Delano May 2017 by Maison Moderne

# 51 MAY 2017

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

LUXEM B CONFID OURG ENTIAL It’s hig for h a “freethe grand dutime dom of ch infor my to have ation” act.

y colleague, Martine Huberty, wanted the communications and media minister, to know how many letters, emails and introduced legislation to parliament in messages via Facebook and Twitter the May 2015 that would establish the general prime minister receives. So she asked Xavier right of the public to access administrative Bettel’s office. Twice. A spokesman said the documents, at both national and local levels information was considered confidential of government. Several carve-outs (for and not tracked, so the govprivacy, security, protecting ernment would not provide intellectual property, and so ONE CAN on) have been included and the figures. ARGUE THE are still the subject of some Luxembourg’s press law guarantees the right of jourdebate. However, bill 6810 MERITS nalists to seek out and publish has cleared most legislative OF THIS information that is in the hurdles and could potentially PARTICULAR public interest. Yet it does not come up for a vote soon. One BILL, BUT require the government to can argue the merits of this SURELY THE provide any details to the press, particular bill, but surely the PRINCIPLE nor to citizens. principle of some guarantees OF SOME Huberty was researching is better than none. political engagement in the Luxembourg was ranked GUARANTEES grand duchy (see “The Journal” 15th out of 181 territories in IS BETTER article on page 13 based on the 2016 World Press Freedom THAN NONE. data helpfully provided by the Index published by Reporters Chamber of Deputies), not Without Borders, an advocacy impropriety or a cover-up. Perhaps these were group. That was an improvement of four not the most vital facts. But this immediately places compared to the 2015 index, but reminded me that Luxembourg still does not the grand duchy took a blow following the have a “freedom of information” act. prosecution of a journalist in the LuxLeaks Sweden passed the first such rules (some- case (the country was ranked 4th between times known as “access to information” or 2012 and 2014). “open records” acts) in 1766. In the EU Not that I’m super competitive, but why today, only Cyprus and Luxembourg have can’t the country break back into the top no formal requirements, according to the ten? Here’s hoping parliament helps make European University Institute’s Robert that happen sooner rather than later. Schuman Centre. Luxembourg governments since 1999 AARON GRUNWALD have floated such a law. Bettel, who is also Editor in chief ad interim

ON MY MIND --World Press Freedom Day is 3 May. --Curious about the revamped natural history museum. --It’s terrace time. May 2017

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DELANO MAY 2017 CURRENT AFFAIRS

Luxembourg residents elect municipal councils in October. But how ballots are cast, and how candidates are voted in, differs from many countries. Delano explains.

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CONTENTS

Satellite operator SES and the government’s asteroid mining programme grab the headlines, but here are some of Luxembourg’s smaller outfits making waves in the global space race.

LIFESTYLE

In accordance with article 66 of the law of 08.06.2004 on the freedom of expression in the media: the company that publishes Delano is indirectly held, by a stake exceeding 25%, by Mike Koedinger, an independent editor registered in Luxembourg. 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

Cédric Lorant of Emtronix holds the Luxembourg flag. Picture by Maison Moderne. NOTE TO OUR READERS

The next print edition of Delano will be published on 26 May. For updates, commentary and our weekly what’s on guide, visit www.delano.lu.

AN EYE FOR DETAIL

Hiring an image consultant is an intimate experience. But what can stylists do, and what can’t they change? Delano heads to the fitting room.

BEER TASTING

Our jury samples six IPAs.

May 2017

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CONTENTS

CURRENT AFFAIRS

BUSINESS

LIFESTYLE

BLOOMS IN THE CITY

TAKING STOCK

CROWNING MOMENT

There are no manic floor traders, these days at least, at the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. 36

DELANO DIGITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Síle Reidy on one of her dreams come true: being named Luxembourg Rose of Tralee. 76

PERSONAL CLOUD

SAKE TASTING

Advice on the best online services for your personal data, and the price you pay for “free”.

Delano got an exclusive look at an intimate event hosted by the Japanese ambassador and his wife.

Spring is in the air and Delano takes time to smell the roses in Luxembourg City’s greenhouse. 11

VE DAY

Scott Desjardins of the American Cemetery in Hamm wants you to take time to remember on 8 May. 12

THE JOURNAL

WHITE HOUSE REPORTER

HIT SQUAD

MESSAGE TO TRUMP

Jean-Claude Juncker wants “independence” for Ohio icon_website www.delano.lu/current-affairs

After disaster strikes, a group of Luxembourg volunteers get satellite communications up and running. 84

REEL BUSINESS Dispatches from Delano writers: The group uniting Ethiopians and Eritreans in Luxembourg; petitions to parliament; ballroom dancing at St. George’s; reaching refugees with the Défibus; the EU quibbles over a tax avoidance accord; and who’s Viviane Reding? 24

FAMILY PLANNING

The NGO Planning familial turns 50 and its three clinics provide a host of free health services. 28

NO OBSTACLE

France 24’s Philip Crowther on how he met Elmo, as part of the “Celebrating Luxembourg” series. 42

MICROFINANCE IN ACTION

A new lender is reaching non-traditional entrepreneurs with “micro” business loans.

Guy Daleiden talks about the behind-thescenes action at the Cannes film festival. 86

“LESS WELL-OFF NOW”

Why Nicolas Mackel of Luxembourg for Finance does “not see Brexit as an opportunity”. 56

MISFIRED BROADSIDE

Financial Times web article misses the mark icon_website www.delano.lu/business

POP UP MARKET

Twenty local small businesses got to show off their stuff one recent Sunday. 92

CATCH THESE SHOWS

FASCINATING RESEARCH

BUSINESS NEWS

Delano recaps the day’s top headlines weekday mornings icon_website www.delano.lu/business From robotics to smartglass, here are ten projects in Luxembourg that you should know about.

Blasts from the past and novel instruments: check out these performances. Plus, two new plays in English. 96

FRESH FACE

PLAN AHEAD

FUND TALK

Highlights from Alfi’s European asset management confab and a preview of the impact investing event.

Don’t wait till the last minute to book kids’ summer activities; here are a few places to get started. 98

MUSICAL MAGIC to welcome Delano is pleased , talie Gerhardstein a new journalist, Na to the team.

Tania Steffen on her passion for books and for musical theatre: Delano’s “Clocking off!” series.

AUNTIE ELEANOR

Delano’s advice columnist answers reader questions on clay birds, solowheels and dog droppings.

WE’RE WITH YOU

Teams share selfies from the Relais pour la vie icon_website www.delano.lu/snapshots WANT MORE? Sign up for Delano’s “10 things to do this week” and “10 things to read this week” email newsletters. Go to the bottom of our homepage.

May 2017

European Parliament > TaxRebate.org.uk > Euroloan > Alfi’s Relais pour la vie team

Photographer Sven Becker caught a display of the impressive sport of parkour in Kirchberg.

UPFRONT

CURRENT AFFAIRS BLOOMS IN THE CITY

Along the boulevard Roosevelