembourg’s teachers way ahead of the pack. Germany is ranked second with a starting salary of $57,000 (with a maximum of $75,000) and Denmark February 2016

Bettel, resplendent in a bright red Tracht jacket with a green trim, also held bilateral talks with British prime minister David Cameron about the UK referendum on opting out of Europe, and also with Kazakhstan premier Karim Massimov. The Grand Duchess joined the prime minister in talks with Ángel Gurría, secretary general of the OECD, Irina Bokova (photo), director general of UNESCO, Houlin Zhao and Jin Liqun, presi dent of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

third on $46,000 and $53,000 respectively. Teachers starting out in Hungary, by comparison, earn $11,000 and can only expect to receive a maximum of $19,000 at the end of their career. So teachers on their first day on the job in Luxembourg earn more than the most experienced teacher in Germany can expect to receive, and end up on a salary over seven times that of their counterparts in Hungary.

SPEED CAMERAS APPROACH Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, Luxembourg’s first batch of fixed speed cameras are due to start operating on 16 March. Offenders will be sent notification of their penalty automatically from the date.

VISIT TO IRAN President of the Chambre des Députés, Mars Di Bartolomeo, led a delegation of five Luxembourg MPs to Iran in January to meet with Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and also President Hassan Rouhani.

Chambre des Députés ME Jan Derk Remmers Studien/Marie De Decker

DAVOS VISIT

BETTEL OUTGUNS LE PEN Prime minister Xavier Bettel was acclaimed by French satirical TV show Le Petit Journal for bringing Marine Le Pen down a peg or two in a reply to her attack in the European Parliament on Luxembourg’s European Council presidency.

NUCLEAR CONCERNS

Secretary of state for sustainable development Camille Gira has voiced concern with Belgian interior minister Jan Jambon over the restarting of two nuclear power facilities. In particular, Gira is worried about the safety of the Tihange 2 reactor--just 160km from Luxembourg--which had been shut down since March, 2014, following the discovery of micro cracks in its pressure vessel. Tihange 2 and another reactor, Doel, which is closer to the Dutch border, both went online again at the end of December 2015. German and Dutch authorities have also said they are worried by the restart of operations at the two plants. But a spokeswoman for Electrabel told AFP that service had resumed “following an audit from a US research firm, an international firm that guaranteed the structural integrity of the vessels.”

Lala La Photo

UNI 2ND MOST INTERNATIONAL

The University of Luxembourg was ranked the second most international in the world in a recent survey by The Times Higher Education website. The international outlook indicator considered proportions of international staff and students and the number of research papers published with at least one co-author from another country. Qatar topped the list.

CARTE BLANCHE

GROWNUPS: IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU Over-competitive parents are killing kids sports, writes Simon Smallbone. Winning is great for kids, but losing is just as important. What matters most for kids, and what should matter most for parents, is fun! Parents think they want success for their kids, but in many ways they want it for themselves. Kids really just want to run around, have fun and go for a pizza. So how can parents help their kids have fun? Here are ten ideas. Parents need to be positive and realise kids have a need for long-term development. You want your kid to be a better player, right? This can happen if they win or lose. So the result is not important. Focus on your child’s long-term development. Parents can ruin things. Focus on what you say after the match or training. Do you say “Did you have fun?” or do you critique with “How did you not score a goal?” Be an invited guest at matches. Don’t shout at players, at referees, or moan at other kids. Don’t behave like it is a professional game. At kids sport, just bring a chair and enjoy watching your kid have fun. Parents should wear tape over their mouths. Your role is a spectator. You are not the coach. You are not the official. You are the spectator. Enjoy it! Speak to the coach, don’t SMS or email. If something is bothering you then speak to the coach. Don’t send an SMS the night before the match complaining. Coaches don’t have the time to coach. Remember coaches coach because they make the time. The team may not exist if nobody volunteers

for it. Respect that, or if not, do it yourself. The more a coach screams and shouts the more it is about the coach than about the kids. A coach who shouts the entire game just wants to win. A coach who lets kids make mistakes is helping the kids learn and doing a great job. Parents are the biggest obstacles to their kids development. If you don’t bring your kid to practice then your kid won’t learn. Kids who don’t learn don’t play so much. Kids who don’t play so much quit. You need to commit the time! Your child is not that good. All kids need encouragement to be better. All kids need reality to keep their feet on the ground. Most importantly, so do parents! Kids learn the most at training. It is when they practice aspects of the game. It is where they touch the ball the most. Games are only a way to measure and put into practice the learning. It is not all about the match! If your kid’s team is losing all its matches, it isn’t important! If your kid’s team is winning all its matches, it isn’t important! If your kid is sad when training is over and he wants to stay and do more because he is having fun and learning, then that is important. Simon Smallbone is founder of It’s About The Pizza, a group that provides information on how to be a great sports parent and how to help children get the most from sport. www.itsaboutthepizza.com February 2016

CURRENT AFFAIRS

SNAPSHOTS

Text by ZUZA REDA-JAKIMA

Photography by STEVE EASTWOOD

MBA GRADUATES EYE ROI

laude Meisch, the Grand Duchy’s education minister, said: “I am in deep appreciation of these ambitious people who, over the span of two years, managed to combine full time work with evening classes.” He was speaking during the 24th graduation ceremony of Sacred Heart University’s MBA programme in Luxembourg. “It is a dream come true, but also a door opener and a career booster,” said Aurélie Maire Hick, an MBA graduate working in communications who received the “Gold Medal of Excellence”. The return on investment (ROI) starts from day one. “Everything that is being taught can be applied to work immediately,” she reckoned. “The tasks and assignments force you to step out of your comfort zone, change your ways of working and adapt to new thinking patterns.” The total tuition amounts to €25,000. “I wanted to become more attractive on the job market,” explained Gregor Grcar, a graduate who works in the financial sector. “It is an investment that pays off very quickly.” www.shu.lu

February 2016

MORE GRADS:

WWW.DELANO.LU/ SHUMBA2015

CONGRATS A. Newly minted MBA grad Philippe Cammaert celebrates during the Sacred Heart University ceremony in December B. Alfred Steinherr and Maria Gratia C. Yunxi Cui and Antoine Rech D. Gustavo Becerra, Valentina Balsic and Edward Henry E. Sarah Magerand and Nazli Celik F. Mounir Halal, Worakrit Ouitrakul and Christian Dumitrescu G. Gregor Grcar, Jana Kocjan and Egon Kocjan H. Nicolas Cocquyt, Emmanuel Maire, Aurélie Maire Hick and Laurent Hick I. Michael Corriger, Laura Niesen de Abruna, Norbert Becker and Jean Ehret

CURRENT AFFAIRS

DETAILS OF PARENTAL LEAVE REFORM REVEALED Family minister Corinne Cahen made the reform of the rules governing parental leave one of the priorities of her tenure, and she is on the verge of delivering a radical change that she says will redress the balance between family life and work. Cabinet has approved her proposals for the reform. The most significant changes include raising the age of the child by which time the second parent must take the parental leave from five to six years, or even 12 if the child is adopted. The first parental leave must, however, still be taken after maternity leave when the child is born. Parents will also be given more flexibility in how much time they want to spend at work and with their child. Under current legislation, parental leave can only be taken full time (for six months per child) or half-time (for a year). But under Cahen’s new proposals, parents will be able to reduce their

working time by as little as 20% for a maximum period of 20 months. The amount of compensation parents will receive during their leave will also be increased significantly. Rather than the current rate of €1,778 for full time leave (or €889 for half-timers), parents will get salary-weighted compensation of at least €1,922 rising to a maximum of €3,200 per month. Cahen has said she hopes that once her bill is approved by parliament, the new rules will come into effect in January 2017. Reports suggest the reforms could cost the state a total of €66 million per year, compared to around €46 million it currently spends on parental leave.

FAMILY PLANNING Corinne Cahen wants to offer parents a better work-life balance

CHILDCARE VOUCHERS REFORM IS NEEDED

CHÈQUESSERVICE FOR FRONTALIERS

A reform of Luxembourg’s childcare vouchers scheme--the so-called chèquesservice--is under discussion as the current system is due to run its course in September. Education minister Claude Meisch has labelled proposals to allow the vouchers to be granted to cross-border workers as well as Luxembourg residents. Meisch has cited figures that around 20% of cross-border workers have children aged under three who could be eligible for the subsidised vouchers, which can be used as payment for child-care facilities. His reform of the system may also allow the vouchers to be used at accredited childcare facilities in neighbouring countries.

"WE MUST LIFT THE VEIL ON THESE DISORDERS AND UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF." GRAND DUCHESS MARIA TERESA SPEAKING AHEAD OF A LEARNING DISORDERS FORUM AT THE END OF JANUARY. www.dysforum.lu February 2016

Sven Becker Jessica Theis > YouTube

CURRENT AFFAIRS

NORDSTROOS NOT DRIVING NIGHTMARE Of course the traffic is worse, but the recently completed A7 motorway is not really the culprit. The resident population is 22% larger and there are 45% more crossborder workers than there were ten years ago.

rustrating though the lengthening jams are, the waits are longer in other countries. Apparently commuters

February 2016

wasted 34 hours per year on average driving in this country in 2014, according to the Urban Mobility Scorecard, calculated by the IT firm Inrix. Also, delays were three times worse than in 2013. But residents of other metropolitan areas suffer much more: London is top with 96 hours wasted in congestion, Brussels is second with 74 and Cologne third with 65. Our capital is less bunged

up than 24th placed Frankfurt, with its 37 hours of average delays. But these average figures hide some individual tales of transport woe. The road links southwards are taken by most of the 87,000 French frontaliers and many of the 43,000 Belgian resident commuters. Monica O’Hara has been living just over the border in France and working on the Kirchberg for more than 20 years. “It used to take me only 40 minutes, but now it is at least 50 and often as much as 90 in bad weather or if there’s an accident,” she said. So if this 10 minute increase per day can be counted as “wasted”, with ten hours with very long delays, the total approaches 48 hours per year.

Sven Becker

THE JOURNAL

KIRCHBERG ROUNDABOUT The Serra roundabout is a major pinch point, and things only improved marginally since it was made into three lanes and traffic lights added. “The main problem is cars and buses keep changing lanes,” Barker commented. “The most frustrating thing is that I take the right-hand lane which goes around the back of Luxexpo and does not go to the roundabout, but this lane is usually blocked by cars wanting to switch lanes at the last minute to get on the roundabout.” Drivers coming from the north are finding things generally easier, but then the Serra roundabout is also a bottleneck for them too. “Our travelling time in the morning rush hours decreased from 35-40 minutes to 25-30 minutes,” said Tomasz Kapera about his family’s daily trip from home in the Alzette Valley to school and work on the Kirchberg. So there is something in the joke that the Nordstroos is just getting people to the traffic jams more quickly. “It takes 10 minutes to get to the Kirchberg, but then 15-20 minutes to go around the roundabout,” he added. Similarly, the drive from places not particularly near the motorway to the north west of town (such as Bridel, Kopstal and Kehlen) has become less time consuming. “For me, the Nordstroos has had a positive impact and has shaved at least 10-15 minutes off my journey that was taking 50 minutes and sometimes more,” remarked Ben Lyon. Parking is also a concern. Office complexes are only permitted to have places for around one-third of staff, a

rule designed to encourage people to take public transports. But here too there is more congestion. One example is the 15% increase in passenger numbers on CFL trains in the five years to 2014. Clearly Luxembourg’s job- creating genius has its downsides. Reported by STEPHEN EVANS

UK MEDIA BRAND LANDS

project is to be shot in Luxembourg,

London production company then apart from the director (if it is Crossfire has Luxembourg’s not Andrews himself), the company advertising market in sight will use locally based crew. under the guidance of local director Ben Andrews.

ust one year after Ben Andrews joined the roster of Crossfire in London, the Luxembourg based film director has set up a local branch of the production company. Andrews heads up the Luxembourg outfit, which will work together with headquarters in London to create video production for clients in the Grand Duchy. The company also has specialists in audio production and animation. “We will produce some good content. Not that there isn’t good stuff here, but we will be able to brainstorm on a brief with up to five or six other directors on our roster, and we will come up with a selection of ideas for a final pitch.” The big advantage Crossfire has over other local production companies aiming at the advertising market is that it can sanction shoots in and around London at almost no additional cost, because it already has talent and crew in place. “Some clients here want to create something that doesn’t look as though it is shot in Luxembourg, so having those options to film in London and the surrounding area is quite appealing.” But if the

CREATIVE INPUT From his previous experience, Andrews knows that some clients welcome highly creative input, so it might be a refreshing change to receive pitches for a brief that comes from Crossfire’s stable of directors who are not necessarily in the Luxembourg mindset. “They are used to working with clients all over the world who give them a certain amount of freedom.” The company’s client list includes the likes of Red Bull, EMI, Facebook, MTV, Nestlé, O2, Samsung and the BBC. It was set up by David Graham, who--as a commissioner at Island Records--worked with the likes of Amy Winehouse and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, before making the transition into advertising and producing commercials for brands such as MasterCard and Volvo. The fact that Crossfire can call on six very visually distinctive directors to pitch different interpretations of a brief is also interesting for Luxembourg clients. And as well as shooting commercials, Crossfire also provides a wealth of audiovisual web content. Andrews has also been building his portfolio of music videos, the latest of which is for local folk-pop band Seed To Tree. The clip for their ‘Until It Gets Better’ single is celebrated with a release at the Rotondes on 6 February. He February 2016

Gaël Lesure

It is getting tougher coming from the east too. “Since the Northern Road has opened in September, there is obviously more traffic joining the queue to the roundabout” in Kirchberg, pointed out Helen Barker (pictured to the left), who has lived to the east of the capital for over ten years. She said that outside rush hour the journey between home and work takes a quarter of an hour, but at peak times “it can take anything from 30 minutes to an hour.”

CURRENT AFFAIRS

THE JOURNAL

CONTINUED

clearly enjoyed making the clip, which included shooting with strippers at Saumur and capturing the atmosphere of an English pub at the Britannia in Clausen. His goal now is to start directing more commercials while also running the Crossfire office here, finding new clients and acting as executive producer for any projects that the company ends up making in the Grand Duchy. “It’s exciting, because being given the trust to set up the brand in Luxembourg is quite an honour, and also a big challenge.” Reported by DUNCAN ROBERTS

EQUAL ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE Medical professionals are volunteering to help people who have fallen through Luxembourg’s social safety nets.

édecins du Monde (Doctors of the World) was founded in France more than 30 years ago to provide medical assistance, both locally and globally, to vulnerable groups by promoting access and the right to healthcare for all. The Grand Duchy chapter was launched in 2014 primarily to assist the homeless and those ineligible for health cover through the Caisse nationale de santé, Luxembourg’s main health insurance fund, due to lack of documentation or residency. “We offer free health care, without appointments, at Esperanza House in Bonnevoie on Tuesday and Thursday evenings between 7:30 and 9 p.m.,” explained the organisation’s manager in Luxembourg, Sylvie Martin. “We try to see as many people as possible during this time, but there can

February 2016

often be 50 people waiting for just one nurse or doctor, so it can be challenging.” Médecins du Monde currently has 30 medically trained volunteers, including doctors, nurses, dentists and specialists such as ophthalmologists. “For the medical volunteers, it is an opportunity not only to benefit those in need but also develop their skills and responsibilities,” said Martin. In addition to medical professionals, the NGO relies on volunteers for patient translation and administrative help. “We are currently 100% dependent on donations and partnerships,” she said. “But there are ongoing discussions with the ministre de la santé [health minister] to develop our services.” Local partnerships with associations such as Stëmm vun der Strooss, Serve the City and the Red Cross, and the major hospitals are

essential to providing key services. “Our clients should receive the same level of care as you or I would,” argued Martin, “There should be no differentiation.” The association’s headquarters are based in rue d’Audun in Esch and there is a weekly clinic every Thursday morning there between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. However, the greatest demand remains in the capital. In 2015 the Médecins du Monde facilities in Luxembourg and Esch-sur-Alzette had more than 500 visits, with the majority of those at Esperanza House. “We are currently looking for a permanent location near the Gare area in Luxembourg City, so that we can provide access to more people,” she stated. “If someone currently comes to Esperanza House and knows they will have to wait an hour or more, they just leave without medical attention.” Those who find themselves homeless are particularly susceptible to respiratory infections, asthma and dermatitis. As a long term project, Médecins du Monde hopes not only to treat these diseases but provide preventive information to those at risk. It also welcomes donations of common non-prescription medications, such as paracetamol or cough syrup, prior to their expiration date. “Médecins du Monde is not as well known as Médecins Sans Frontières,” Martin states. “Both our organisations provide medical and humanitarian assistance, but at Médecins du Monde our focus is essentially on local and long term projects. It’s our job to help people, where we can, to be more self sufficient in the future.” www.medecinsdumonde.lu

Reported by ALIX RASSEL

" OUR CLIENTS SHOULD RECEIVE THE SAME LEVEL OF CARE AS YOU OR I WOULD." SYLVIE MARTIN

Médecins du Monde Luxembourg

YOUNG & CHINA T

he club Young & China was set up by a Danish native, Mikkel Stroerup, who was born and raised in Luxembourg and has spent some time working and studying in China and is fluent in Mandarin. After his studies in Beijing, Stroerup worked for the Luxembourg pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo in 2010. He then came back to Luxembourg, with a new insight. “Chinese new year is so prestigious for Chinese people, it’s the equivalent of Christmas.” When he found out that there was no celebration for this festive time of year, he thought about the people who lived here without people to celebrate with and decided to organise a dinner. “It started in 2012. I sent seven emails to friends who may have wanted to celebrate and in the end 35 of us had dinner at a hotpot restaurant.” Thus Young & China was born. Don’t be fooled by the name, Stroerup warned. “When I started it, it was intended for those living and working in Luxembourg, without their families.” Nowadays the term is relative; “you’re as young as you feel!” As for the term China, he welcomes anyone who has had any interest in anything Chinese. “Whether you have worked in China or that it’s the food you like or have Chinese heritage, I’ll leave it to you to decide how ‘China’ you feel. I feel very ‘China’!”

STILL INFORMAL The Young & China group now has around 40 people attending each event and Stroerup aims to run about four get-togethers annually. Using nothing more than a mailing list, he uses wordof-mouth to promote the group. “I wanted it to be organic. In Chinese

culture, organised and structured networking events rarely work. The idea of gathering over a meal of hotpot is much more enticing and naturally people start talking about it.” Huddled over a big bowl of hot water where one side is filled with broth and the other is filled with spices, the hotpot dinner is without a doubt a sociable experience. “That’s one of the reasons why I chose it as the dinner activity. I call it an activity because it literally lasts about two hours. You cook the meat and vegetables yourself and you make your own sauce to compliment what you have cooked. It’s really interactive and breaks the ice too.” But it’s not the only event that Young & China organises; they have been to laser tag and walked 100 minutes for

1,000 years of history through the old city of Luxembourg. “The whole point of the group is just to meet more people who also have an interest in China. That was my only intention behind it, and sure, there’s some great business connections to be made too but that definitely was not my goal.” Tao Ren has attended every event: “You don’t just find good friends, you also find business partners too. I’ve had a lot of fun rubbing shoulders with other enthusiasts, discussing all the great changes that are happening for China and Luxembourg.” mstroerup@hotmail.com

Reported by MARINA LAI

A LUXEMBOURG MODEL FOR PROSTITUTION LAW As the government struggles to find a new legal framework for tackling prostitution and human trafficking, participants at a recent conference were more forthright.

ender equality minister Lydia Mutsch (photo) and justice minister Félix Braz have for some time been exploring a reform of the legislation regarding prostitution and the human trafficking that is inexorably linked with the sale of sex. The ministers, from the socialist LSAP and the Déi Gréng party respectively,

last year paid visits to Stockholm and Amsterdam to learn about different approaches to dealing with the thorny issue. Mutsch has gone on record as saying that the Grand Duchy should not simply copy any of the models for sex trade legislation in other countries such as Sweden, the Netherlands or even Germany. “We need a Luxembourg model.” Mutsch spoke again at a recent conference organised by the Conseil national des femmes du Luxembourg at which guests included author Rachel Moran, who founded a platform for survivors of prostitution abuse. “I have met women from all over the world who have been prostituted and they all say exactly what I say; which February 2016

Mike Zenari (archives) Mikkel Stroerup

This social group started as an informal dinner out for friends. But now things have really steamed up.

CURRENT AFFAIRS

THE JOURNAL

is that it is a monstrously damaging and painful institution that we simply need to abolish.” She urges governments to implement legislation along the three tenets of the Nordic model--“the decriminalisation of the exploited, the criminalisation of the exploiters, and what’s equally crucial is the exit strategy provision.” Moran received support from detective inspector Simon Häggström from the Stockholm police forces’ prostitution unit. “An absolute majority of women that we help are victims of organised crime,” says Häggström. Sadly you never hear their voice, he says, whereas those in the minority who prostitute themselves out of choice often receive media attention. “But our legislation is not made for them, it is to protect the exploited victims.” He also claims that the Nordic model’s aim to reduce the demand for buying sex, by making it illegal, will automatically impact on traffickers who profit from the trade. Figures that suggest violence against prostitutes falls significantly when the Nordic model is applied. Others argue, however, that criminalising the purchase of sex will only drive prostitution further underground and that it even increases the potential danger faced by sex workers. An escort from Munich in the audience claimed that if clients know they can be prosecuted they will be in a hurry to conclude negotiations, and she will not be able to screen them as thoroughly as she can under current German legislation. Nonetheless, the majority of the audience at the conference seemed to side with those arguing for the Nordic model. Current legislation in Luxembourg does not criminalise the selling or buying of sex, only the profit by a third party, i.e., by pimps or the owners of establishments in which sex is sold. Although it is up to Mutsch and Braz to decide what a “Luxembourg model” will look like, neither got to hear the arguments being made--Braz did not even turn up at the conference and Mutsch left early. Reported by DUNCAN ROBERTS February 2016

CONTINUED

WHO’S WHO?

Heading up Luxembourg’s push to be at the forefront of the “third industrial revolution”, the minister for the economy is not afraid to mix things up in the Grand Duchy. In the four short years that Étienne Schneider has been the minister for the economy, he has brought fresh impetus to government and a determination to ignore tradition and ceremony where he feels it is not useful. He was probably the first government minister to use the word “fuck” in a formal speech at the US embassy (he was quoting foreign businessmen who questioned the geographical location of Luxembourg) and was the first to suggest that ministers should only serve two terms in office (a notion rejected in the referendum of June 2015). He is a notoriously hard working minister who, in an interview with Delano in 2013, explained that he did not make enough time for his private life--“I’m not blaming anybody,” he said. But he does find time to maintain a

nice collection of luxury cars--a hobby picked up on by German magazine Der Spiegel last year in the wake of the LuxLeaks affair. He is also openly gay, which does not seem to bother the Luxembourg electorate one iota. Now Schneider is at the forefront of Luxembourg’s efforts to be early adopters in the so-called “third industrial revolution”. He gave the keynote speech at the launch in late January of an appeal for public participation in the working groups that will help forge government policy. He hired acclaimed author and thinker Jeremy Rifkin to help initiate the project last year, and hopes to make Luxembourg a role model for the EU. If he does last just two terms in office, then maybe this will be Schneider’s legacy. QUICK BIO Born 29 January 1971 in Dudelange

ÉTIENNE SCHNEIDER

"WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE IN THE DRIVING SEAT…"

Education Lycée Technique d’Esch-sur-Alzette; ICHEC Brussels Management School Brussels; University of Greenwich, London Career 1995-1997: researcher at European Parliament and project leader at NATO in Brussels 1995: elected to Kayl communal council 1997: elected secretary general of the LSAP 2004: appointed government advisor to the Economy Ministry, rising to become a senior advisor on economic development, infrastructure and energy February 2012: appointed economy and foreign trade minister, succeeding Jeannot Krecké, who resigned

Jan Hanrion

CURRENT AFFAIRS

SNAPSHOTS

Text by AARON GRUNWALD

LGBTI IN THE WORKPLACE

ow to better include lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) staff in the workplace and the benefits this can bring to bosses was a subject of a recent conference organised by the Comité pour la Charte de la Diversité Lëtzebuerg (Luxembourg Diversity Charter Committee). According to the NGO’s most recent survey, only 30% of Luxembourg

employers (representing 14.5% of LGBT employees) that have signed the group’s “Diversity Charter” include LGBT people within their official diversity policy. The headline speech was given by Étienne Schneider, the deputy prime minister, who shared some of his own professional experiences. www.chartediversite.lu

DIVERSITY SUMMIT A. B. Étienne Schneider, the deputy prime minister, during the “LGBTI in the workplace” conference on 12 January C. Nancy Thomas of the Luxembourg Diversity Charter Committee D. Fabienne Dasnoy of the conference co-organiser BGL BNP Paribas E. Gabriele Schneider of Rosa Lëtzebuerg F. Vinay Kapoor of BNP Paribas in the UK, Bruce Hedgcock of BNP Paribas and The Pride Network in France, and David Pollard of Workplace Pride G. H. I. More than 160 people attended the event, which was held at BGL BNP Paribas in Kirchberg

MORE AT:

WWW.DELANO.LU/ LGBTIDIVERSITY16

Emmanuel Claude / Focalize

February 2016

CURRENT AFFAIRS

SNAPSHOTS

Text by DUNCAN ROBERTS

GATHERING TO HONOUR GRAND DUKE JEAN AT 95

he Daily Mail called the guest list to mark the 95th birthday of Grand Duke Jean “the cream of the continent’s royals”. The gathering included Grand Duke Jean’s nephew by marriage, King Philippe of Belgium and his wife Queen Mathilde, Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands and Queen Sofia of Spain. The ceremony at the Philharmonie was also attended by the royal family and local dignitaries, including prime minister Xavier Bettel and members of the government, as well as deputies and local government leaders. Born on 5 January, 1921, Prince Jean was the eldest son of Grand Duchess Charlotte and Prince Félix. He famously went on to join the Irish Guards during the royal family’s exile under the Nazi occupation. He later became the regiment’s honorary colonel, and a troop of Irish Guards was on hand at the celebrations in the Philharmonie. The Prince married Josephine-Charlotte, eldest child of King Leopold III of Belgium, in 1953 and ascended to the throne when his mother abdicated in 1964. He served as the head of state until 2000, when he stepped down in favour of current Grand Duke Henri.The concert in his honour featured the OPL conducted by Gustavo Gimeno with guest soloist Daishin Kashimoto playing Beethoven’s Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D major.

A. Grand Duke Jean with his greatgrandsons Princes Gabriel and Noah B. Grand Duke Jean, Grand Duke Henri, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and prime minister Xavier Bettel C. Pipers from the Irish Guards D. Family surrounds the Grand Duke as he accepts the birthday cake E. Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium with Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands

February 2016

SIP / Julien Warnand Guy Wolff / Cour Grand-Ducale SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen

F. Crown Prince Guillaume delivers a speech watched by Princess MariaAnnunciata of Liechtenstein, MarieChristine of Austria, Prince Paul-Louis and Prince Constantin G. Diane of Nassau, Prince Jean, Archduchess MarieAstrid of Austria H. The Irish Guards on stage I. Grand Duke Jean acknowledges the audience J. Prince Guillaume, the Grand Duke Jean’s youngest son, and Princess Sibilla K. Violin soloist Daishin Kashimoto L. Grand Duke Jean, Grand Duke Henri and Gustavo Gimeno M. Luxembourg dignitaries applaud Grand Duke Jean N. The Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg O. A sergeant from the Irish Guards congratulates Grand Duke Jean

February 2016

CURRENT AFFAIRS

LEGAL

Text by NEEL CHRILLESEN

Photography by JULIEN BECKER

MAY DIVORCE BE WITH YOU More than half of the married couples in Luxembourg today are “international”, and when they choose to divorce it can get complicated. How do you split up in a country that’s not your own? What are the pitfalls to avoid? And above all, is it something you should prepare for?

DEIDRE DU BOIS Consult both a Luxembourg lawyer and an attorney in your home country February 2016

ew people want to think about a possible divorce when they are about to walk down the aisle. However, a fair number end up wishing they had prepared better for the eventuality at that very moment--and probably even more so when they find themselves splitting up in a foreign country or from a partner of a different nationality. Love may have no boundaries when you’re tying the knot, but it’s a whole other story when you’re trying to untie it. “When you get married you enter a contract and you have to delineate the rules,” says Deidre Du Bois, a family lawyer with DKDB attorneys in Luxembourg. “It’s not romantic and young people who don’t have a lot of assets when entering wedlock don’t think about it. However, defining your matrimonial regime is important, especially when it concerns international relationships. And for obvious reasons, it’s something couples should discuss while they’re still in love.” It’s never too late to clarify your situation if needed. A couple residing in Luxembourg can change matrimonial regime every two years before a notary. No matter which country you get married in and where you define your matrimonial regime, the judge will refer to the existing contract in the event of a divorce. “Never take things lightly and be realistic before there’s trouble,” says Du Bois. “If you move to another country and one of you stops working, talk about it and discuss what the consequences could be, also on that person’s pension and future career.” In the Grand Duchy, only

48% of marriages are between Luxembourgers, while the other half are either mixed (26%) or between non-nationals (26%). The breakdown is similar when it comes to divorces. Consequently, Luxembourg divorce lawyers are better equipped than most to deal with international couples. Nevertheless, situations can easily get complicated. As Du Bois points out: “When expats have properties around the world, for example, splitting assets is not always easy and if you can’t agree it’s up to the judge to decide what you envisioned at the time you got married.”

LUXEMBOURG LAW When you file for divorce in the Grand Duchy, it is Luxembourg law that prevails, not that of the country where you come from or where you got married. In some cases, if you’re both the same nationality or in a situation where the EU divorce pact (called the Rome III Regulation) can be used, it is possible to choose another country of jurisdiction to issue the divorce proceedings. “If you want to get a divorce in Luxembourg as a non-national, my advice is to check with both a lawyer in your homeland and one here, and do this before you announce anything to your spouse,” she says. “For example, if you’re an expat wife who is not working here, you are most likely better off filing for divorce elsewhere.” In Luxembourg spousal support can, as a principle, not exceed the guaranteed

minimum income and generally, if the spouse is of working age, nothing is allocated at all. So in many cases, speed is essence and it’s a question of “making a run for it” and filing for divorce first, in the country that will serve your interests best (the UK has the “best” reputation when it comes to alimony and generous splitting of assets). However, Du Bois says: “My immediate counsel is usually not to rush into anything. Measure all the options and be absolutely sure there is no other solution. If you do choose to go ahead with the divorce and if you have children, do what it takes to stay on speaking terms with your ex-spouse-to-be. It breaks a child’s heart when his parents aren’t respectful of each other. Often, when expats get divorced, one of the parents moves to another country. In that case, be realistic. Never make it about ‘your rights’ to your children, make it about them.”

NEGOTIATIONS BETTER THAN COURT As for the financial aspect of a divorce, she adds: “I never advise to fight to the bitter end for a bit more money. A good negotiation is better than a bad judgement. Most lawyers here don’t go into ‘hit and kill’ mode. Our responsibility is to try and lesson the pain and make it easier for everyone. And anyway, you can’t win a divorce.” “If the lawyers start a mudslinging contest, whatever you

"MOST LAWYERS HERE DON’T GO INTO ‘HIT AND KILL’ MODE."

February 2016

CURRENT AFFAIRS

LEGAL

CONTINUED

CAN YOU SAVE A MARRIAGE?

DIVORCE IN LUXEMBOURG Since the early 2000s, the Grand Duchy has recorded about 1,000 divorces and 2,000 weddings each year. The average age of divorcing couples is between 40 and 45. The average length of marriages has however remained relatively stable since the 1970s, at around 13 years. Half the total number of divorces involves a Luxembourger couple.

February 2016

Couples in which neither partner is a Luxembourger represent 30% of divorces. Mixed nationality marriages represent 21% of divorces. In half the number of divorces, the couple has minor children. In the Grand Duchy, about 7% of children under the age of 16 live with a step-parent.

Marriage is a difficult promise to make and not everyone pulls through. However, divorce is not always the only solution to a strained relationship. “There are a lot of different scenarios and in many cases it’s worth seeking help,” says Robert Blanke, a psychotherapist. “The toughest situations are when one part wants

to stay and make the couple work and the other wants out. Or when a person is not happy and blames his or her partner for everything that’s wrong. But if you are open, active and willing to take a step back, there’s a chance you can work through it together. Even in the case of infidelity, it’s possible to find a way back.”

ROBERT BLANKE Take time to ask yourself hard questions

do, don’t retaliate,” recommends David Evans, financial advisor at the Spectrum IFA Group, whose own divorce in Luxembourg dragged along for five years and cost around €30,000. “It’s easy to get caught up in the ‘he said-she said’ charges but the only people it benefits are the lawyers. Don’t let them take control. Get a personal recommendation for a lawyer who will understand what you want and ask the judge for a date.” To make the split of assets easier in the event of a divorce, Evans suggests couples who opt for regular premium investments take one each. “Having two smaller policies instead of one larger one will make things much easier if you part ways. Couples who stay on good enough terms to wait for their assets to mature before splitting them up and take the necessary time to sell their house are of course also better off.” On top of all the hurt and distress a divorce can trigger, expat and mixed couples are faced with additional challenges when they split, and not only because of the often more complicated financial situations and cross-border custody issues. “Divorces are emotionally confusing, so when you’re in a country that isn’t your own, far from your familiar support circle and maybe also feel insecure because of language issues or cultural differences, it can be extra hard,” says Robert Blanke, a Luxembourg-based psychotherapist. In his practice, he sees people contemplating divorce as well as those going through divorce or trying to get over one. However, he says not all couples need the help of a therapist

WHERE TO GET SUPPORT On the webpage of Luxembourg’s SOS Détresse helpline (www.454545. lu), you’ll find information pages in English about divorce and separation. The Familljen Center (www.familljen-center.lu) offers consultations with psychologists and therapists, mediation and support groups both for adults and young people.

in these cases: “Some couples are very rational as they go through the process, but for those who feel overwhelmed, depressed or have anger issues, I recommend seeking out support, and even more so if they are far from family and usual surroundings.”

DO YOU REALLY NEED TO SPLIT? Blanke also suggests not making big decisions when emotionally vulnerable. “Safety comes first, so if you’re in an abusive relationship you should of course get out as soon as possible. But waking up next to your partner one day and telling yourself, ‘I just can’t go on’, doesn’t necessarily mean you should be heading for a divorce. Most human beings go through stages where they’re not happy or dissatisfied. When your couple isn’t working, ask yourself if it’s a stage you are going through, or your partner is going through, or if it’s a fundamental problem between the both of you. Take the time to ask yourself the hard questions.” A common problem special to expat couples is when one spouse has given up a way of life and/or a job to follow the other. “It’s a situation that can go sour,” says Blanke. “Trailing spouses may experience social isolation or sudden loss of identity after a move, and if the partner isn’t aware of this and is even putting in long hours to keep on top in the new job, the couple can suffer extra stress, and existing problems in the marriage may be exacerbated.” But what can tear a couple apart can also make it stronger. As always, the key is to communicate properly.

FIND OUT MORE The Erzeiongs- a Familljeberodung association (www.afp-services.lu) offers support and consultations. The Amitié Portugal-Luxembourg association has a helpline in English too. Emails can be sent to antenne.ecoute@amitie.lu and appointments in English can be made by phoning +352 621 509 079.

To get more information about which laws apply to couples of different nationalities, living in different EU countries during their marriage or no longer living in the same EU country, go to ec.europa. eu and search for “Divorce and legal separation.” Information about different types of divorce in Luxembourg can be

found in English: go to www.luxembourg.public.lu and click on “Living,” then “Family” and then “Life as a couple.” Find a lawyer by searching for “droit de la famille” on the Luxembourg Bar Association website (www.barreau.lu).

February 2016

CURRENT AFFAIRS

POLITICS

Text by DUNCAN ROBERTS

EARLY JOCKEYING AMID ELECTION UNCERTAINTY As the so-called Gambia coalition approaches its midterm mark, Luxembourg’s political parties are taking note of poll results and considering candidate options. But constitutional confusion surrounds the date of the next parliamentary elections.

he elections of October 2013 did not just provide a shock in ousting the CSV from its traditional role as the dominant coalition partner in government; the snap poll has also caused a minor constitutional dilemma. Parliamentary elections are usually held every five years in June, on the same day as the European Parliament elections. This pragmatic approach not only saves Luxembourgers going to the polls twice, but also encourages voting in the EP elections--or so the theory goes. The point is that the snap elections in October 2013 have upset that quite neat five-yearly rhythm. The constitution states that deputies are elected for a five-year term, the logical date for the next parliamentary elections would be October 2018. However, electoral law stipulates that if parliament is dissolved, deputies are elected for a tenure of five ordinary parliamentary sessions-which could be interpreted to mean the next election could be held as late as June 2019. It does look likely that the elections will be scheduled for October 2018; at least that is what the LSAP’s Alex Bodry thinks. The president of the parliamentary committee in charge of institutional and constitutional reform has said that the electoral law will be reformed and that constitutional law takes precedence. In that case, Luxembourgers will go to the polls at least three times in the space of around 30 months, starting with February 2016

local government elections in October 2017, national parliament elections the following year and European Parliament elections in June 2019. That is not to mention the current government’s plans to host another referendum in the first half of 2018 on its plans for constitutional reform.

GAINS FOR FRINGE PARTIES Whatever the date of the next election, the fact is that the defeat of the government’s referendum in June on voting rights for non-nationals led to a significant drop in popularity, especially for Bettel’s own Democratic Party. And although the government has since received praise for its handling of the refugee crisis and its presidency of the European Council, the most recent opinion polls published by the Tageblatt indicate that the DP would lose as many as five seats and the LSAP three had elections been held in January. The third coalition partner, Déi Gréng, would retain its six seats but the big winners would be the opposition CSV with a gain of four seats. The fringe parties would also all make gains, with populist ADR adding

two seats to its current tally of three, Déi Lénk also adding one to have three seats in the chamber, and even the KPL communist party regaining the single seat it lost in the 2004 elections. The half way point of the current government’s tenure has also seen plenty of manoeuvring by the parties in preparedness for the next election. At the end of November last year the DP elected, unopposed, family minister Corinne Cahen as its new president, after Xavier Bettel stepped down to focus more on his job as leader of the government. Cahen, like Bettel, is a master of the media and has learned from the prime minister that being seen in public and taking time to meet personally with people pays great dividends come election time. Given time to introduce a series of policy reforms, including tax and parental leave, Cahen and Bettel could make a formidable team come the next election.

BIG GUNS The CSV, meanwhile, has also brought out the big guns early. Party president Marc Spautz has been

A. BACK IN THE GAME? The re-emergence of Luc Frieden and the popularity of Claude Wiseler could give the CSV a welcome dilemma

B. MEDIA MASTER New DP president Corinne Cahen knows how to get her message across

and became a vice chairman of Deutsche Bank in London. But he was back in Luxembourg in early January to launch his book Europa 5.0: Ein GeschĂ¤ftsmodell fĂźr unseren Kontinent (Europe 5.0: a business model for our continent) and in an interview with the Wort (where he became board chair on 1 February) did not rule out a political comeback. Now that really would put the cat among the pigeons, and also leave the CSV with a dilemma about who to choose as its lead candidate. The LSAP may have a similar problem. Jean Asselborn is hugely

popular, but may be viewed as being a bit long in the tooth come 2018, when he will be 69 years old and will have served as foreign minister for 14 years. Ă&#x2030;tienne Schneider is young and dynamic, but only ranks fourth among politicians in the centre (behind city mayor Lydie Polfer in third place). And apart from the charming socialite Marc Angel, the LSAP has no other members of parliament with experience to match the leading lights of its two main opponents. The next two years could be fascinating for anyone following Luxembourg politics.

Jessica Theis Christophe Olinger (Archives)

giving interviews to the CSV supporting Luxemburger Wort and parliamentary faction president Claude Wiseler was being tipped as a possible prime ministerial candidate following the opinion poll results that placed him ahead of Bettel, for the very first time, as the most popular politician in the centre constituency. But it was the re-emergence of former finance and justice minister Luc Frieden that has sparked most interest in the CSV. Once regarded as the natural successor to Jean-Claude Juncker, Frieden resigned as a parliamentarian in September 2014

February 2016

CURRENT AFFAIRS

NATIONAL

Text by STEPHEN EVANS

Photography by SVEN BECKER

WHAT IS LUXEMBOURG? We all know what a “nation” is until we try to put it into words. This idea is central to the way we organise things, but what is it?

ccording to Fred Keup: “A nation is a population that shares commonalities such as a common language, education system, traditions, media, a value system, history and a territory.” Keup is the spokesman for the Nee2015 campaign, which opposed the extension of voting to non-Luxembourgers in last year’s referendum. “Luxembourgers define themselves by their language first, and that’s why Lëtzebuergesch is a key aspect of nationality,” he added. Yes, but you can be Belgian and speak only one of the three national languages. If parents decide to homeschool their children, this has nothing to do with their kids’ nationality. Not every Luxembourger gives presents on St. Nicholas Day, but this doesn’t matter. The reality of a national media is fracturing under pressure from the web, history is never clear-cut, and national borders move with war and historical whim. Given this fluidity, some think nationalism is an elaborate hoax. But isn’t it missing the point to be so picky? After a few months living here we can all give a list of “Luxembourgish” things, and these individual themes come together to form an understandable, if blurred mental picture. And isn’t nationhood useful? “Patriotism is what makes us behave unselfishly,” wrote the UK politician Daniel Hannan recently. “It is why we pay taxes to support strangers, why we accept election results when we voted for the loser, why we obey laws with which we disagree,” he argued.

HARMONIOUS MULTICULTURALISM Yet in another twist, many Luxembourgers are proud of their country February 2016

ELKE MURDOCK A. Multiculturalism can be a “badge of honour” FRED KEUP B. Luxembourgish is a key part of Luxembourg national identity

because it is a unique example of harmonious multiculturalism, underscored with multilingualism. Elke Murdock, a researcher at the University of Luxembourg, conducted a study with a group of predominantly Luxembourg-born nationals and found widespread endorsement of the idea of multiculturalism as a way to broaden and enrich their lives. Other studies also show how: “People define themselves in bi-cultural ways and that it is a badge of honour to have a second culture.” As for why we pay taxes and accept election results, isn’t this because we

just do, with the vague threat of jail if we don’t? Despite the inconsistencies, nationality is something we understand. Research undertaken by Dr. Murdock found that in mixed-nationality settings in the Grand Duchy, people would tend to cite their nationality to define themselves. With a more nationally homogenous group, there is a tendency to point to other differentiating characteristics. “Far back in time we had societies based on tribes and clans, with relationships based on lineage, with livelihoods forged in a given

but what exactly is a nation’s “culture”? There’s no clear definition, but the social psychologist Geert Hofstede’s quote, “culture is the software of the mind”, makes sense. More simply, it can be seen as “the way we do things.” But again, that notion is vague. We all know what this means in general, but how can this be a template for the way we run things? It used to be socially acceptable to discriminate based on gender and sexuality, but within a generation this has become anathema and taboo. There is more confusion still when a national identity is linked to multiculturalism. And in this country, this notion goes beyond the “cultural Disneyland” feared by some commentators. Different communities have their restaurants and traditions, but there is ample desire and action to integrate and be integrated, even if for some communities this process may take a generation. Things are not as polarised as they might seem.

geographical area,” she said. Because the human mind was formed in this environment, when larger societies evolved it was possible to use this to generate regional and national feeling. It is a phenomenon that works. Luxembourg exists as a by-product of nineteenth century power politics, but the addition of less than two centuries of history has made the existence of the country feel natural to natives and foreigners alike. The government tried to move the boundaries of what nationality means when it sought to give non-nationals the vote. It got burned badly in last

year’s referendum, with 80% rejecting this plan. Some worry that the campaign and result risked opening splits in society. “Some Yes supporters said that it has split the country, but nothing could be further from the truth,” said Keup. “On the contrary, it united the country around a significant majority, namely 80% of the voters.” He believes that non-Luxembourgers understand this too: “Many foreigners share our notion of nationality and support us in our quest to keep our identity. They accept a leading culture, because they decided to come and live here.” Most people will get that,

LANGUAGE IS NOT NATIONALITY Yes, 46% of the population don’t have Luxembourg passports, but a larger majority of the population speak Luxembourgish. So in a country with the unofficial motto “we want to remain what we are”, that appears to imply a country willing to make changes when required. Another metaphor might be an historic old town that has been extended and modified over time. The basic shape and structure remains, but the character evolves into something quite different. Being polite is always good advice, as is the need to provide very good reasons for changing the way things are done. And looking too closely at this subject might be tricky. After all, we don’t need to be able to see every stone in one of Luxembourg’s castles to know it’s a castle.

MULTICULTURALISM IS DEAD? “This [multicultural] approach has failed, utterly failed,” said Germany’s chancellor, Angela Merkel, in 2010. But then five years later, Germany welcomed hundreds of thousands of migrants, apparently endorsing the idea that the country should be home to a variety of cultures. “Multiculturalism is very hard to define,” notes Elke Murdock of the University of Luxembourg. “At best, it’s an umbrella term for a range of policies and political beliefs.” The idea of multiculturalism Merkel was attacking would allow and encourage groups to live in separate, parallel communities. However, few believe this is desirable. Perhaps the most useful definition could be summarised as “good manners”: realising that migration is a fact of life and seeking to make the best of it for everyone.

February 2016

CURRENT AFFAIRS

IN FOCUS

Photography by SVEN BECKER

HELPING THE HOMELESS

February 2016

WINTER ACTION As the first snowfall arrived in Luxem bourg, the annual “Wanteraktioun” was welcomed by those gathering at the Red Cross’s Dernier Sol shelter in Bonnevoie. “We provide shelter and a warm meal for those that need it,” explains Carina Rayeck (whose arm is pictured) who volunteers twice a week at the facility. This is the second year that Rayeck, a native Luxembourger, has volunteered for Wanteraktioun. “Today, I am washing dishes in the kitchen, so I am usually finished around 4 p.m., depending on how busy we are,” she said on 19 January. This year, Wanteraktioun runs between 1 December and 31 March, and when temperatures drop below 5 degrees for prolonged periods of time. (In addition to the Croix Rouge shelter, overnight accommodation is provided by Caritas near Findel airport.) Last winter, 1,174 different people made use of the facilities, but Rayeck feels the number has been rising. “With the migrant crisis, I think there are more people using the facilities this year. As I am retired now, this is my way of giving something back to the community and to those in s ociety who are most vulnerable.” AR

February 2016

UPFRONT

BUSINESS

NEW TERRITORY FOR ALTERNATIVE FUNDS The Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry estimates that there were €580bn in assets in alternative investment funds based in Luxembourg towards the end of last year. This represents 16% of all funds located in the Grand Duchy and 7% of the global alternative funds market. These figures were reflected in a positive atmosphere at the European Alternative Investment Funds Conference organised by ALFI on 19 and 20 January. Luxembourg real estate investment funds are part of the success story. They did pretty well last year, with net assets up 20% in the twelve

months to September 2015, almost double to the growth rate for Luxembourg’s alternative sector as a whole. “Since the introduction of the AIFMD, the trend of setting up international fund vehicles in the Grand Duchy has even increased, with non-EU managers using Luxembourg as a European distribution hub,” noted Kai Braun of the consultancy EY Luxembourg (pictured, left), who produced ALFI’s annual survey on the subject. Real estate funds in Luxembourg had total assets of €39bn, about 7% of all alternative funds based here. SE www.alfi.lu

5.1% Proportion of Luxembourg’s labour force employed in the information and communications technology sector in 2014, according to Eurostat. 82% of the 12,700 tech workers were men. Across the EU28, 3.7% of employees worked in ICT; the figure ranged from 6.7% in Finland to 1.3% in Greece. February 2016

"WE CREATED OVER 10,000 NEW JOBS IN 2015…" … across Europe, announced Xavier Garambois of Amazon. The online retailer plans to add 300 new posts in Luxembourg this year.

Cetrel, the card payments provider, took on the brand of its newish Swiss corporate parent, Six, on 1 January. >>> Luxembourg City fell from 28th to 52nd highest cost of living out of 239 cities worldwide in the index produced by Expatistan. com. >>> Fitch, a major credit ratings agency, reaffirmed its top AAA grade for Luxembourg state debt and forecast higher GDP growth this year. >>> Lombard International Assurance agreed to buy Zurich Eurolife’s Luxembourg private banking unit, boosting Lombard’s Italian presence. >>> The labour minister, Nicolas Schmit, formally inaugurated Webforce3, a school in Belval that can train 90 new web developers in 18 months. >>> The European Investment Bank said last year it lent out 16% of the €315bn in funds in the socalled “Juncker plan” to boost the EU economy. >>> Pierre Gramegna, Luxembourg’s finance minister, spoke at the official launch of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank in Beijing, the only western leader to do so, and took a seat on the bank’s board of governors. >>> The board of cargo airline Cargolux approved a $77m investment to set up a joint venture in China; it could start flying in 2017. >>> Luxembourg ranked third (after Switzerland and Singapore) in the Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2015-16, which measures attractiveness for globally mobile workers. >>> Two ex-PwC employees and a journalist go on trial 26 April for the theft of the “LuxLeaks” documents.

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CATCHING UP WITH…

EKATERINA VOLOTOVSKAYA This highly accomplished Russian businesswoman is making her mark on Luxembourg. “Optimistic, pragmatic, professional and business-orientated,” is how Ekaterina Volotovskaya would describe herself to someone she has never met before. As president of the Luxembourg Russia Business Chamber and an audit partner at Deloitte, it’s fair to say she has carved out an impressive career. Born in Moscow, she worked in audit with Ernst & Young for five years, before moving to Luxem bourg in 2001 to gain international experience with Deloitte. “Deloitte was a member of the LRBC since the beginning; in fact we celebrated ten years as a chamber last December,” she explains. “I was always involved in the Russian business of Deloitte and was elected a member of the LRBC board in 2010, and as president in 2012.” A considerable accomplishment, since Volotovskaya believes she is the only female president of a business chamber in Luxembourg, “and I’m the only Russian female partner in the Big Four in Luxembourg.” The LRBC aims to promote economic, cultural and scientific relations between the two countries. It draws its membership from the professionals and aspiring professionals of Russia, Luxembourg and the Greater Region. “We have around 100 members--individuals and corporates--and the majority are not Russian,” says Volotovskaya. She’s immensely proud that despite the “unfortunate” political climate over the last few years, their membership has continued to increase. “We’ve managed to create this very neutral environment where no one feels any political pressure. We try to avoid political exposure, to stay neutral. In fact no one worries that by joining the chamber they are making a political statement. We’ve managed to keep the chamber free from the influence of the Russian authorities.” A trade delegation organised by the Luxembourg government will be heading to Russia in February to promote economic cooperation, and “all interested business people are invited to join.” And Volotovskaya’s one wish? “That sanctions are lifted against Russia!” www.lrbc.lu Interview by WENDY CASEY Photography by LALA LA PHOTO February 2016

BUSINESS

SNAPSHOTS

Text by WENDY CASEY

Photography by STEVE EASTWOOD

MEMBERS COCKTAIL

he British Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual new year cocktail at the British embassy’s official residence. The ambassador, Alice Walpole, was in attendance for one of her last public engagements in Luxembourg before she leaves for her next assignment in Mali. Alison Macleod, the BCC’s chair, thanked Walpole for: “one of the highlights of last year, the Magna Carta viewing which was very kindly arranged by Alice--it was a real privilege”. “It’s so important to have an embassy that supports the local business community,” said Andrew Knight, partner at M Partners, an advisory firm. “If I compare this embassy with others, it’s really active--participating, supporting and encouraging the business community.” Roy Reding, partner of the Reding law firm, had the final say: “What an incredible array of posts our departing British ambassador has held and what fascinating stories she can tell. If the new ambassador is only half as interesting...” www.bcc.lu

FOND FAREWELLS A. Laura Foulds and Andrew Knight B. Alan Dundon, Alison Macleod and Chris Vigar C. Robin Naudin ten Cate and Virginia Strelen D. Karine Reuter and Roy Reding MP for ADR E. Angela Taylor, Henry Munster and Sophie Kerschen F. Alizée Delcourt and Jonathan Norman G. Martyn Porter and Johny Basher H. Alice Walpole and Heiner Richters during the British chamber’s new year reception, held at the UK ambassador’s residence on 20 January

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February 2016

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BUSINESS

INSURANCE

Text by WENDY CASEY

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

TRAVEL INSURANCE ESSENTIALS Planning a business trip? Talk to any insurance agent worth their salt and they’ll tell you that adequate insurance cover should be your primary concern.

magine you’re planning a business trip to China--the route you’re going to take, the connecting flights, hotels, car hire and of course, what you need to pack. “But you must also consider how to protect yourself should the worst happen,” explains Jean-Paul Meyer of the Luxembourg insurance company Lalux. “Most people booking travel are full of optimism, thinking only of their journey. They put information on Facebook and forget to take charge of their mailbox. Don’t give away too much information about leaving your home as it’s an invitation to thieves.” He also recommends that you check the level of your home contents insurance to avoid under insurance “as adequate cover will at least minimize the unpleasantness of burglary.” So what type of insurance do you need to protect yourself when travelling outside of Luxembourg? “It’s difficult to be general as it very much depends upon the persons and their individual circumstances. If you are booking a journey, an insurance package may already be included. Before leaving home, it’s important to do an inventory of what you already have and what needs to be covered in a complimentary way. You need a minimum, but be careful; €1,500 lost luggage cover may not be enough,” Meyer says.

WHAT POLICY TO PICK Jean-Claude Stoos of Foyer, another insurer, agrees whole-heartedly. “Luxembourg is a tiny country, so travel more than 20 or 30 kilometres and you are already abroad.” Travel February 2016

insurance policies commonly cover holiday cancellation, holiday interruption, luggage insurance, medical assistance in case of emergency or repatriation, and assistance when travelling with your car abroad. “This can avoid huge expenses and some very unpleasant experiences when you are alone in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language. There are a vast variety of solutions from all-year, multi-trip packages for the frequent traveller to temporary coverage for just one trip.” Stoos recommends baggage assistance when taking several flights, since the chances of losing your luggage are increased. This will insure against theft, accidental loss and deterioration of your luggage, should the worst happen. Do business travellers require a different type of insurance to holiday makers? “Yes and normally a company whose employees travel regularly will arrange this. Bear in mind that a business traveller may stay several months in one location and standard travel insurance is limited in time--up to eight weeks. Also if you are carrying professional items, for example, business laptops and phones, medical or engineering equipment, then this won’t be covered under a standard, private insurance.” He points out that the maximum levels of cover are generally far higher under a business policy. “Medical expenses abroad can be covered up to €1m for a business

traveller, while standard non-business coverage can go to €250,000 depending on the number of people and what has been covered.”

PERSONAL BUSINESS

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES It’s worth bearing in mind that travel insurance generally includes medical assistance which provides for repatriation. While “normal” dangerous sporting accidents are often covered, competing in or assisting with motorised racing activities is not, says Stoos. “Two doctors [the doctor abroad and the doctor working for the insurance company] will decide upon the best form of repatriation. A child broke his nose in a skiing accident recently and had to be repatriated to Luxembourg due to a severe allergic reaction to medication. The doctors agreed that in this case, a taxi was the most suitable mode of transport.” Few businesses are as experienced in the field of repatriation as Luxembourg Air Rescue, a private, humanitarian outfit. “Becoming a member of LAR is an act of solidarity,” says Didier Dandrifosse, head of its medical department who is clearly passionate about this non-profit organisation and its life-saving mission. “We are working in a convention with the 112 service, so anyone in an emergency situation in Luxembourg can be assisted. That said, without the incredibly valuable support of our members, this crucial service would not exist!”

" DON’T GIVE AWAY TOO MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT LEAVING YOUR HOME AS IT’S AN INVITATION TO THIEVES." JEAN-PAUL MEYER

February 2016

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" THERE ARE INSTANCES WHEN IT MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE TO FLY YOU BACK TO LUXEMBOURG." DIDIER DANDRIFOSSE February 2016

He goes on to explain that they perform secondary transfer and repatriation missions in which patients are moved depending on their circumstances. “Our fixed-wing ambulance jet enables us to provide a world-wide repatriation service to our members. We offer a very personalised service and are known as a medical quality provider, employing our own specialist nurses and physicians in the field of intensive care. We provide a number of additional services too; people often call us for medical advice and some forget to bring their medication on their travels. They call us for the generic names of equivalent drugs in the country in which they are staying.” LAR works fast and most of their members are repatriated within three days if deemed medically fit to fly. How does the process work? All members receive a membership card containing the LAR emergency call centre telephone number. The centre is manned 24x7 by flight nurses, who are medical professionals that understand the conditions in various countries. They will verify that you are a member, collect the relevant medical information and the contact

details of your doctor before clarifying your emergency situation and whether you are fit to fly. “We’ll then launch the mission and arrange your repatriation very, very fast. There are instances when it may not be appropriate to fly you back to Luxembourg. If you are suffering from acute appendicitis and staying in a good standard of hospital in a European city, for example, it may make sense to stay and have the required operation there. The risk assessment result might be very different however, if you are located in the middle of Africa,” says Dandrifosse. Location is indeed pertinent. “While our jets can fly anywhere in the world, we made the decision not to fly into a war zone and so developed a network of flight partners. They will fly the patient from the war zone to a safer location from where we collect them ‘wing-to-wing’. We had a young woman on a roundthe-world bicycle trip and she was bitten by a spider in Afghanistan. Our partner flew her to Dushanbe in Tajikistan and from there we flew her home; it took some hours of organisation!” Some cases are fraught with medical difficulty: “We are sometimes flying very unstable patients from zones where the necessary facilities just do not exist. Our jets are fitted with intensive care units and staffed by qualified specialists who take the utmost care.”

EUROPEAN COVERAGE Then there’s the cover most residents benefit from automatically in Luxembourg. As a general rule, all Luxembourg employees and their dependents receive sickness insurance cover, through the Caisse Nationale de Santé (National Healthcare Fund) for the private sector or through three other funds that cater specifically to the public sector. Every person covered by health insurance in the Grand Duchy is eligible to apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which allows immediate access to healthcare during a temporary stay abroad.

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The card provides for medically necessary, state-provided healthcare in line with the conditions and fees applicable in that country. It is valid throughout the EU and also in Iceland, Lichtenstein, Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Switzerland. If travelling outside of this region, it’s better to call up the CNS and seek guidance, since some countries are linked by bilateral convention to Luxembourg and some are not. If you fall ill and present EHIC in a valid jurisdiction, then you will be treated as if you were insured in that country. If medical care is provided free of charge (i.e., paid by the foreign health fund), then you will receive healthcare free of charge too. Be aware though, that EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and does not cover areas such as private healthcare costs, a return flight to the patient’s home country or any lost or stolen property. It’s clear that when it comes to travel, it’s not enough to be insured. You need to invest in the right combination of policies at an adequate level of cover. Ronald Schlesser, an insurance agent for Foyer, says: “The best advice that I can give to travellers is to make an appointment with a professional insurance agent before you leave Luxembourg. The insurance agent will provide valuable guidance on the most appropriate cover for the type of trip you are undertaking. They will also make sure that there are no overlapping covers, taking into consideration for example any cover provided by the credit card being used to fund the trip.” In the case of a car accident abroad, Schlesser recommends calling the police who will write up an accident declaration. “If the car can no longer be driven and your car assurance contains an ‘assistance’ option, the 24-hour help desk will try to organise a towing service, car replacement and accommodation during the period of repair. Always try to obtain witness details where possible and take photos of any damage. The more effort you make to retain supporting documentation, the smoother the process will run.” February 2016

AUTO INSURANCE What to do in case of an accident abroad: Call for local medical help immediately. Obtain witness contact details and a police report when possible and appropriate. When you know what is wrong and are in a fit state, call your 24 x 7 insurance or assistance help desk. Follow their guidance. They will contact your doctor to understand what needs to happen next, e.g., repatriation. Keep copies of all relevant documents, bills and invoices. If possible, take photos of any damage. When back in Luxembourg, contact your insurance agent who will assist you with your claim.

" THIS CAN AVOID HUGE EXPENSES AND SOME VERY UNPLEASANT EXPERIENCES WHEN YOU ARE ALONE IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY WHERE YOU DON’T SPEAK THE LANGUAGE." JEAN-CLAUDE STOOS

HEALTH INSURANCE CNS For the “Holidays abroad” leaflet, go to www.cns.lu, click on English, then click on “leaflets”. For the FAQ, click on “Insured persons” then scroll down to “Crossborder healthcare” and flick on “FAQ” European Commission Search for “The European Health Insurance Card” on ec.europa.eu.

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BUSINESS

TRADE

Text by SARAH PITT

Photography by MARION DESSARD

"INCREASINGLY INTERLINKED" Up to 200 people are expected to attend the Luxembourg for Finance seminar on 22 February in Singapore, one of the main financial centres in Southeast Asia.

SEMINAR INFO: WWW.LFF.LU

n February, a Luxembourg financial delegation will travel to the vibrant city-state Singapore, a major regional hub with a very open economy and the fourth largest financial centres in the world. “This economic mission is about strengthening existing ties, and updating the local financial community on the most recent developments in Europe, notably in the fund industry,” states Tom Théobald, deputy CEO of Luxembourg for Finance, the state-backed agency that promotes the country’s financial services sector. Luxembourg is already well known in many markets in the Asia-Pacific region, and Singapore is an established market for the Grand Duchy, where up to 70% of the investment market is Luxembourg-domiciled funds. Carole Wintersdorff, an independent board director who lives between Luxembourg and Singapore, explains that “both countries compete with each other, yet they are also part of the world’s increasingly interlinked largest financial centres. As evidenced by the establishment in Luxembourg of several Chinese banks in recent years, many operators are looking to access the EU market, and they frequently do so via Luxembourg, thanks to its solid regulatory framework and expertise.”

KEY MARKET “We must further build on this, therefore the message that Luxembourg continues to be the preferred EU gateway for these operators is one that must be reinforced and repeated,” she says. February 2016

TOM THÉOBOLD The annual promotion event in Singapore is important to grow the fund sector’s footprint in the Asian financial centre

Thierry Lohest is based in Hong Kong, where he practices Luxembourg law as a corporate partner at a well known law firm: “Asia is a key market for Loyens & Loeff and our Asian offices--Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore--work very closely together. We celebrated the 30th anniversary of our Singapore office in November last year.” The seminar entitled “Luxembourg: your EU onshore financial hub” includes representatives from the Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry, the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and the Big Four consulting firms. It is aimed at banks, asset management companies, financial service providers, including intermediary lawyers and consultants. Charles Muller, partner at KPMG Luxembourg, will be presenting recent developments in alternative asset classes at the seminar. “Singapore is one of the biggest export markets for Luxembourg funds outside Europe, so both the import of local funds into

Europe and the export of European funds into Singapore are topics of interest for the local audience.” Lohest, who is moderating this discussion, adds: “I would not be surprised if the audience would raise questions about the impact of BEPS on Luxembourg, and we have excellent answers to stress that BEPS is an opportunity for Luxembourg rather than a threat,” referring to the multinational Base Erosion and Profit Shifting scheme to crack down on corporate tax evasion. “Doing business there is pretty straightforward compared to other, bigger Asian markets. Many of the global asset managers that distribute their funds from Luxembourg also have operations in Singapore,” says Muller. Théobold concludes: “The great thing is that there are always new companies and representatives on each mission. The contact base grows each year, which is one of the main purposes of these trips.”

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BUSINESS

ECONOMY

Text by STEPHEN EVANS

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

MORE JOBS, MORE INCOME Business indicators continue to remain positive in the Grand Duchy.

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POPULATION GROWTH Instinctively, people tend to think that high levels of immigration cause unemployment in the host country. The experience of Luxembourg can be added to the mounting body of scientific evidence that suggests the opposite is the case; immigration boosts growth and employment. The resident population here rose by 2.4% in 2014, a similar figure to that February 2016

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MEDIAN ANNUAL PERSONAL INCOME, IN EUROS Average income in Luxembourg is more than 50% higher than in the neighbouring countries, but Norway and Switzerland have higher figures still. The figures used here are the “medians”: the figures in the middle of a list of all personal incomes in each country. This is a more accurate measure than the normal “mean” average, because it excludes the few very high and very low earners from the calculation.

seen in recent years. There were around 3.5% more non-resident workers commuting to Luxembourg last year. Yet, the unemployment rate fell by nearly half a percentage point. More than ever, the economy is reliant on non-Luxembourgers, say figures from the national statistics office Statec. In the third quarter of last year, there were 105,658 Luxembourgers at work here, about 10,000 more than resident foreigners. This compares to the 171,265 cross-border workers, who now make up 45% of the workforce. The number of frontaliers and resident foreigners in employment is up by around 40% in just ten years, with just a 14% increase in the number of Luxembourgers. Prices in the shops are expected to have risen by nearly 1% last year, an historically low figure but higher than the 0.2% expected for the EU and eurozone. However, with oil prices falling and last year’s VAT increase dropping out of the calculation, inflation

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hings are looking bright for the economy, with the country’s open internationalist model creating jobs and wealth for residents and neighbours alike. “The chances are very good that the Luxembourg economy will report success over the coming years,” remarked Carlo Thelen, the director general and chief economist at the Chamber of Commerce. He highlighted a diverse economy and a national openness to embracing productivity and enhancing technology. Unemployment is nearly half the level seen throughout the rest of the eurozone. The European Commission reckons on an 11.0% unemployment rate for the whole single currency zone for last year, compared to 5.9% here. Germany is doing better still (4.7%) but things are tough in France (10.4%), Italy (12.2%) and Spain (22.3%). The positive news here is reflected in consumer confidence indicators calculated by the Luxembourg Central Bank. The figure for December 2015 is the highest since July 2011. The construction industry is another indicator for the state of economy, and things are looking good here too. Office real estate firm JLL said 2015 was “the second best year of all time.”

here is thought likely to decline as this year goes on. Thus the next index-linked 2.5% salary increase is now not expected until the second quarter of 2016. Vigilance is required though. For example, economists are worried about the state of the Chinese economy, now the second largest in the world. It appears that many regions there have real estate bubbles and some analysts suggest the Chinese steel industry needs restructuring akin to that seen in the west in the 1970s. There are concerns at home too. “The four fundamental freedoms underlying the success of the European Union are being put under increasing doubt and pressure,” said Thelen. A particular concern is how the public and their politicians will react if refugee flows into Europe continue. Domestically, there could be political challenges too. “One should neither underestimate the limits to Luxembourg’s economic and social model, nor the resistance to change and reform,” he said.

LUXEMBOURG: THE THIRD RICHEST COUNTRY IN EUROPE? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re often told that Luxembourg is the richest country in the world for its size, but it depends on what figures you are looking at. The infographic on the opposite page looks specifically at personal income and thus how much the average person is receiving each year. There is a big gap with the average for the neighbouring countries, and the Luxembourg figure is roughly double the eurozone figure. The graph suggests Norwegians and Swiss have it better still, by around a quarter, but these figures are skewed by exchange rates. The graph is expressed in euros, but if adjustment is made for short-term currency fluctuations, then the average in these two countries is similar to that in the Grand Duchy. Another consideration is that Luxembourg is being compared to countries which are 20 to 150 times larger. Might it be more accurate to compare this country with the metropolitan areas of Paris, Brussels and Frankfurt?

CARLO THELEN Things are looking up February 2016

BUSINESS

INNOVATION

Text by KASIA KRZYZANOWSKI

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

A CASE OF THE CHICKEN AND THE EGG With local start-ups in the headlines for major funding success and new government initiatives being launched, what is the outlook for Luxem bourg’s tech scene in 2016?

echnology, known locally as ICT, has been a key focus of the national government over the last decade, gaining particular momentum with the launch of the Digital Lëtzebuerg initiative in 2014, which aims to consolidate the Grand Duchy’s position in the sector. As part of this effort, the state recently announced the new ICT Seed Fund, backed by €19.2m in public and private funds to finance innovative new tech businesses. The fund will provide venture capital to promising start-ups that have reached the proof of concept stage in ICT sub-sectors, which are a priority for the government, including financial technology (fintech), big data and e-health. With new options such as this, is it really getting easier for Luxembourg start-ups to access funding. Patrick Kersten, CEO of Doctena, an online booking system for medical appointments operating in Luxembourg and several other European countries, says: “It’s never been as easy as today to launch your start-up in Luxembourg. There is a lot of cash, and people willing to trust you to start something new.” The company recently secured €4.5 million in funding from a mix of sources, including private investors, business angels and a long-term loan from BIL.

OFFICIAL SUPPORT Kersten, who is also behind wellknown real estate platform atHome, finds the government’s support schemes especially valuable--Doctena qualified early on for support from both the Ministry of the Economy and Luxinnovation as part of the February 2016

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INNOVATION

CONTINUED

Young Innovative Entreprise scheme. “The credibility you get from being recognised by the state is important for a young company,” he says. Peter Pöhle, CEO of SponsorMyEvent, an online platform that matches event organisers with sponsors and that is currently in an angel fundraising round, has a slightly different view based on experience with his previous start-up Yappoint. An online booking tool for service providers, that company had the chance to develop its business plan through the government’s 1,2,3 GO competition, but learned the hard way that this is no guarantee of funding from investors. “The best business plan at the end of the day is traction, and Yappoint never got the traction it needed to get capital.” However, a new initiative for startups from Luxinnovation aims to address exactly this issue. “There was a lack of early stage funding, which are the funds an entrepreneur needs to build a prototype, get their first clients and attract investors,” explains Antoine Hron, manager of the Fit for Start programme. “We not only provide new start-ups with €50,000 in seed funding, but also offer coaching to help the entrepreneur become successful.” Co-supported by the Digital Lëtzebuerg label, Fit for Start will run twice a year, providing four months of intensive coaching in lean start-up methodology to innovative tech companies less than a year old. “It’s an interesting, concrete tool that really meets the needs of start-ups,” says Hron.

ANGEL INVESTORS Despite the improved access to seed funding, Kersten and Pöhle both still see room for improvement in the angel investment and venture capital scenes. “It gets more difficult if you’re going for bigger funding. There are better structures in other countries,” says Kersten. But he welcomes recent February 2016

START-UP FUNDING

A. ANTOINE HRON A new coaching programme hopes to help start-ups make it over the operating hump B. PATRICK KERSTEN Support from a state-backed scheme gives startups a big credibility boost

state developments in this area. “Government initiatives are boosting the private sector, giving it more leverage and resources.” Laurent Muller, board member of the Luxembourg Business Angel Network, agrees. “The Luxembourg government gives grants with co-investing, and angel investors can provide that funding.” Though Muller acknowledges that funding has always been a weak point in Luxembourg’s start-up ecosystem, he believes that as the number of start-ups grow, more people will become aware of angel investing opportunities, describing it as “a chicken and egg situation.” Pöhle believes that the same principle applies to the venture capital scene. “Over recent years, the start-up scene in Luxembourg has developed tremendously, but it is still poor when it comes to venture capital as there are only a few main actors. But VCs

will come if Luxembourg has a startup structure.” Jérôme Wittamer, founding partner of Expon Capital and chairman of the Luxembourg Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (LPEA), explains that there are just two pure play venture capital firms in Luxembourg. However, he believes that “Luxembourg’s maturity is certainly up to par with neighbouring countries. The money is there.” Yet it isn’t necessarily easy to get. “The requirements of Luxembourg investors have increased considerably. As a VC you see 100 firms and have some interest in one to three,” Wittamer reckons. But with the growing number of early funding and development initiatives available in Luxembourg, local start-ups may soon start catching the eye of more investors, both in the Grand Duchy and abroad.

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COVER STORY

BREXIT

Text by AARON GRUNWALD

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

CAN THE BREXIT BUS BE STOPPED? MORE DEBATE: WWW.DELANO.LU/ BREXITBLOG

February 2016

The poll numbers are getting closer and the UK could vote to leave the EU within the next couple of years. A steady stream of press reports--rumours, really--hint that British financial institutions will migrate to the Grand Duchy and other eurozone members in droves, in order to maintain market access. Good for the local economy, right? So why are Luxembourg leaders looking to hit the brakes on the “exit” and keep the UK “in”?

he headlines have been impressive. “In case of Brexit, Luxembourg is open for business” (Bloomberg View, 29 October), which states that “Luxembourg would be the likely winner” in a contest with Frankfurt in capturing an exodus from London and that major financial institutions such as Aberdeen Asset Management, HSBC and JP Morgan had already made plans to decamp for the Grand Duchy. “Brexit would lead to loss of 100,000 bank jobs, says City” (The Evening Standard, 27 November), which warns that a Brexit “would force dozens of banks that have their European headquarters in London to relocate highly-paid professionals to rival EU financial centres such as Frankfurt, Luxembourg and Dublin.” “Luxem bourg plots to steal London’s financial crown” (The Telegraph, 3 December), which describes how “Luxembourg’s plans to dominate the financial world are detailed in a report.” The fuss over a potential Brexit (a British exit from the EU) is not just hanging over Britain and playing out in the press. While the UK will have its say in a national referendum due to be held by the end of 2017 (see boxes to right and on pages 52 and 55), the consequences could be significant across Europe. That includes Luxembourg and in particular its biggest economic engine. Why on earth would some of the world’s largest financial institutions trade Canary Wharf for Kirchberg? That is conceivable because if the UK exits the EU, it would lose its market access to the rest of Europe (see www.delano.lu/BrexitBlog for more on this).

OUTSIDE EUROPE “A firm authorised in a European Economic Area state [the 28 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, although not Switzerland] is generally entitled to carry on permitted activities in any other EEA state” under a process called ‘passporting’,” points out Thierry Lesage, a tax partner at the law firm

THE FOUR QUESTIONS In November David Cameron, the British prime minister, asked his fellow EU leaders for reforms in the following areas: ONE Economic governance A formal recognition that the euro is not the sole currency of the EU, and that the 19 countries that use the euro could not gang up on the nine EU members that do not. TWO Competitiveness The UK wants the EU to cut red tape and boost the single European market further. THREE Sovereignty Britain could formally opt out of European treaties that call for “ever closer union” and national legislatures should gain a role along side the European Parliament. FOUR Immigration “People coming to Britain from the EU must live here and contribute for four years before they qualify for in-work benefits or social housing,” Cameron proposed in a letter to the European Council. February 2016

COVER STORY

BREXIT

"IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT THAT WE MAKE DECISIONS IN OUR OWN INTEREST IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE A REASONABLE PACKAGE THAT WILL ALLOW GREAT BRITAIN TO REMAIN A PART OF THE EUROPEAN UNION." ANGELA MERKEL German chancellor

"BREXIT WOULD BE MARVELOUS… I COMPARE BRUSSELS TO THE BERLIN WALL. IF GREAT BRITAIN KNOCKS DOWN PART OF THE WALL, IT’S FINISHED, IT’S OVER." MARINE LE PEN France’s National Front party

February 2016

CONTINUED

of Arendt & Medernach. If the UK were out of the EU, its financial firms would lose their automatic passport to Europe’s “single market”. “They could thus have to consider relocating or creating a subsidiary in an EU financial centre,” such as Luxembourg, Frankfurt or Dublin. Also look, for example, at Mifid II, the European Commission’s massive effort to revamp the rules on everything from how financial products are traded on exchanges to how they are marketed to consumers. “That directive states that denominated trading has to be done in an EU country,” says Martine Huberty, a native Luxembourger who conducts research for the European Council on Foreign Relations, a London-based think tank, and is coordinator of the International Association for the Study of German Politics, an academic forum that studies public policy in German speaking countries. “So if Britain is not part of the EU then all those businesses have to set up in the EU in order to be able still continue in that trading.” “So it would be, in my opinion, a significant loss for the City of London,” she says. “Whether the gains would accrue to Luxembourg entirely or disproportionally, I’m not so sure.”

LUXEMBOURG WOULD LOSE The financial sector represents more than a third of the economy and roughly one in eight jobs in the Grand Duchy, and investment funds are by far the biggest chunk of this, according to official figures. So if more British firms set up shop here, wouldn’t that be good for this country’s economy? Apparently not. In December the Bertelsmann Foundation, a German think tank, said Luxembourg would be the second “biggest loser” after the UK in the event of a Brexit. Its paper estimated that real GDP per capita in the Grand Duchy would drop between 0.48% and 0.81% in 2030. (It forecast a drop between 0.10% and 0.36% across the remaining EU27; Ireland would suffer a loss of between 0.82% and 2.66%; see

box on the opposite page for the potential impact on the British economy). In other words, ignore the tabloid style headlines. “The small tactical gains that we could get from having some more institutions, banks, asset managers or whatever come to Luxembourg, would be dwarfed by the strategic loss of not having the UK anymore in the European Union,” Nicolas Mackel, CEO of Luxembourg for Finance, a state-backed promotion agency, tells Delano. Reports that financial giants will relocate headquarters to the Grand Duchy “is not what would happen. That’s not a scenario.”

NO HUGE SHIFT Indeed, Mackel notes that Aberdeen later corrected the relocation report. The firm, along with HSBC and JP Morgan, did not return Delano’s messages seeking comment (neither did Schroders, who was also cited in press reports; Citi and Pimco declined to comment). However Aberdeen’s CEO, Martin Gilbert, told Bloomberg TV on 12 January: “For us as a company Brexit would be inconvenient, but would not be too disastrous, because most fund management groups, but not all, run their European operations out of Luxembourg. So Luxembourg is our hub, as with most groups,” which already “insulates” fund firms. What could happen is an iterative expansion of current activities in the Grand Duchy, which “would imply an increase in employment at the local branch here in Luxembourg” but “not as much as many journalists think it would be,” says Mackel. “From the contacts we have with the private sector, we understand that quite a number of companies all across the board are looking for alternatives in case of a Brexit, and that Luxembourg is more often than not among them,” says a spokesman for the Grand Duchy’s finance ministry. “This does not mean however that in the event of a Brexit the City would shut down from one day to the next

European Council Blandine Le Cain (CC BY 2.0)

THIERRY LESAGE

IMPACT ON THE BRITISH ECONOMY Uncertainty over a yes or no result has begun to hit the UK economy. “Separation anxiety is already weighing on the pound, which has fallen 5% in trade-weighted terms since November,” Credit Suisse said mid-January. Michael O’Sullivan, its chief investment officer for international wealth management, believes the British currency would fall further after a yes vote, forcing the Bank of England to raise interest rates, according to an article published by the Swiss investment bank. In addition, “the City of London might also lose its appeal for talented European job-seekers who would find it harder to work legally in the country.” Pimco, a bond fund manager, forecasts that a Brexit would cut the UK’s economic output by 1%-1.5% during its first year out of the EU. Société Générale, a French bank, reckons growth would be dampened by 0.5%-1% annually for a decade. And the Bertelsmann Foundation, a German think tank, goes further, warning the “UK’s real gross domestic product per capita would be between 0.6% and 3.0% lower in the year 2030 than if the country remained in the EU.” February 2016

COVER STORY

BREXIT

CONTINUED

and move all of its operations to the Continent.” Much depends on each firm’s specific business model, explains Denise Voss, conducting officer at Franklin Templeton Investments and board chair of the Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry, a trade group that represents almost all major outfits in the sector. “Given the possibility that UK voters may decide that the UK should exit the EU, each individual firm needs to make in due course its own assessment [or] analysis based on its specific business model and commercial strategy and decide then whether they would need to set up a structure within the EU, if they haven’t already one in place,” she says.

LUXEMBOURG STILL A STRONG CHOICE “A number of UK asset management companies have been quoted by the press that Luxembourg is one of a number of possible EU locations for consideration, which is not surprising given its position as the largest fund centre in Europe,” states Voss. “Statistics show that Luxembourg is a champion in cross-border financial services, well ahead Dublin, Frankfurt or even Paris,” says Lesage. “If one considers that UK firms facing Brexit issues are primarily interested in cross-border aspects, Luxembourg should quite logically lead the pack in terms of attractiveness.” While a Brexit “may prove to be an opportunity for Luxembourg,” he believes it “could possibly not outweigh the downside of a shrunk single market.” CAN WE HANDLE MORE? Huberty is also not sure the Grand Duchy even has the infrastructure to handle a large inf lux. “Do we have enough space to accommodate suddenly, let’s say ten more banks, where would we put them quickly enough, because building in Luxemb ourg takes time.” Yet the finance ministry spokesman, speaking anecdotally, says some growth could obviously be February 2016

"I AM QUITE SURE THAT WE’LL HAVE A DEAL--NOT A COMPROMISE--A SOLUTION, A PERMANENT SOLUTION IN FEBRUARY." JEAN-CLAUDE JUNCKER European Commission president

BREXIT TIMELINE 18-19 FEBRUARY 2016 EU leaders will debate David Cameron’s demands during a European Council summit in Brussels. 23 JUNE 2016 Reportedly the date that the British prime minister will put the Brexit question (or at least his proposed reform agenda) before British voters. 1 J U LY 2 0 1 7 The UK takes over the rotating presidency of the European Council. 31 DECEMBER 2017 The final deadline, set by Cameron during his 2015 campaign, for Britain to hold a national referendum on its status within the EU. 2018 OR 2019 Britain could leave Europe after a two year negotiation period following a vote to quit the EU.

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COVER STORY

BREXIT

CONTINUED

DENISE VOSS accommodated. “Looking at places like Ban de Gasperich and Belval, I have the impression that there is quite some capacity available.” In any event, Mackel says Luxembourg for Finance is not in the midst of a recruitment drive and has no plans to launch a campaign around Brexit, even though financial institutions in Britain are not idly waiting for the referendum result to “set up for a plan B,” he reckons. “Obviously if they are working a February 2016

plan B, Luxembourg is an option. And we are very happy that Luxem bourg is an option. But ultimately we would not stand to gain from it.” Voss notes that the Grand Duchy already has appeal for British investment outfits: “Luxembourg-domiciled investment funds originating from UK asset managers represented 16.6% of the total assets under management in Luxembourg at the end of September 2015--the second largest group after US asset

managers,” she reports. “ALFI’s largest conference, including those held in Luxembourg, takes place once a year in London--over 1,200 participants registered for the 2015 edition.” Yet her organisation has not launched an internal initiative to address the question. “ALFI members have not to date requested a working group be set up to look at the potential impact of Brexit, which is not surprising given firstly there is a lack

ODDS OF AN EXIT VOTE CITI 1 in 4 “In our view Brexit risk is on the rise, with perhaps a 20-30% probability,” Willem Buiter, global chief economist at the banking giant Citi, and his colleagues wrote in a report published last month. “The pro-EU lead has fallen in recent months to roughly three percentage points. Could Brexit really happen? It is far from impossible--we consider Brexit risk to be one of the top global political risks” this year. The report is available on www.citi.com/citigps. EURASIA GROUP 1 in 3 “Many are arguing that the odds of Brexit could be as high as 50%,” Mujtaba Rahman and Charles Lichfield wrote in a research note published by the political risk consultancy on 7 January. “For now, however, we remain of the view that the risk of Brexit remains in the order of 30%.”

"IF THE RESULT WAS A BREXIT, I DO NOT KNOW WHETHER LUXEMBOURG WOULD WISH TO WELCOME THE HEAD OFFICE OF A VERY LARGE UK BANK FROM THE CITY." SERGE DE CILLIA Luxembourg Bankers’ Association

Julien Becker (archives) Olivier Minaire (archives)

LADBROKES 1 in 3 “In the last few weeks, the odds have been getting bigger on Brexit, i.e., it is being seen as less likely,” a spokesman for the big British gaming group told Delano on 19 January. “Currently, our odds suggest there is a 33% chance of a leave vote,” which is sharply down from the roughly 60% probably set by bookies last summer. The gambling house posts its odds on www.ladbrokes.com. SOCIÉTÉ GÉNÉRALE 1 in 2 There is a “high risk”, a 45% probability, of a vote to quit the EU, Patrick Legland, the investment bank’s global head of research, wrote in a new year report to clients. A Brexit would cause “significant economic damage” to the British economy, the note said.

"HAVING THE UK IN EUROPE IS MUCH BETTER THAN NOT HAVING THE UK IN EUROPE." NICOLAS MACKEL Luxembourg for Finance

February 2016

COVER STORY

BREXIT

CONTINUED

BRITS IN LUXEMBOURG There are more than 6,000 UK citizens living in Luxembourg, according to the most recent figure from Statec, the Grand Duchy’s statistics agency. Last October Delano reported that roughly one in three of them are likely to be disenfranchised in the Brexit poll. British citizens cannot vote after living overseas for 15 years. In January the UK embassy in Luxembourg encouraged British nationals living in the Grand Duchy to register to vote in advance of the Brexit referendum. “Although the precise date of the referendum is as yet unknown, the British government is encouraging eligible voters to register sooner rather than later to be absolutely sure they’ve registered in time,” the embassy said in an announcement. The embassy stated that registration takes five minutes online if British nationals can supply their national insurance number. www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

MARTINE HUBERTY

February 2016

of clarity as to the eventual legislative impact of Brexit, which would be dependent upon future political decisions and trade negotiations,” states Voss.

UK: EUROPEAN ALLY The finance ministry spokesman says that Pierre Gramegna, Luxembourg’s finance minister, “has publicly stated on a number of occasions that Luxembourg does not welcome the [prospect] of a Brexit. London is with Luxembourg the only financial centre in the EU truly oriented towards the international markets. We thus have many common interests. With regard more specifically to the fund industry, there is certainly a lot of complementarity between Luxem bourg and the City. Luxembourg also understands the importance for the EU to have one of the world’s two leading financial centres within its sphere, not outside of it.” “I am optimistic the European Council will [this] month adopt a series of reforms that will make the European Union more relevant, effective and competitive as we move through the 21st century, and that, on this basis, the citizens of Britain will decide that the UK’s place remains at the heart of that union,” Alice Walpole, the outgoing British ambassador to the Grand Duchy, told Delano. “But even if Britain were outside the EU, the City of London would remain a leading global financial services centre. Those who thought being outside the eurozone would be a fatal blow to our banking sector have been proved wrong,” she said. “So, no, I don’t see an exodus from London. I see London and Luxembourg moving forward into mutually prosperous and complementary futures.” DO THE BRITISH MAKE SENSE? “What is funny about the debate in Britain is the level of--I’m going to put this harshly--ignorance about the EU. They just don’t know what the EU does,” states Huberty, formerly a researcher at the University of Sussex, where she earned her doctoral degree.

“To be honest, on the other hand, the Euroskeptics have a point when they say that national sovereignty is undermined by the EU. They have a point when they say that decisions are not taken by elected officials. They also have a point when they say, it doesn’t matter who we vote for in the European Parliament,” says Huberty. “So we have to take these concerns seriously.” “Some of the UK demands are actually quite interesting and they could be interesting for Luxembourg as well. If you look at the increased role for national parliaments in EU decision making, it’s not a bad idea. You can’t just say, everything the UK is asking for is rubbish,” in Huberty’s view. “The British want to limit the welfare benefits for EU migrants for the first four years… I think if we had a discussion about that in Luxem bourg, we would very quickly find that Luxembourgers would be rather supportive of that idea, I would say.” So what should expats and native Luxembourgers think about this whole issue? “I think they should take it very seriously. I think it’s a very serious topic. And I think it might have a knock-on effect to other countries. Foreign minister [Jean] Asselborn has numerous times warned that, as the UK wants, if we open [up EU] treaties and change the treaties it’s going to open a Pandora’s Box. And suddenly other states might come with their own individual demands. If we look at the fact that countries like Sweden and Denmark have closed their borders, we see Schengen disintegrating, and even academics… are starting to work on theories of disintegration of the EU.”

ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN? Is it too late to stop the damage? “I do think there is a possibility that the referendum might turn out to be in favour of leaving,” states Huberty. “It’s getting very unpredictable.” “UK voters will decide but ALFI’s strong preference is for the UK to stay within the EU,” stresses Voss. “The UK’s position as a leading international financial centre is a plus for Europe.”

DOUBLE DECKER BUS Luxembourg Routemaster ASBL cheerily let Delano use its original, mint condition Routemaster for this month’s photo shoot. The bus--which seats 60 and reaches a maximum speed of 62km/h--started serving London routes in 1962. It was brought over to Luxembourg by the British embassy here in 1992 when, as a promotional event, it ran on a regular City of Luxembourg bus line. Initially the Routemaster was only meant to stay in the Grand Duchy one week, explains Georges Feltz, the club’s president. But the bus proved so popular that £8,000 was raised from private donors in less than a week to buy the Routemaster off Transport for London. Since then it has been available to hire for corporate and family events. Feltz recalls one notable engagement: London House in Brussels chartered the bus to pick someone up at the Belgian capital’s airport. The passenger for that photo stunt? Ken Livingstone, who at the time was mayor of London. www.routemaster.lu February 2016

BUSINESS

FINANCE

Text by SARAH PITT

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

DEEPENING TIES WITH JAPAN A Big Four consulting firm wants to boost business with the Grand Duchy’s second largest trading partner in Asia.

TRADE WITH JAPAN Both imports and exports between the two countries have risen by more than a third since 2010, with the latest STATEC figures showing that Luxembourg’s exports to Japan in 2014 were €60.7m, and imports were €154.5m. Exports from Japan to Luxembourg are predominantly control boards, electric equipment, and electric motors and generators, says the statistics bureau. Imports from Luxembourg include textile goods, plastic goods and polyester.

n her opening address during a ceremony in December, Atsuko Nishimura said: “It is extremely gratifying to see that our relationship is expanding and deepening in all directions. As the Luxembourgish government often says, Luxembourg could serve as a hub or as a window to Europe.” Nishimura, Japan’s ambassador to the Grand Duchy, was speaking during the launch of the consulting firm Deloitte’s Japan desk, attended by around 80 members of the Japanese business community in Luxembourg. She praised Deloitte on its good timing; the firm launched its new service just two days after a visit by the Japanese prime minister, Shinzo Abe, to the Grand Duchy. “Deloitte’s decision to open the Japan desk here is an extremely insightful one and I hope and believe that this new setting will further contribute to Japan, Luxembourg and Europe becoming much closer.”

"INTENSIFY THE INTERACTIONS" This launch reflects the firm’s ambition to boost its Japan-Luxembourg business. “The main purpose of the Japan desk in Luxembourg is to create a formal platform to further develop our long-standing relationship with the local Japanese business community in Luxembourg, and to intensify the interactions between the Luxembourg office and the Deloitte Tokyo office,” Johnny Yip, a partner in the firm’s investment funds practice in Neudorf, says in an interview with Delano. “Luxembourg has become a preferred destination for many Asian investors, and is considered to be a good choice February 2016

JOHNNY YIP Bridging the culture between Neudorf and Tokyo

when setting up a base for their European or even global operations,” reckons Laurent Berliner, a partner in the consultancy’s governance, risk and compliance practice. The Grand Duchy’s “geographical location in the heart of Europe and its business-friendly environment are some of the reasons why Asian investors increasingly look to Luxembourg.” Yip explains: “It is essential to be able to serve Japanese customers in their own language and truly understand their culture, while also providing knowledge of the languages, culture and business mindset in Luxembourg.”

The consulting firm has more than 90 partners and over 1,800 employees, and recently celebrated its 65 years in the Grand Duchy. It is part of the global Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu network; Tohmatsu Aoki & Co. was founded in Tokyo in the 1960s. “Deloitte Luxembourg has been servicing Japanese companies for several decades,” adds Yip. “Our ultimate goal is to become a strong business partner for the clients and support their business seamlessly, globally and cross-functionally.” To achieve this, Deloitte currently has four Japanese employees in Luxem bourg, including one expatriate from his Tokyo office.

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BUSINESS

TELECOM

Text by KASIA KRZYZANOWSKI

Photography by JULIEN BECKER

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS It is not an optical illusion: the Grand Duchy is in middle of rolling out high speed fibre internet connections nationwide. Just in time to host a pan-European conference.

rofessionals from across the European fibre optic communications sector will come together this month at Luxexpo for the 13th annual FTTH Conference, which will be held in Luxembourg for the first time this year. Organised by the Fibre to the Home Council Europe--an industry trade group that promotes fibre-based, ultra high speed internet access for both consumers and business--the three-day event features a programme of presentations, workshops, exhibitions and hands-on demos. FTTH stands for “fibre to the home,” which is the use of optical fibres to connect homes directly to a central operating point to provide high-speed internet access. Fibre optic communications uses pulses of light to transmit information over flexible and transparent optical fibres, that are just slightly thicker than a human hair and allows for much higher bandwidth than traditional copper wires. Reaching download speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps), the potential of FTTH becomes clear when compared with the copper wire DSL internet connection speeds of 10 to 30 megabits per second (Mbps) still used by the average individual consumer in Luxembourg.

COVERAGE IN LUXEMBOURG With the government’s strong interest in attracting new businesses to Luxem bourg and stimulating the local ICT economy, it is perhaps not surprising that the Grand Duchy would be an early adopter of the technology. As Philippe Bolle, managing director of Skylane Optics, an international February 2016

manufacturer of glass optical fibre products with offices here, notes: “Luxembourg has been investing in fibre since the beginning. It was one of the first countries to believe in the fibre to the home concept.” Yves Koch, an engineer at Post Technologies, part of the state-owned telecom group, confirms this, explaining that the firm began deploying FTTH infrastructure as far back as 1997. “As of late last year, we have connected more than 50% of households to fibre, which is one of the best developed networks in Europe.” On top of this, 100% of industrial zones are already connected to fibre across the country.

CONSUMERS LAGGING Despite the rapid increase in FTTH infrastructure across Luxembourg, consumer take-up of the technology has been slower. One reason is a lack of awareness. “As there hasn’t been a general rollout, operators are not so keen to announce an ultra high speed service above 100Mbps that they can’t yet provide to half of the population,” says Marc Kohll, in charge of statistics and market research at the Luxembourg Institute of Regulation, the government’s utility regulator. 100Mbps is fast enough to download a high definition movie in less than 10 minutes, according to tech industry press. Kohll

says that internet connection services are currently labelled based on their speed, with ultra high speeds on other types of networks, such as cable and VDSL, also promoted as “fibre-speed.” A recent study by the ILR found that many households in Luxembourg can choose between high speed internet services from a number of different providers and different technologies. Copper DSL remains the most popular, with 79% of consumers currently using it, but there is now clear evidence of a migration towards fibre, with a 20% average annual increase in subscribers since 2012. But Bolle notes: “There is a limitation with copper cable. Even if it is possible to reach high speeds now, in the longer term, optical fibre will be the only solution for delivering high bandwidth to the consumer.”

AMBITIOUS GOALS Post Technologies continues to deploy FTTH infrastructure to meet the government’s ambitious targets on broadband coverage, providing wholesale access to telecom operators. Though it began by laying a hybrid copper and optical fibre network in 1997, in 2010 it switched to a pointto-point infrastructure to enable higher broadband network capacity. And, importantly, as Kohll observes:

YVES KOCH Luxembourg’s public telecom operator began laying fibre back in 1997

" WE HAVE CONNECTED MORE THAN 50% OF HOUSEHOLDS TO FIBRE, WHICH IS ONE OF THE BEST DEVELOPED NETWORKS IN EUROPE."

February 2016

BUSINESS

TELECOM

CONTINUED

" THERE WILL FOR SURE BE FULL COVERAGE IN THE COMING YEARS AND A SWITCHING OFF OF THE COPPER NETWORK."

MARC KOHLL Copper DSL is still the most popular option among Luxembourg consumers today February 2016

“This is a general roll-out in every commune. We don’t have a digital divide between major cities and rural areas, but instead it’s quite equal everywhere.” The firm is now working towards 60% fibre coverage by 2017, and the government’s key goal of access for the whole population by 2020. Having already surpassed the 50% mark, they are well on track to meet these targets. Kohll says: “There will for sure be full coverage in the coming years and a switching off of the copper network.”

GETTING CONNECTED Organisers say the conference is the biggest FTTH-related event in the world. Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg’s prime minister, who also holds the communications and media portfolio, is serving as this year’s conference patron and will deliver the opening speech. Held in a different European city each year, it is fitting that this year’s fibre confab will take place here. “A lot is happening right now in Luxem bourg,” says Nadia Babaali, communications director at the FTTH Council Europe. “The country benefits from a rather high penetration of fibre, which should allow the

conference to have a new echo throughout Europe. We can also see a high level of engagement and support of policy makers in fibre roll-out and information and communication technologies, particularly the Digital Lëtzebuerg initiative.” Launched in October 2014, this government initiative aims to strengthen and consolidate Luxembourg’s position in the ICT sector in the long term, and includes the development of telecom infrastructures, such as the roll-out of FTTH. In a recent interview published on the FTTH Council Europe website, Bettel elaborated on this: “Connectivity equals broadband or--even better--very high speed broadband. Fibre-to-the-home is one of the most, if not the most promising technology for delivering very high speed broadband. That’s also the reason why we attach great importance to this technology in our national broadband strategy.”

"CALLING FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE" This year’s FTTH Conference, under the theme of “Calling for a brighter future,” begins with a full day of workshops covering a range of topics, including an exclusive tour by Post Technologies of some of its FTTH infrastructure. This is followed by two days of conferences sessions, beginning with Bettel’s speech and interspersed with the FTTH Awards 2016 Ceremony, and a newly introduced networking event called Fibration Night. Indeed, networking is a key draw for many delegates, with Gaston Bohnenberger, CEO of Post Technologies, emphasising the importance of networking with other telecom professionals during the event. And Bolle agrees, stating that: “In Europe it is one of the best conferences for telecom operators: all of them are there.” SPOTLIGHT ON LUXEMBOURG Another key attraction is the case studies. “The conference is a good place to get information on what’s going on in different regions of Europe,” says Kohll, who is particularly interested in learning how other regions are

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TELECOM

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implementing the roll-out of FTTH, and how infrastructure and costs are shared with third parties. However, this year it will be delegates from other countries who will get the chance to learn more about the Grand Duchy. In addition to the fibre tour hosted by Post Technologies, a full-day workshop will provide information and insight into Luxembourg’s FTTH roll-out, and a conference session dedicated to the country’s wide variety of smart applications and services is also on the programme. Another important aspect of the conference is the exhibition that features over 100 industry players and partners showcasing the latest trends, products and findings in the FTTH sector. Bohnenberger notes the influence of this exhibition on the industry, explaining that: “Every year companies present new products and we are introduced to new manufacturers. We have introduced an optical distribution framework, as well as planning software in our network that we discovered there in previous editions.” There is also a dedicated space known as The Fibre Experience Zone, where attendees can try out new services, including 3D printing and virtual reality.

FUTURE-PROOF TECHNOLOGY Despite the large initial investment required to deploy the infrastructure and slow consumer take-up, FTTH is considered a future-proof solution, as the technology has already superseded the limitations of copper wire broadband, offering far higher speeds with greater reliability and lower operating costs. It also requires little energy to install and operate, making it a more sustainable choice. As Bolle puts it: “Glass optical fibre is the key element in the infrastructure of the future for anything that needs to be connected.” And Luxembourg will soon be able to enjoy the fruit of its foresight, with the whole population able to enjoy ultra high speed internet on FTTH only a few years from now. FTTH 2016 takes place at Luxexpo from 16 to 18 February www.ftthconference.eu February 2016

HIGH SPEED INTERNET ACCESS IN LUXEMBOURG Availability of FTTH infrastructure (forecast) 2015: >50% of households 2017: 60% of households 2020: 100% of households Internet speeds accessed by consumers <10Mbps: 42.3% 10-30Mbps: 18.2% 30-100Mbps: 30.6% ≥100Mbps: 8.9% Network infrastructure used by consumers DSL: 78.8% Cable: 11.3% Fibre optic: 9.9% Sources: Case study on Post Luxembourg by the FTTH Council Europe; “Fiche statistique Internet haut et très haut debit”, November 2015, Institut Luxembourgeois de Régulation

GASTON BOHNENBERGER The FTTH Conference is an influential event within the industry

" WE HAVE INTRODUCED AN OPTICAL DISTRIBUTION FRAMEWORK… IN OUR NETWORK THAT WE DISCOVERED THERE."

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BUSINESS

AGENDA

TEN EVENTS

Delano presents a selection of upcoming business and networking events for Luxembourg’s international community. Advance registration and fees may be required, so consult the website indicated for full details. Events are held in English unless otherwise noted. YEAR OF THE MONKEY Fri 12 Feb

Chamber of Commerce www.cc.lu A Chinese new year reception co-organised with the Chinese embassy, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, and ChinaLuxembourg Chamber of Commerce. Free but registration required in advance. Chamber of Commerce, Luxembourg-Kirchberg, 16:30-18:30

TAP THE MACHINES

SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Hub Dot www.hubdot.com The group that lets women network through storytelling hosts “Connecting through our commitment for making the world a better place”, a conference on social consciousness. Mélange, LuxembourgDommeldange, 19:00

Thu 18 Feb www.paperjam.club David James of FTS Global hosts a workshop on “Personal effectiveness and efficiency” which will provide “insights into time management and planning and self-organisation”. Neimënster, Luxembourg-Grund, 09:30-12:45

Thu 18 Feb

Wed 17 Feb

Wed 24 Feb

LUNCHEON EXCHANGE

FINANCIAL TECH

British Chamber of Commerce www.bcc.lu “The Power of Big Data” seminar asks how today’s improved computing power can help the fund industry work better. Speakers include the boss of this big red tower, Sébastien Danloy. RBC building, Esch-Belval, 18:00

MAKE THIS DOT COUNT

Fintechstage www.fintechstage.com The conference aims to bring together fintech startups, investors and financial institutions to discuss topics like blockchain, big data, distribution and security. Free but register in advance. Cercle Cité, Luxembourg-Centre, 08:30-18:00

Fri 26 Feb

SPRING CONFERENCE

Tue 8-Wed 9 March ALFI www.alfi.lu “Vision of a future perfect”, meaning what Millennials want, is one theme of this major asset management industry confab. Speakers include Bettina Graeber of Pictet & Cie. European Convention Centre, Luxembourg-Kirchberg, all day

TERRORISM & BUSINESS Wed 9 March

British Chamber of Commerce www.bcc.lu During this lunchtime talk, Viviane Reding, Luxembourg MEP and former European justice commissioner, speaks on “Cross border trade in services” across the single European market. DoubleTree by Hilton, Luxembourg-Dommeldange, 12:00

Amcham www.amcham.lu Luncheon conference that asks: “How does terrorism impact your business and safety in the work place? These are questions increasingly on the mind of entrepreneur and employee alike.” Cercle Munster, LuxembourgGrund, 12:00

TAX TALK

BIRTHDAY BASH

Thu 3 March

Amcham www.amcham.lu Pierre Gramegna, the Grand Duchy’s minister of finance, addresses the American Chamber of Commerce on “Luxembourg’s position in a new tax world” during this evening seminar. Venue to be announced, 18:30

Thu 10 March www.delano.lu Last year, Vikings invaded Clausen; this time a Latino flair comes to Kirchberg as Delano fetes its 5th with a “Miami Beach party”. Find out how to win free tickets on the Delano website. Kennedy, Luxembourg-Kirchberg, 18:30

your FARE real estate partner sales · rentals · commercial · residential www.FARE.LU · t. 26 897 897

February 2016

YOUR EVENT IS MISSING? If your organisation’s upcoming event belongs on this page, let us know the details: news@delano.lu

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Paperjam Guide, on the spot.

BUSINESS

Text by TONYA STONEMAN

Photography by LALA LA PHOTO

FRANCESCO’S FIELD OF DREAMS How a communications manager at a waste management firm learned to play ball.

MY OTHER LIFE

hen Francesco Slavazza was attending university in Strasbourg, a friend without a driving license asked him for a ride to baseball practice. He was 18 years old at the time and didn’t know a thing about the sport, but he was intrigued enough to stand in for an absent player. In a strange twist of fate, the friend ended up hating baseball and Slavazza fell in love with the game. When he returned to his home in Luxembourg, not many people were playing the sport. He found a small club with a handful of dedicated players, but his commute to practice was two hours. Determined to bring baseball to his hometown of Beckerich, he approached a local farmer and asked if he could use a small patch of grass among the cornfields to host games. “People told us, ‘nobody wants to play baseball,’” he recalls. “They said, ‘you’re never going to succeed.’ But we proved them wrong. A couple of motivated guys and I grabbed our shovels, tools and a wheelbarrow and managed to build a field.” Slavazza attended coaching courses in Brussels, read books and followed baseball clinics around the world. Guys who had never held a baseball in their hands turned out alongside veterans and together they established a club in 2002. Today, the Hedgehogs have two youth teams and two adult teams with about 40 players. They have won the Luxembourg championship ten years in a row as well as a regional championship in Belgium. They don’t mind driving long distances for the chance to play ball and some even go to America from time to time to see games. “We are a little village that no one knows,” says Slavazza. “But when we played February 2016

Saarbrücken and Trier, we won the region twice.” The Hedgehogs practice two days a week and people come from near and far to share a special camaraderie unique to the club. “Some people join when they are quite old,” says Slavazza. “They have seen baseball in movies or on TV and always wanted to play. Others join to relive a bit of their childhood dream. It’s exactly that. It’s a total escape. There’s no work, no stress. We get dirty. We have a beer. We drive for four hours to a game. We play. Sometimes we win or lose.” While the club is open to anyone--many times there are nine players on the field from nine different nationalities--they play at a fairly high level. Slavazza’s main goal now is to recruit new players and beat his biggest rival, Dudelange, a team “loaded with Dominicans and Cubans that have played for 20 years.” Looking back at what his team has accomplished, Slavazza concludes, “I have taken more pleasure in sharing baseball with others than in playing the game.” Their field isn’t Yankee Stadium, but they built it themselves-the clubhouse, the bar, the batting cage and the stands. And baseball is alive there.

FRANCESCO SLAVAZZA Beckerich Hedgehogs: www.myhedgehogs.com Baseball & Softball Federation of Luxembourg: On Facebook

Or takeaway. Access the Paperjam Guide universe wherever you are on guide.paperjam.lu

UPFRONT

LIFESTYLE TRUFFLE HEAVEN Inspired by the San Maurizio monastery, the Truffle Bistrot San Maurizio 1619 has now opened a venue in Luxembourg. The menu focuses on truffles and other regional specialities, including wines, from Piedmont. Truffles are a seasonal produce, but except in the coldest winter months are available most of the time. The two-floor establishment also houses a small delicatessen corner. Where: Truffle Bistrot San Maurizio 1619, 17 avenue Monterey. Luxembourg-Centre Info: on Facebook

A LOAD OF CRÊPES The authentic taste of northwest France comes to Luxembourg at Matelots, which specialises in typical Breton crêpes and a wide range of very tempting savoury galettes, and also serves a decent cider-the favoured drink of Normandy. Salads and soups are also on the menu. With nautical-themed décor and staff sporting striped jumpers, the atmosphere could not be more typical. The venue also has bar with a piano for live performances. Where: Matelots, 7 rue Louvigny, Luxembourg-Centre Info: on Facebook

ELECTRIC FASHION The Vol(t)age sisters have opened a flagship store in the Gare district, showcasing their range of high quality basics, which they say are “inspired by the constellations of timelessly stylish and electric world travellers who are truly bohemian at heart.” The new range includes umbrellas, screen-print scarves, sweatshirts and even a “rainy coat in a bag.” The store is pretty neat, too, allowing customers a view on to the sisters’ workshop. Where: Vol(t)age, 26 rue Michel Welter, Luxembourg-Gare Info: www.vol-t-age.com

February 2016

LET THEM TAKE YOU ON A SEA CRUISE

orget the Luxembourg language test and attending civics classes, there are a few more pertinent challenges that can be taken to prove you are a Luxembourger and deserving of your dual nationality. OK, so you have your Jack Wolfskin parka, you can eat a whole helping of träipen (that’s the new superfood Black Pudding to you and me) with moschtert washed down with a local Elbling, but have you ever been on the Päischtcroisière? This annual sea cruise around the Med, from Venice to the Greek islands and back, over the Pentecost holiday is like a pilgrimage for many Luxembourgers. Photos from last year’s cruise of geometrically challenged Luxembourgers in swimsuits and speedos dancing and enjoying a drink or 12 were held up as the antithesis of nation branding, the sort of embarrassing holiday snaps that should be kept private and only brought out when couples who meet on the cruise get together months later for a night of reminiscing during which the husbands compare which model of Kärcher pressure cleaner they have and the wives swap stories about their awful shopping experience “an der Stadt”. The cruise is not that far removed from a bad episode of The Love Boat (or would be if the Luxembourgers had a word for “love”) and would usually be quietly ignored in these pages. But the saddest sight on this year’s Päischtcroisière is that one of the guest animators is none other than Tour de France champion Andy Schleck. Oh, how the mighty have fallen, that the yellow jersey should be reduced to taking cruise guests on cycling tours. Andy is about to open his own bike shop, cafe, museum and a cycling school in Itzig--the sort of thing that English footballers, like the great and humble Leeds United player Paul Madeley, did prior to the Premier League era of mad TV money if they were lucky (many actually ended up as mailmen after retiring from the game). It is an honourable way to earn a living, and to give something back to the fans that supported Andy during a professional career that was sadly terminated prematurely. But the Päischtcroisière? Oh, Andy…

Mike Zenari > Vol(t)age

UPMARKET BRASSERIE Located in the new EY building on the street of the same name, Kennedy is an upmarket US-style brasserie run by the former owner of Cat Club and veteran of the Luxembourg nightlife scene, Ed Sauer. The menu includes classic brasserie dishes and a posh hamburger as well as local Simmental beef, lobster and even caviar. The bar serves a selection of tapas available all day long. The venue is spacious but designed so that individual tables feel cosy and intimate. Where: Kennedy, 37 boulevard J. F. Kennedy, Luxembourg-Kirchberg Info: www.kennedy.lu

GRAND DUCHY FILES

Perfect weekennd’s work to enjoy wome

8 March , men’s Day, celebrated on Prior to International Wo , craft and music made by talented females? why not take in some art

Diary

FRIDAY 4.3 - 5 P.M.

LUXEMBOURG’S FIRST IPA

Capital City Brewing has followed up the success of its Red Bridge lager with the launch of Satellite IPA--the first of IPA to be brewed in Luxembourg. The very drinkable beer, which Capital City’s Mark Hatherly says is adapted to local taste, is made in Heinerscheid and each batch is named after a different SES Astra satellite.

NAKED ARTIST ARRESTED AGAIN

In January Luxembourg artist Deborah de Robertis was arrested and charged with indecency for a second time after reproducing the naked pose depicted in a painting at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. This time she lay naked in front of a painting by Edouard Manet of Olympia. Two years ago de Robertis gained media attention for a similar guerrilla art work when she exposed her vagina in front of Gustave Courbet’s The Origin of the World at the same museum.

A LENDER AND A BORROWER BE LUXEMBOURGISH FLASH CARDS

Languages.lu has launched a pack of handy flash cards titled 1,100 expressions you need to master in Luxembourgish. They come with English translations of each phrase on the reverse side. The cards are available at Chapter 1, Ernster and Cactus and €1 for each set sold goes to support Luxembourg Air Rescue. www.languages.lu

Dingdong is a new borrow-lend exchange portal launched by the Mouvement écologique that allows registered users to list items they need to borrow--tools, kitchen appliances, sports equipment etc--and find other users willing to lend them. www.dingdong.lu

SATURDAY 5.3 - 3 P.M.

LAUGH FOR PEACE

HAIRDRESSED PRIZE FOR LOCAL BARBER

Frederic Mendes from the Ferber hairdresser salon in Limpertsberg won the “men” category prize at the annual Benelux Hairdressers Award. Three other Ferber hairdressers were also nominated. www.ferber.lu

SEE FIONA TAN’S ART… …at Mudam, where the artist, raised in Australia and now resident in Amsterdam, has an exhibition of her visually rich photography and video installation work that tackles complex issues. Where: Mudam, Park Dräi Eechelen, Luxembourg-Kirchberg Info: www.mudam.lu

The annual Humour pour la Paix festival at neimënster this year features two women comedians for its Englishlanguage show on 20 February. Elf Lyons presents her Being Barbarella show inspired by the cult sci-fi film while Adrienne Truscott, dressed only from the waist up, delivers Asking for it, which challenges the audience on the subject of humour and rape. www.neimenster.lu

BROWSE AT LOCAL MARKET… …run by Lëtz Go Local, founded by Linda Bos and Karolina Szatna. The market showcases arts and crafts and services made in Luxembourg, much of it by female designers and entrepreneurs. Where: Däichhal, Ettelbruck Info: www.letzgolocal.lu

SUNDAY 6.3 - 8 P.M. GOING OUT APP

Luxembourger Mathias Klein has launched The Bar Corner app, which allows users to locate nearby bars and clubs and also see a listing of events at local venues.

HEAR LADIES OF JAZZ… …at a concert featuring star singer Cécile McLorin Salvant and a band made up of brilliant female musicians including Grammy award winning drummer Terri Lyne Carrington. Where: Philharmonie, place de l’Europe, Luxembourg-Kirchberg Info: www.philharmonie.lu

February 2016

LIFESTYLE

SNAPSHOTS

Text by WENDY WINN

Photography by LALA LA PHOTO

Dreaming of a dream vacation

uxexpo was packed last month with adventurers who like to go places-they braved the snow after all--to be at the 2016 Vakanz trade show, where 200 stands awaited to tempt them into travelling everywhere, from Australia and Africa to the Vosges and the Saarland. Mario Becker, who came to man the Triolago stand, got the unexpected chance to try a 3D skiing simulator, while his daughter and wife cheered him on. “It’s been a long time since I skied,” he said. Ammar Skelic was also enjoying some recreation--he was playing with his 15-month old daughter in a kids’ play area. Saira was having a blast and didn’t even realise what fun was in store for her. “We’re booking for Mallorca,” said her mother Sanela, smiling. “We came here yesterday and looked everything over, but we always sleep on it before we decide.” While the Skelics were planning a vacation around their daughter’s needs, Markus Heiser has to plan around the fact that he’s in a wheelchair. Markus was with his parents, Lydia and Joachim, and they’d accumulated a bag of brochures from Luxembourg, Saarland and France. “We found a lot of wonderful trips to do within a 100km range,” Lydia said. Although he drives a van and is independent, Markus says he wants to visit “places that are flat and wheelchair accessible. I do like to travel,” he adds, “I’m a geologist… And I want to see more of the Earth!”

www.expovakanz.lu February 2016

MORE SOUVENIRS: WWW.DELANO.LU/ VAKANZ2016

VACATION-SEEKERS A. Mario Becker, who tried the 3D ski simulator, with his daughter B. Ammar Skelic with his 15-month old daughter Saira C. Virginie and Jean-Luc Beaumont D. From left: Sandra, Jonathan, Josette, Jérome (standing in back) and Tamara E. Joachim, Markus and Lydia Heiser F. Elisabeth Adams and Christian Welter G. The 4D skydiving demo H. Jeanny Lentz I. Dani, Keyla and Jessica J. The Moselle region’s “wine queen” and “wine princesses” during the Vakanz (vacation) fair at Luxexpo on 17 January

LuxairTours Your tour operator in the Grand Duchy Who are we? LuxairTours is the tour operator of LuxairGroup, a major player in the aviation industry of the Grand Duchy and the Greater Region. LuxairTours operates its flights from Luxembourg to the most beautiful cities in Europe and to some 40 sunshine destinations on the shores of the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and the Black Sea.

What makes LuxairTours different from the other tour operators? First of all, LuxairTours flights are operated by our own aircraft: the Boeing 737/700 and 737/800 of our airline, Luxair. That is why we boast a fleet which is among the youngest and safest in Europe. Moreover, our flights depart from Luxembourg airport, a modern and small-sized airport, with limited waiting time for our passengers.

We also benefit from the services of LuxairGroup’s Catering department, which prepares all the meals on board our aircraft: a substantial plus for the quality of your journey. But the essential difference is that we set our own quality standards for our products and that we negotiate our own contracts with the hoteliers in the hospitality sector. We also have our own multilingual tour guides on destination during the entire holiday season. They assist our customers through every aspect of their travel, from day 1 until they return back home. Also, we carry out our own quality checks for the hotels in our destinations. It is our major strength to make a very strict hotel selection, taking into account the specific market conditions of the moment, and last, but by no means least, our customers’ expectations and requirements. This allows us to provide really optimized solutions and high-end holiday packages.

What is LuxairTours’ product range? LuxairTours publishes 4 main brochures, the most important one being the Vakanz brochure, with a wide range of high quality holiday packages, all included. Our Happy Summer brochure features holidays at a lower budget, whereas the Metropolis brochure offers a huge variety of short stays in the most beautiful cities of Europe. Finally, the Excellence catalogue features top-of-the-range holidays in hotels rated 5* plus.

Are there any specific advantages for LuxairTours customers? Along with an outstanding quality, LuxairTours customers also enjoy free parking at Luxembourg airport (valid for Vakanz and Excellence packages), full assistance by our multilingual tour guide on destination, a travel coverage included in the package (valid for Vakanz and Excellence) and in particular reduced prices for families. By making advance bookings at an early stage, LuxairTours customers also benefit from substantial First Minute or Early Booking discounts.

www.luxairtours.lu

LIFESTYLE

INTERVIEW

Text by DUNCAN ROBERTS

Photography by SVEN BECKER

e h t n o l o o c So y t i c e h t n i slopes; and label to hit the stores . mbourg-based fashion ors . xe Lu est lat the is n tai outdo So Moun ed at lovers of the great The dif ference is, it is aim

SO MOUNTAIN STORE:

t wasn’t so long ago that finding clothes that could claim to be designed in Luxembourg was a real challenge. Now there are a number of fashion designers with great lines in prêt-à-porter clothes and accessories--many aimed at professional women with money to spend-as well as a handful of urban and casual wear labels. So how does the latest brand to hit the stores, So Mountain, fit in? The collection is designed by husband and wife duo Daragh and Christa Brown. Both originally from Ireland, the couple have been in Luxembourg for several years. Indeed, Daragh may be familiar to followers of the local music scene under his performing name Alvin and Lyle. He explains that he always seems to have a project of some sort on the go, and his love of snowboarding and fashion led him and Christa to create something fresh and new that they would wear themselves. “Our aspiration is a simple but ambitious one. To produce comfortable, warm and flexible clothing, but with a unique style, for those of us who live for the mountains,” says Christa. “Whether you’re a snowboarder, longboarder or hiker, and whether you’re 17 or 70, our clothes have been created for a special community of people who share one simple, pure ideology--a passion and love for the wilderness of the mountains. The goal of the debut collection was deliberate; to make this statement.” The range includes fitted hoodies and sweaters as well as T-shirts in a variety of designs and colours and peaked and woolly hats. More designs and models will be added to the collection in due course. So Mountain launched just before Christmas with a pop-up space in the Smets premiums store in Brussels. The entire range is now available to order from the So Mountain website. And, underscoring the link between fashion, outdoor sport and cool music, the website also features a weekly music choice, including Alvin and Lyle track, ‘White Lines’, which was written especially for the launch of the brand. February 2016

WWW.SOMOUNTAIN.COM

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LIFESTYLE

AUTOMOTIVE

Text by NEEL CHRILLESEN

Photography by MARION DESSARD

t e g u o y e r Befo l e e h w e h t behind and rules to know documents to sort out There are a number of as a driver and car-owner in Luxembourg. before you can qualif y to make it easier. Luckily, there are ways

epending on where you lived previously, you’ll notice different things about cars and driving in Luxembourg when you first arrive. Like some people, you might marvel over vehicles always stopping to let pedestrians pass or, on the contrary, fume over the apparent national sport of tailgating. Maybe you’ll be surprised by the amount of oversized four-wheel drives and the number of Porsches per square kilometre. And it might take time to get used to the fact that traffic on the right has priority and parking spaces reserved for women only actually exist. However, if you want to be a part of all this, there are administrative acts to accomplish, rules to abide to… and places to know about that will make your life easier. In Luxembourg, the registration of vehicles, as well as everything related to driving licenses, is organised by the Société nationale de circulation automobile (National Automobile Traffic Organisation). A separate part of this statechartered outfit, the Société nationale de contrôle technique (National Vehicle Testing Organisation), is responsible for roadworthiness checks (though upcoming laws will introduce competition). Another body you will have interactions with as a car owner is the Administration des douanes et accises (Customs and Excise Administration), to whom

February 2016

" THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DONE ONLINE, BUT IT ACTUALLY WENT QUICKER IN PERSON." NELLY, A DANISH EXPAT IN THE GRAND DUCHY

you pay the annual road tax. But, as the song says, let’s start at the very beginning.

CAR REGISTRATION You have six months after settling in the Grand Duchy to register your car. The normal procedure requires that imported cars should first get customs clearance. This happens at the Centre douanier (Customs Centre, www.do.etat.lu). Once this step is completed, you can ask for a immatriculation (number plate) number at the SNCA (www.snca.lu). A personalised number plate will cost you an extra €50 (you can choose a plate with two letters followed by four figures or one with five figures; there’s a waiting list for the plates composed of only four numbers). In Luxembourg, however, getting an immatriculation number doesn’t mean your car is registered! It does however allow you to get your car insured, buy the “consular fee” stamp (€50) and pass a roadworthiness test (www.snct.lu), which will, finally, lead to getting the much coveted registration card. Several of the forms needed along the way can

be downloaded on the www.guichet. public.lu website in French or German. The www.justarrived.lu website will give you useful pointers in English. All these procedures may seem complicated but there’s no need to rip out your hair straight away. First of all, employees are generally very helpful at all of these stages and are used to dealing with cases just like yours. Secondly, there are several easier ways out. Car registration services like www.trajets. lu will do all the work for you and many insurance companies also offer to take care of everything for a reasonable fee. “Outsourcing the whole car registration procedure means less stress and more time to concentrate on other things,” explains Nicole Avez-Nana, director of AB-LUX Relocation Services, whose company is used to handling all car-related issues for clients, from registration of an imported car to the purchase of a new vehicle. “But whether you do it yourself or get help from others, the ultimate advice is to have all the paperwork in order before heading. There always seems to be one document missing, and that blocks

DRIVER’S GUIDE

JEAN-CLAUDE JUCHEM The Automobile Club of Luxembourg offers objective safety checks

everything. If you’ve added features to your car, find the invoices. If your car is less than six months old or the mileage is less than 6,000km, it’s considered new and you’ll need to show the original receipt and pay VAT. Prepare everything in advance; it will save you a lot of trouble.” Béatrice, a newcomer to Luxembourg, agrees: “It turned out I arrived here from France without an EC Certificate of Conformity. I made calls to the place I bought the car and even to the brand’s head office in Germany, but didn’t get much help. Finally, a car dealer here in Luxembourg was able to get me a certificate in a few days. If I’d checked out things before moving, it would have been easier and cheaper.”

People arriving in Luxembourg with a non-EU driving license need to get it changed to a Luxembourg one when settling here and they have one year to do so. “Those who don’t comply within the 12 months have to take a driving test, so it’s worth dealing with as soon as possible,” says Josiane Pauly, president of the SNCA. Holders of an EU driving license are also encouraged to make the switch or at least register their EU license with the SNCA. Why? If your license is stolen or lost, you’ll be able to get a replacement in Luxembourg.

DRIVER LICENCE “It’s a straightforward procedure,” says Nelly, who exchanged her

Danish driving license for a Luxembourg one last month. “I used the photobooth at the airport for size-approved photos, then I went to the Bierger-Center [Luxembourg City Hall service centre] to get a resident certificate and to the Cité judiciaire [Central Court House] to get a criminal record extract. This could have been done online, but it actually went quicker in person. As I was just turning 70, I also had to get a medical certificate from my doctor. All I had to do after that was to go to the SNCA and fill out a form. I got my new driving licence a few days later.” Non-EU driving license holders need a medical certificate regardless of age and a criminal record fromtheir originating country. February 2016

LIFESTYLE

AUTOMOTIVE

CONTINUED

Whether you’re driving around with a Luxembourg license and plates or not, your “misconduct” on the Grand Duchy’s roadways will be subject to a penalty points system. To start with, your driving license has 12 points. If you commit an infraction, between 2 and 6 points are taken away for a period of three years. If you lose all of your points, your license is suspended for a year.

PENALTY POINTS “This goes for everyone driving in Luxembourg. In the case of drivers who don’t possess a Luxembourgish license or are on foreign plates, we create a virtual license. If the person runs out of points, he or she isn’t allowed to drive in Luxembourg anymore,” Pauly explains. The point system was revised in May 2015, which means harsher punishments for a number of offenses (see box, page 80). Once every three years however, drivers can, if they wish, recover 3 points by participating in a one-day course (that costs €291.40) at the Centre de formation pour conducteurs (Drivers Training Centre, www.cfc.lu) in Colmar-Berg. “A lot of people do this,” states Pauly. “If you’re low on points, it’s a really good idea because one more offense can leave you with zero points, and then it’s too late. Once your license is suspended, you’re off the roads for 12 months.” Normally when you lose or get back points, you are informed by letter. In the coming months, it will be possible to see how many points you have directly on www.guichet.lu. ROADWORTHINESS TEST With the upcoming reforms, a new car will only have to undergo a roadworthiness test for the first time four years after it’s been placed in circulation, then again two years later, and after that every year. This, added to other recent organisational changes, will further help manage the notorious congestion at the Contrôle technique (Vehicle Inspection Centre). Chances are you’ve already heard a few horror stories about how long it takes to get through, but rest assured: it’s not as bad as it sounds, especially if you plan ahead. As soon as you receive the letter from the SNCT telling you to get your car tested (eight weeks before the due date), make an appointment online (and keep it!). February 2016

LAYOUT D2

Showing up with all the documents and required equipment is also a good idea (the SNCT website clearly states what is compulsory and what will be checked), otherwise you risk being turned away or having to come back for a counter-inspection. The busiest period is late spring-early summer, so avoid that time if possible. But just in case you end up waiting in line for a couple of hours, remember to bring a book.

AUTO CLUB Its yellow road service trucks are an integral part of Luxembourg’s road landscape, yet many residents don’t make the Automobile Club de Luxembourg (www.acl.lu) connection

until the day their car breaks down or they are locked out of their home and have to call 2600. Which is a shame, because in addition to its car assistance that is available 24/7 (free of charge if you’re a member) and its polyglot call-centre (which accomodates eight languages), ACL offers a whole lot of other very useful services. One of them is the Diagnostic Centre, where you can get an extensive and objective analysis on your car’s condition. “It’s a way to make sure nobody cheats you,” explains ACL’s director, Jean-Claude Juchem. “People come here before getting their car serviced at a garage or taking their vehicle to the

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LIFESTYLE

AUTOMOTIVE

CONTINUED

FINES AND POINTS

As in some other countries, police in the Grand Duchy give on-the-spot fines. SPEEDING In the worst cases: loss of 6 points, a fine of up to €10,000 and a maximum 3-year prison sentence (for a repeat offense). Your license can also be suspended immediately. Otherwise, depending on your speed and the place, you’ll lose between 2 and 4 points and get a fine from €25 to €500. Example: going at 76km/h in a 50km zone will cost you 4 points the first time, but 6 points if it happens again within 3 years. ALCOHOL The blood alcohol limit is 0.5% in Luxembourg (young drivers and professionals must not exceed 0.2%). If you exceed 1.2%, are under drug influence or refuse to undergo a test, you will lose 6 points; if you are between 0.8% and 1.2%, 4 points; and if you are between 0.5% and 0.8%, 2 points. Fines and consequences are just as hefty as for speeding. OTHER DRIVING OFFENCES Use of phone or tablet, not wearing a seatbelt, lack of regulatory car seat for a child, wrong-way driving, not respecting the safety distance, not letting a pedestrian cross, running a red light, overtaking where it’s forbidden, not respecting a stop sign, non-registration of the car within the legal delay and defective tyres… will all lead to a loss of 2 points and a up to €145 fine. MORE DETAILS ON LOSS OF POINTS www.mt.public.lu and click on “Les transports” then “Circulation et sécurité routières” (in French).

roadworthiness test, but also if they want to buy or sell a used car. With a report from us in hand, they know exactly what to expect. We run 27 different tests and control up to 136 points. We also do safety check-ups before people go on long trips.” Car travellers will find another of ACL’s features extremely useful too. In its Service Centre, ACL staff can provide you with everything you need before heading off: itineraries, maps, hotel and campsite guides, road conditions but also child seats, GPS’s or luggage holders, plus excise stamps and motorway passes for the countries you’ll be passing through. ACL is also the place to go to get an international driving license. “We can even program your February 2016

JOSIANE PAULY Drivers can lose Luxembourg points even without holding a Luxembourg license

GPS for you,” says Juchem. “More than ever people want flexibility, reliability, rapidity and safety. We ensure their peace of mind.” ACL has its own auto fleet, not only with courtesy cars for its members to use when their own has been towed, but also with vehicles you can rent. “For example, if you need a special sized car to go on a trip, you can hire one via our Car Club and park your own with us for free while you’re away.” Newcomers to Luxembourg can also get advice and assistance regarding anything from car registration to road tax from the multilingual team. On the website (which will be available in English this year) you can get an overview of national and international

fuel prices and road conditions. A mobile app is also underway to expand the e-call system already in use by the ACL car assistance service. “Expanded use of vehicle tracking and teleassistance will help make difficult situations easier to handle and save lives too,” states Juchem. “It’s a step further in service and assistance that we’re eagerly taking.” An annual ACL membership costs between €49.50 (for the Luxembourg card) and €89.50 (for a Europe card), although fees are lower for young drivers. Member or not however, you can always call 2600 if you break down. Repairs are made on the spot if possible or your car is towed to your home or garage.

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LIFESTYLE

HEALTH

Text by NEEL CHRILLESEN

Photography by MARION DESSARD

Make bedtime e m i t t s e b e h t

We spend about one third of our day in bed. That alone is reason enough to take our sleep seriously.

one of us need scientific proof to establish that lack of sleep affects the way we think, react, work and get along with others. However, despite the vital role it plays in our mental and physical health (weight gain, diabetes, depression and heart problems are just some of the culprits of deprivation) many of us don’t get the kind of sleep we need and do little about improving the situation. The most obvious, and yet often overlooked, place to start if you sleep poorly is your mattress. A wrong or too old mattress (it should be changed every 7-10 years) can cause lower back pain, stiff neck and headaches but could also explain why you’re tossing and turning instead of dozing off blissfully. “A well-fitted mattress is key for quality sleep,” agrees, unsurprisingly, Nico Dhur, owner of House of Comfort in Strassen (www.house-ofcomfort.lu), which specialises in orthopaedic mattresses, primarily from Simmons, inventor of pocketed coil springs and top supplier to five-starred hotels. February 2016

In fact, many of his clients come looking for the same mattress they’ve spent a perfect night on during a hotel stay. “Having the right bedding system makes a huge difference. The feedback I get even surprises me sometimes. Clients call already a week after they’ve gotten their new mattress telling how it’s changed their lives.” For a long time specialists have had “mediumfirm” mattresses down as the best ones, but as Dhur notes, that’s a rather subjective label. “Choosing the perfect mattress is a very personal matter and several factors should be taken into account to guarantee the perfect fit.” Dhur therefore offers customised bedding systems (the mattresses are tailor-made in France) and is therefore the only store in Luxembourg selling American size mattresses too. Once you’ve got your bedding sorted (including comfy sheets--blue for better relaxation) and made your bedroom a sleepfriendly environment (dark, cool, void of disturbing devices), do all the other stuff you’ve heard of: limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol and nicotine, take a warm bath, go to bed earlier, take magnesium supplements, sleep naked, wear socks… but this time, really try it.

SUPER SCENT Use pure lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil to promote better sleep. Sprinkle a few drops on a tissue and place it next to your pillow, mist your bed linen lightly with lavender water (20-40 drops of essential oil, 50ml distilled water and a teaspoon of vodka in a spray bottle) or use an aromatherapy diffuser.

T.Tseng (CC BY 2.0) Maja Dumat (CC BY 2.0)

SOOTHING SIPS Scientists don’t really back the efficiency of warm milk at bedtime but for some people it works for purely psychological reasons and it should thus not be frowned upon. Other beverages might work better. Both Roman chamomile, hops, passionflower and lemon balm infusions can relieve anxiety and promote sleep. Another well-documented herbal sleeping aid is valerian root. If you don’t like the smell of the infusion, opt for the more common capsule form (200-600mg before bedtime). Seek medical advice if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or under medication before using herbal treatments.

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LIFESTYLE

Text by ALIX RASSEL

Photography by LALA LA PHOTO

Danz fir Lëtzebuerg They want you to “dance for Luxembourg” and learn about the Grand Duchy’s cultural heritage… by going all the way to Mexico.

hen it comes to quintessential “Luxembourg’s” culture, language and gastronomy are more likely to spring to mind than national costumes or folklore. However, the Union Grand-Duc Adolphe, the Grand Duchy’s music federation, along with three Luxembourg folk dancing groups hope to promote traditional Luxembourg culture worldwide when they travel to Mexico for the quadrennial World Folkloriada in July 2016. The Folkloriada festival is put on by the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts, an official partner of the UN’s culture agency, UNESCO, and chartered with safeguarding and promoting traditional culture and folklore. Khristian Kowalski, who hails from Nova Scotia, Canada, is a member of the Vallée des 7 Châteaux folk dance group based in Mersch and is actively recruiting dancers to join the UGDA troupe and take part in the Folkloriada festival. “I started folk dancing when I was 13 years old in a Polish dance group in Canada,” Khristian explains. “During my working life I had the opportunity to travel extensively and learn, among others, both Polish and Ukrainian folk dancing, which are part of my heritage. When I came to work in Luxembourg in

2011, I initially looked for a Polish dance group to join, but was fortunate enough to find Luxembourgish folk dance.” Luxembourg folk dance has strong links to the country’s farming roots, with many of the dances originating from the 18th and 19th centuries. “The dances are quite simple and reflect routine farming tasks,” Khristian notes. “Dances include harvesting the wheat, herding animals to the barn, and the usual tongue and cheek relationship between the farmer and his wife. It’s great fun and not to be taken too seriously.” During both World War occupations, Luxembourg folk dancing was outlawed along with many other aspects of national culture. In 1955, the dance group UuchtLa Veillée relaunched the tradition with the support of Georges Schmitt, at that time the curator of the National Museum. Schmitt played an integral role researching the traditional costumes which would have been worn by villagers. These include the familiar men’s long blue overall (Schibb), which was the customary dress of farmers and is still traditionally worn at the opening of the end-of-summer Schueberfouer. “My favourite dance is the Eifler Maklott”, he says. “It’s a line dance where couples pass one another like windmills. It is more of an energetic dance with some skipping steps reminiscent of a type of polka.” The dance group, which is made up of both native Luxembourgers and expats,

currently has 12 couples but is looking for three more couples or single men for the trip to Mexico. “You don’t have to be Mikhail Baryshnikov to join the group,” Khristian explains. “Nor do you need to speak Luxembourgish as translation is provided in English, French and German. You just need to enjoy dancing, be enthusiastic, able to commit to twice weekly practice sessions” and be available between 26 July and 14 August. All accommodation, food, costumes and travel within Mexico will be provided free of charge. The only cost is the airfare to Mexico, which is approximately €900 depending on the booking. “During the festival, we usually have two official performances per day,” he says. “This means that there is lots of free time available and the opportunity for many cultural exchanges for those who are interested.” The finale takes place in Mexico City on 14 August with performers from approximately 70 countries participating. There is no obligation to return with the team, so dancers can stay on for a holiday in Mexico if they like. “Personally, I love to perform on stage and feel the buzz around me,” adds Khristian. “But for those who are not so extraverted, it is a great way to represent Luxembourg and share our nation’s cultural heritage with the world.”

Community notebook

NGO ACCREDITATION PHILIPPINES-LUX. SOCIETY PLS, which supports educational projects, earned official NGO status from Luxembourg’s government; donations are now tax deductible. Info: www.pls.lu

February 2016

FOOD BANK RED CROSS The NGO opened its eighth “Buttek”, which provides groceries at greatly reduced prices to Luxembourg families in need, in Remich. Info: www.croix-rouge.lu

FEBRUARY MEETING INTERNATIONS VOLUNTEER GRP. Find out how you can help organise a musical fundraising event for Caritas that will take place next month. 8 Feb., 7 p.m. Info: www.internations.org

MAC MEETUP MAC USER GROUP “Meet other local Macintosh fanatics and developers to talk about OSX, Mac computers and applications.” 15 Feb., 7:30 p.m. Info: www.meetup.com

GETTING INVOLVED

CIOFF WORLD FOLKLORIADA The festival has taken place every four years since 1996. The next one will be held in Zacatecas, Mexico, starting 30 July and moving to that country’s capital on 14 August. Info: www.cioff.org LUXEMBOURG TEAM Practices are held for 2 hours every Tuesday and Thursday night and there will be some Saturday practices as the festival draws closer. For more information, contact khristiankowalski@yahoo.com. DANCE GROUPS La Ronde Info: www.laronde.lu Uucht-La Veillée +352 621 470 374 Vallée des 7 Châteaux Info: www.folklor-mersch.lu

Union Grand-Duc Adolphe Info: www.ugda.lu On YouTube Search for “LetzFolk”

SKI WEEKEND LUXEMBOURG EXPAT MEETUP Join members of the club for 48 hours of skiing and après-skiing in Gérardmer, about 3 hours south of Luxembourg. 19-21 Feb. Info: www.meetup.com

INTRO TO LUXEMBOURG AMCHAM A free one day “newcomers orientation course for third-country nationals”, held in English. 20 Feb. starting at 9:30 a.m. Info: www.amcham.lu

QUIZ NIGHT BRITISH LADIES CLUB Test your trivia knowledge with a team of up to six during this annual tradition. Space is limited. €25 includes dinner. 5 March, 7 p.m. Info: www.blc.lu

SENNINGERBERG WITH SILKE NORDIC & WALK The Nordic walking club’s Silke Schommarz leads a 7-10km beginner’s walk departing from Wasserturm (Charly’s Gare). 12 March, 8:50 a.m. Info: www.nordicwalking.lu

February 2016

Steve Eastwood (archives) Luxembourg Red Cross (archives) Felix Triller (CC BY 2.0) Gérardmer Tourisme Connie Ma (CC BY-SA 2.0) Sjaak Kempe (CC BY 2.0)

FIND OUT MORE Luxembourger Folk Dance Info: www.folklor.lu

LIFESTYLE

MUSIC

SOULFUL CROONER GREGORY PORTER RETURNS TO LUXEMBOURG

February 2016

Text by DUNCAN ROBERTS

have been unveiled, this year’s music festivalses are attrac ting for up ed lin s me na t nu ve The firs Luxembourg and small tter? huge ac ts are coming to xembourg’s live music scene ever had it be Lu s Ha s. ist art g un hip yo

ixies return to Luxembourg to headline this year’s Rock-A-Field (www.rockafield.lu) festival in July. That is the sort of news that would have been unthinkable 20 years ago when den Atelier had been open for less than six months. Now it is greeted with excitement by some, and with something dangerously approaching indifference by others; those longstarved local music fans who have been spoiled for choice over the past ten years, since the Rockhal opened to provide a home for the bigger names, and then d:qliq and Exit07 at CarréRotondes brought in a fresh wave of emerging talents to play small, but passionately attended shows in the Grand Duchy. Now Rotondes has moved back to its original premises at the Gare and the renamed Klub venue continues to programme an excellent pick of indie, electronic and psychedelic artists. At the same time, Luka Heindrichs’ De Gudde Wëllen has taken over the mantle from Fred Baus’ d:qliq and is putting on artists that attract a healthy regular audience of music fans eager to discover something new. In addition, bars such as Rocas, Konrad café and Updown are also hosting live music ranging from singer-songwriters to world music. And that’s not counting the jazz and world music at the Philharmonie or the eclectic two months of the Printemps Musical festival. A cursory glance at the programme of concerts already announced for the next few months leaves little doubt that Luxembourg has probably never had it so good, in terms of choice at least. Wading through the list makes for dizzying reading. There is something to suit all tastes, which is a long cry from the days of the early 1990s when the main venue for live music was the Melusina in Clausen, which hosted a programme of blues and jazz (a role now taken by LiquID bar) and the very occasional gig by bands of the calibre of Irish punk band The Sultans of Ping FC.

SPRING HIGHLIGHTS So, what’s in store for the upcoming months? The big names have been wheeled out by the Rockhal and den Atelier, in the shape of Mariah Carey on 26 March and Iron Maiden on 2 August. But there are a bunch of shows by less famous artists

that are worth highlighting for music fans who like to discover something new, and a slew of familiar artists with whom to refresh acquaintance. Such is the case with Fun Lovin’ Criminals, who return for a fifth show at den Atelier on 8 March, this time to play in its entirety their debut album Come Find Yourself, to mark the 20th anniversary of that breakthrough record. Two days later it is the turn of an even older anniversary, as German punk icon Nina Hagen celebrates 45 years as a professional musician with an acoustic set at den Atelier as part of the Printemps Musical festival. Soulful jazz singer Gregory Porter also returns to Luxembourg following shows at Rockhal and the Philharmonie, when the hype surrounding the charming Californian was at its height. Soul with a female voice is provided by Londoner Lianna La Havas on 20 March. She will be promoting her last year’s sophomore album Blood, which won praise from many quarters over the summer. The end of March sees New Zealand band Fat Freddy’s Drop bring their eclectic funk-driven sound to the Rockhal for what promises to be, in the words of the venue, “a potent mixture of jazz virtuosity and diaphragm-wrecking digital sonics.” There is an opportunity at the Rotondes’ Klub to catch Meatbodies, Chad Ubovich’s acclaimed sonic wave crunchers, on 10 April, while everyone’s favourite hipster-bearded singer-songwriter William Fitzsimmons comes to the Rockhal on 24 April (he has previously played twice at den Atelier). But perhaps the most idiosyncratic act to grace the Rockhal stage is David Duchovny on 8 May. The X-Files star has released a debut album of blues called Hell or Highwater. Before that, the annual one-day Out Of The Crowd Festival (www.ootcfestival.com) at Kulturfabrik on 30 April always manages to put together a brilliant programme, and has already announced the return of Canadian band Ought as one of its headline acts. And then, before the return of Pixies at Rock-A-Field, the Kulturfabrik brings to Luxembourg the man who helped forge their sound on Surfer Rosa, Steve Albini. He will play with his band Shellac what could well be the most exuberant, no-nonsense gig of the first half of 2016, on 8 June.

ROTONDES Place des Rotondes, Luxembourg-Bonnevoie Info: www.rotondes.lu Hip indie and electronica PHILHARMONIE Place de l’Europe, Luxembourg-Kirchberg Info: www.philharmonie.lu Jazz and world music ROCKHAL Ave. du Rock’n’Roll, Esch-Belval Info: www.rockhal.lu Eclectic mix of big names and emerging artists DEN ATELIER Rue de Hollerich, Luxembourg-Gare Info: www.atelier.lu Rock, pop, indie, dance, jazz… KULTURFABRIK Rue du Luxembourg, Esch-Alzette Info: www.kulturfabrik.lu Strong focus on metal and hardcore DE GUDDE WËLLEN 17 rue du St Esprit, Luxembourg-Centre Info: www.deguddewellen.lu Indie and folk and electronica KONRAD CAFÉ & BAR Rue du Nord, Luxembourg-Centre On Facebook Singer-songwriters and world music ROCAS Place des Bains, Luxembourg-Centre On Facebook Eclectic mix LIQUID 15 rue Munster, Luxembourg-Grund On Facebook Regular jazz and blues gigs UPDOWN BAR 28 montée du Grund, Luxembourg-Grund On Facebook Singer-songwriters OPDERSCHMELZ rue de centenaire, Dudelange

Info: www.opderschmelz.lu

Jazz, world music, rock, classical

February 2016

Rockhal Sven Becker Steve Eastwood

Showcase for spring sounds

MUSIC VENUES

LIFESTYLE

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Text by DUNCAN ROBERTS

New legitimacy for City Film Festival d a steep learning Cit y Film Festival has harsed by international rg ou mb xe Lu the ars In the space of five ye proves that it is now a mature event endo curve. The 2016 edition it fresh legitimac y. organisations that lend

ne of the extramural highlights of this year’s Luxembourg City Film Festival promises to be a screening of hard-hitting documentary The Uncondemned at neimënster. Part of the CinéUNO outreach programme of the United Nations, and programmed to coincide with International Women’s Day, the film by Nick Louvel and Michele Mitchell details the fight by a group of lawyers and activists, including human rights campaigner Sara Darehshori and assistant US attorney Pierre Prosper, to win the first ever case in which a defendant had been accused of rape as a war crime. Guests from the United Nations and The Guardian newspaper will be among those speaking at a debate about the film. With partners like the United Nations and the World Bank, which is involved in a programme about film and the environment, you know an event has reached a new level of legitimacy. But the festival is also inundated with requests from Luxembourg institutions, from the Rockhal to Mudam, to be part of the programme. So, what started out as a small festival--Discovery Zone in 2011--trying to mask the embarrassment of three editions of the misfiring and totally ill-conceived Directors Festival, is now an acknowledged home for interesting international cinema, especially for films with a social conscience that reflect contemporary events.

REFLECTING SOCIETY One other undoubted highlight will be a screening of Pasha Rafiy’s film Foreign Affairs, which follows the day-to-day life of foreign minister Jean Asselborn. Rumour has it that several high-ranking political guests, friends and colleagues of Asselborn from around the world will come to Luxembourg for the screening. Alexis Juncosa refutes criticism that the festival is rather “blurry” in its focus; that there is no concept. “We are a panorama festival. We are not a genre festival. Our programme is content based, it is international and it reflects society and contemporary events.” Nevertheless, the festival will be using its new Magic Mirrors headquarters to host some very special midnight screenings, the sort of films that usually find their home in genre festivals. The Magic Mirrors tent is another example of the

February 2016

LUXEMBOURG CITY FILM FESTIVAL DATES Thursday 25 February to Sunday 6 March PROGRAMME & INFO Info: www.luxfilmfest.lu FESTIVAL HQ Magic Mirrors, place de la Constitution, Luxembourg-Centre SCREENINGS Ciné Utopia, avenue de la Faïencerie, Luxembourg-Limpertsberg Info: www.utopolis.lu Cinémathèque, place du Théâtre, Luxembourg-Centre Info: www.cinematheque.lu Utopolis, avenue J. F. Kennedy, Luxembourg-Kirchberg Info: www.utopolis.lu

growing status of the Luxembourg City Film Festival. It has been used in the past at such prestigious festivals as the Berlinale and the Sziget music festival in Budapest. Installed at the place de la Constitution, Magic Mirrors will be a place to “chill and discuss,” says Juncosa. It is a perfect solution for the festival, because it is low-cost and can be installed in a public space that is accessible from other festival venues and the hotels at which guests will be staying, but far enough removed that it doesn’t disturb normal life in the city. The Magic Mirrors will also house a Full Virtual Reality Corner, which will shine a spotlight on what promises to be the biggest explosion in cinema this year, 360 degree film making. Luxembourg producers including A-bahn and Bernard Michaux are already making inroads into using the new technology for upcoming projects. Access between the Magic Mirrors headquarters and the two main venues screening films--the Cinémathèque and Ciné Utopia--will be aided by a regular shuttle bus.

INTERNATIONAL TALENT “We are one of the events in Luxembourg that receives most media coverage,” Juncosa says with some pride. The festival team is excited by the news that for the first time Luxembourg productions will be included in the competition,

especially as many films made here are getting selected for prestigious international festivals. Indeed, Luxembourg had its first entry at Sundance this year with the screening of the Irish co-production Mammal, directed by Rebecca Daly and starring Rachel Griffiths. “That is a sign, especially in a year in which the Lëtzebuerger Film Präis takes place, that we are being taken seriously by the local industry.” And the festival is also attracting the attention of international talent. “We never, and will never, pay guests to appear at the festival, but we have to find a way of financing their travel. You know these people don’t fly economy and you have to buy open tickets because they need flexibility. You can imagine how much those airline tickets cost from the United States.” One reason guests are flocking to the festival in Luxembourg may be because of the exceptionally warm welcome they are given. Sean Sapcariu, a University of Luxembourg PhD student who has volunteered at the festival for a number of years, says he is most looking forward to meeting all of the guests and introducing them to Luxembourg. “The guests I have met during the years I have volunteered have all been very impressed about how we go above and beyond to make the festival great for both guests and audiences.”

OTHER VENUES Rotondes, places des Rotondes, Luxembourg-Bonnevoie Info: rotondes.lu Neimënster, rue Munster, Luxembourg-Grund Info: www.neimenster.lu Casino Luxembourg – Forum d’art contemporain, rue Notre-Dame, Luxembourg-Centre Info: www.casino-luxembourg.lu Mudam, Park Dräi Eechelen, Luxembourg-Kirchberg Info: www.mudam.lu Ratskeller, Cercle Cité, rue de Curé, Luxembourg-Centre Info: www.cerclecite.lu TICKETS Festival Pass: €25 available at Utopolis Kirchberg, Ciné Utopia and Cinémathèque from 16 February Individual tickets: €6 (€4.50 concessions) at venue box offices A. CONTEMPORARY EVENTS The programme includes local production Eldorado about immigrants in Luxembourg B. YOUNG AUDIENCES The festival has a focus on films for the under 18s February 2016

Samsa Film Romain Girtgen/CNA

LIFESTYLE

THEATRE

Text by DUNCAN ROBERTS

Photography by STEVE EASTWOOD

s c i t i l o p e Th a i o n a r a p f o

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udiences attending the upcoming Actors Rep production of Daniel Pinkerton’s Do You Want to Know a Secret? will not only come away with memories of a fascinating evening of theatre, they will also be impressed at the way the play resonates with current concerns over government surveillance and homeland security, as well as touching on notions of patriotism and moral fortitude. Set in Berlin between 1988 and 1993, the play focuses on the Berger family--Walter (played by Timothy Lone), Karin (Rhona Richards), daughter Erika (Sarah Lamesch), Karin’s father Wolf (Gilbert K. Johnston), and her best friend Anja (Christine Probst). Allowed access to their Stasi files after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the family unveils a secret that will have a devastating impact. Indeed, there are suggestions that nearly one in ten, and maybe as many as one in eight, East Germans colluded with the Stasi, February 2016

the state secret police, by informing on friends, co-workers and even family members. In a review of a Minneapolis production, Quinton Skinner in Variety wrote that Pinkerton “manages to wrest drama from the intractable circumstances of a particular chapter of history.” Director Erik Abbott says that when he encountered a very early draft of the play some years ago, he was immediately taken with the story and the characters. “The way Daniel Pinkerton builds a drama around a fascinating era of European and world history by focusing on the impact the politics and fear and paranoia of the time had on one family is quite moving and extremely theatrical. I was also intrigued by how the piece reveals bits of the story by juxtaposing short pieces of video with live action.” Abbott admits that he normally doesn’t like video on stage, and, having never before been on the other side of the

camera, it presented a big challenge. “But Pinkerton is brilliant in the way he weaves it into the play and actually uses it to heighten the theatricality.” The video segments are flashbacks that involve characters speaking directly to camera, which some critics say can be interpreted as interrogation tapes or very intimate, voluntarily made confessions. “Getting the right cast and design team is also always a challenge and we’ve been --again--very fortunate in this regard,” says Abbott. Lone, Richards and Probst are stalwarts of the company’s productions, but the addition of London-based actor Sarah Lamesch, a graduate of the Luxembourg Waldorf School and former student at the city Conservatoire, is something of a coup. The creative team, too, is packed with talent and experience, from John Brigg designing the set and lighting to Natalia Sanchez for costumes, hair and makeup and Veronica Badea in charge of props. The choice of play once again underlines the ambitions of Actors Rep’s mission to deliver passionate, thought provoking, professional English-language theatre in Luxembourg. In the words of critic Lydia Howell: “A chilly invasiveness permeates this character-driven play that leaves one haunted with the intimate implications of state intrusion of our privacy.” Where: Mierscher Kulturhaus, Mersch, www.kulturhaus.lu When: 9-13 March at 8 p.m. (extra show 13 March at 5 p.m.) Tickets: www.luxembourgticket.lu

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LIFESTYLE

ON STAGE

Text by DUNCAN ROBERTS

14 shows you must see

MAXIME BENDER Celebrating with friends Luxembourg’s premier saxophone player invites a clutch of guest musicians, including his own quartet (photo), to join him for a concert in the Phil’s Salle de Musique de Chambre. The Maxime Bender Quartet’s last album, Path of Decision, was released on famous French label Laborie Jazz and received positive reviews from the likes of citizenjazz.com. Where: Philharmonie, Luxembourg-Kirchberg When: 19 February Tickets: www.philharmonie.lu February 2016

HURTS Smooth pop Mancunians Theo Hutchcraft and Adam Anderson return to den Atelier some five years after they first played the venue. Back then they had just released debut album Happiness. Now with third album Surrender under their belts, the duo is bound to attract a healthy crowd eager to sing along to smoothly crafted pop hit ‘Wonderful Life’ and new single ‘Lights.’ Where: den Atelier, Luxembourg-Gare When: 15 February Tickets: www.atelier.lu

WYNTON MARSALIS Big band style Wynton Marsalis is joined by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra for a concert that sees some of the finest big band jazz players on the planet, gathered on the Philharmonie stage. Marsalis, who famously refuses to dilute the essential swing of jazz, is the band’s musical director but also plays the trumpet in his own inimitable style. Where: Philharmonie, Luxembourg-Kirchberg When: 15 February Tickets: www.philharmonie.lu

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL Magical world Quebec-based company Cirque du Soleil’s latest show is set in the mystical Varekai, an enchanted and magical forest with a volcano. The fantastical show features dramatic music, otherworldly sets, amazing costumes, wild choreography and fourteen world-class acrobatics performances, including Russian swings and the triple trapeze. Where: Rockhal, Esch-Belval When: 17-21 February Tickets: www.rockhal.lu

IL TROVATORE Verdi classic One of Giuseppe Verdi’s most enduring operas, Il Trovatore is set in 15th century Spain and tackles familiar themes of obsession, revenge, war, and family. The OPL and the choir from the Opéra de Lille are conducted by Roberto Rizzi Brignoli in a staging by Richard Brunel. The opera is performed in Italian with French and German surtitles. Where: Grand Théâtre, Luxembourg-Limpertsberg When: 20, 23 & 25 February Tickets: www.theatres.lu

KING DUDE Southern gothic Thomas Jefferson Cowgill channels the darkest moods of Johnny Cash, Jeffrey Lee Pierce and Nick Cave in the music he makes as King Dude. As Louis Pattison in The Guardian puts it, King Dude plays “folk, country and blues mired in doom and dread.” This brand of southern gothic results in truly mesmerising songs that “toy darkly with the narrative folk tradition.” Where: Rotondes, Luxembourg-Bonnevoie When: 22 February Tickets: www.rotondes.lu

CHARLIE CUNNINGHAM Percussive guitar English musician Charlie Cunningham has steadily been building a reputation for what The Line Of Best Fit calls “combined beautiful, yet honest song-writing with percussive guitar playing.” He has toured with the likes of Scottish genius King Creosote, comeback legend Rodriguez and Rockhal favourites Mighty Oaks. He plays the intimate The Floor venue. Where: Rockhal, Esch-Belval When: 23 February Tickets: www.rockhal.lu

Rob Wayman Photography Sven Becker Martin Girard Marie Semple Jean-Baptiste Millot Benjamin Champenois Marco Borggreve

ist Wynton urn of legendary jazz artthe debuts ret the s see ter win te d La ger Ellie Goulding , an es family Marsalis and popular sin . Cirque du Soleil provideek By Jowl de Du of Grimes and King ran is for adults and Ch enter tainment, Dylan Moeare. sp ake delivers intense Sh

RICHARD BONA Jazzy Africa Described in the Los Angeles Times as having “Jaco Pastorius’s virtuosity, George Benson’s vocal fluidity, João Gilberto’s sense of song and harmony, all mixed up with African culture,” bassist Richard Bona is a truly gifted musician. He has received accolades for albums such as 2009’s The Ten Shades of Blues and has also guested on records by other acclaimed artists. Where: opderschmelz, Dudelange When: 25 February Tickets: www.opderschmelz.lu

BUENOS AIRES TANGO Vivacious dance The six-piece El Arranque orchestra has been taking the tango all around the world since 1996. It stops off in Luxembourg for a performance with guest musicians, and three internationally acclaimed tango dance pairs, including Les Frères Filipeli and 2014 world champions Juan Malizia and Manuela Rossi. After the performance, the audience can join in the dancing. Where: Grand Théâtre, Luxembourg-Limpertsberg When: 26 & 27 February Tickets: www.theatres.lu

LA CETRA A touch of baroque Swiss baroque orchestra La Cetra conducted by Italian maestro Andrea Marcon makes its Luxembourg debut at the Philharmonie with a varied programme. The evening climaxes with a performance of Monteverdi’s operatic scena, Il combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda, for which they are joined by renowned mezzosoprano Magdalena Kožená (photo) playing both roles. Where: Philharmonie, Luxembourg-Kirchberg When: 2 March Tickets: www.philharmonie.lu

WINTER’S TALE Compelling bard Cheek By Jowl, which consistently delivers intense and compelling theatre, arrives with its latest production following successful stagings of Cymbeline and Macbeth as well as John Ford’s Jacobean tragedy �Tis Pity She’s a Whore. Declan Donnellan directs the company’s version of Winter’s Tale, with design, as always, by Nick Ormerod. The production won Russia’s prestigious Golden Mask award. Where: Grand Théâtre, Luxembourg-Limpertsberg When: 1-4 March Tickets: www.theatres.lu

ELLIE GOULDING Delirious singer Hailing from Herefordshire, singer Ellie Goulding has conquered the world since the release of her debut album Lights in 2010. More recent hits like global number 1 ‘Love Me Like You Do’ have made Goulding a household name. Latest album Delirium features another international smash, ‘On My Mind.’ Where: Rockhal, Esch-Belval When: 29 February Tickets: www.atelier.lu

ARCANTO QUARTETT Riveting strings Martin Kettle in The Guardian said in 2011 that “If the Arcanto Quartett are not yet on your radar, make sure they are from now on.” The programme in the chamber music hall opens with Alban Berg’s Lyric Suite, which has been described as a densely personal and richly encrypted quartet, and is followed by Beethoven’s String Quartet opus 132. Where: Philharmonie, Luxembourg-Kirchberg When: 29 February Tickets: www.philharmonie.lu

DYLAN MORAN Classic stand-up Dylan Moran brings his latest critically acclaimed stand-up show Off The Hook to Luxembourg as part of a European tour. The show provides an hilarious glimpse into Moran’s unique take on love, politics, misery and the everyday absurdities of life all delivered with poetical panache. The Times said “Moran compulsively swerves clichés as he builds up layers of laughs”. Where: Municipal Theatre, Esch-sur-Alzette When: 5 March Tickets: www.esch.lu/culture/theatre February 2016

LIFESTYLE

… r e t n i w y a w a n r Bu y g r e n e s s e c x e ’ s and kid

KIDS

Text by WENDY WINN

BURN OFF ENERGY GAMES Laser Game Evolution Jump into combat, where no one gets hurt. For over 7s. In Howald. Info: www.lasergameevolution.com The Rock New centre in Pétange, with “Gold Rush” play areas for both 0-3s and 4-14s. Info: www.fun-city.lu X-treme Bowling and Billard Well-established favourite next to Cora and McDonald’s in Foetz. Strike! Info: www.x-treme.lu FREE REIGN Indyland Park Bounce, climb, and burn off energy 7 days a week in Foetz. Info: www.indyland-park.com

ids can sport the results at a party at school, at your commune, or elsewhere (see www.touristcenter.lu), but half the fun is just making them. Draw inspiration from Pinterest or other sites, as well as local arts and crafts specialists like Bastel Kiste (www.bastelkiste.lu) where you can find supplies too. Get kids in the kitchen too, making Carnival beignets (find recipes online) at home or elsewhere. A Guddesch restaurant in Mersch, for example, invites kids to bake Fueskichelcher with their chef on 1 March, while parents can explore the nearby nature (www.gudd.lu). As for Carnival itself, it gets rolling when the good folks in Remich burn a straw man representing winter on 10 February and throw him in the river (www.harmony.lu). Do not try this at home. And while romance heats up around the middle of the month, bonfires will also blaze: Buergbrennen falls on St. Valentine’s Day this February 2016

year. All around the country at events held on or near the 14th, people will watch winter symbolically go up in smoke as they enjoy grilled sausages and frites (check www.delano.lu). Carnival parties and parades abound; check at your commune or head to the ones in Diekirch on 7 February, Esch-Alzette on 28 February, or Remich and Pétange on 6 March (www.visitluxembourg.com). You can also fuel fantasy by seeing Paperbelle, theatre for ages 2 to 4 that explores colours in a world made of paper, playing 18 to 28 February at Rotondes (www.rotondes.lu). Fire might also ignite their creativity; this interactive show on 27 February at the Musée Dräi Eechelen (tickets via www.philharmonie.lu) sparks interest in the four elements through music. But there’s more to burn away than winter; kids’ energy also needs an outlet and some physical fun as well as fantasy. Check out our list (on the right) of indoor activities for some ideas!

YoYo Indoor Playground Great place in Howald for kids up to 10 to romp and roll. Info: www.yoyo.lu COURSES The Little Gym First class free to try; in Bertrange. Info: www.thelittlegym.eu Gymboree Play & Music Fun for all ages; in Walferdange. Info: www.gymboree.lu GREATER REGION Atomic Kids Big space in Arlon. Info: www.atomickids.be Trampolini Bouncy castles, even bouncier trampolines in Merzig. Info: www.trampolini.de

ONT

The weather might keep you cooped up, but you can let your imagination run wild, making carnival costumes!

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LIFESTYLE

EXHIBITIONS

Text by MARINA LAI

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

Judging artistic works

3 not to miss

The colourful career of Bernard Ceysson has seen him work as a director of museums and as a lecturer, but his true passion lies in curating.

ith four other galleries under his belt, Bernard Ceysson’s new 1,400 square metre gallery in Wandhoff is the perfect canvas for modern art. As a curator, he has an interesting philosophy: “Artists are free to imagine how they want to use the space, but at the same time, I have to work like a judge, not to impose but to help them come to a decision which best reflects their work.” It’s not just artists who have to be creative; Ceysson put together a joint exhibition for the gallery’s next show. “I chose to put two very important artists side by side. One of whom has disappeared from the art scene since his death, Jean Messagier, and the other is Claude Viallat,

who is a French contemporary artist.” It is the likeness and juxtaposition of the two styles that gives visitors a dynamic experience. For his Luxembourg City gallery, Ceysson will soon be showing Alexander Nolan. Ceysson says: “Many young New York artists travel through the history of art through the internet.” How does Ceysson select artists? “I must admit, it is not enough to choose with your eyes and your heart, I also have a duty to give a nod to the history of art.” Where: rue Wiltheim, Luxembourg-Centre (Viallat/Messagier); rue d’Arlon, Wandhaff (Nolan) When: 12 March-21 May (both shows) Info: www.bernardceysson.com

MARIE & GHISLAIN DAVID DE LOSSY The photography collection Not Alone captures nature in all its elements. Where: Galerie Clairefontaine When: until 20 Feb. Info: galerie-clairefontaine.lu

JEANNE SUSPLUGAS Based on her research of psychological distortions, Susplugas presents Disorder. Where: Wild Project Gallery When: until 5 March Info: wildprojectgallery.com

February 2016

JEFF DESOM, CLAUDIA PASSERI & SU-MEI TSE This eclectic collection appeals to art lovers from all over the world. Where: Galerie Clairefontaine When: until 5 March Info: galerie-clairefontaine.lu

SARAH OPPENHEIMER The American artist will present a new project that will visibly modify our usual perception of the museum space. Where: Mudam When: 20 Feb.-29 May Info: www.mudam.lu

DAMIEN DEROUBAIX The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner, his sixth solo exhibition, marries concepts from art history and popular culture. Where: Nosbaum Reding Gallery When: until 5 March Info: www.nosbaumreding.lu

FIONA TAN Geography of Time examines complex issues such as the relationship between personal and collective history, and the presence of the past in the present. Where: Mudam When: 20 Feb.-28 Aug. Info: www.mudam.lu

Luis Gispert/Zidoun-Bossuyt Gallery/David Laurent Damien Deroubaix/Nosbaum Reding Gallery Fiona Tan/Frith Street Gallery, London

LUIS GISPERT The artist presents twodimensional works comprised of quasi-asphalt slabs embedded with strands of gold and silver chain. Where: Zidoun-Bossuyt Gallery When: until 27 Feb. Info: zidoun-bossuyt.com

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LIFESTYLE

Text by MARINA LAI

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

A fine collection

MY FAVOURITES

or Didier Damiani is co-creat of an innovative onlinethe platform that has takenstorm . by Luxemb ourg art scene circle .lu) ork tw .ar Ar t Work Circle (w ww r new artist s helps art lovers discove ls of art and handles all the detai Luxemb ourger purchases. The native e and nn studie d at the Sorbo d has worke d University of London , any History Cit for the Luxemb ourg journalist Museum, as a fre elance curator with nt and as an indep ende d Saatchi Ar t. the culture ministry an development To day he is a business firm , but manager for a consulting know s the it’s safe to say that he the back of like ms seu mu country ’s r to share their his hand . So who bette favourites?

CASINO Located in the heart of the capital, Didier describes it as “the art centre of Luxembourg.” Referring to more than just geography, he explains that it is also the home of many good quality artists from Luxembourg, both known and unknown. “The best thing is, they always take risks here.” Having worked with the current artistic director, Kevin Muhlen, Didier is particularly impressed with the avant-garde exhibitions. Currently closed for renovations (the landmark site first opened in 1880) it will re-debut on 21 March. Where: 41 rue Notre-Dame, Luxembourg-Centre Info: www.casino-luxembourg.lu February 2016

ROTONDES Built in 1875, the Rotondes was previously a train and then bus garage. In 2007, it was recycled into the art and culture hub for young audiences, and then renovated again last year. “There’s so many things that you can do there”, from dining to theatre, Damiani says. “And there’s even concerts there where you can discover good bands too.” He quite likes that the Rotondes is a bit different. “It’s alternative, in a really good way.” His tip is to look out for the special events on Sundays: “There’s always something going on.” Where: rue de la Rotonde, Luxembourg-Gare Info: www.rotondes.lu

MUDAM A place extremely close to Didier’s heart, not just because he has curated there, but also because “for a small country, to have something as spectacular as the Mudam is really impressive.” He frequents the Mudam often, making his professional appointments there. But his favourite time to go is during openings: “That’s when you meet the whole art scene of Luxembourg. From art collectors to art lovers, to artists, we all gather in the beautiful café there.” It is not just him who is in awe, “actually my kids love the Mudam too.” They particularly liked the David Altmejd exhibition which consisted of giants made of mirrors. “We visited that exhibition so many times because they were totally transfixed by them.” Where: 3 Park Dräi Eechelen, Kirchberg Info: www.mudam.lu

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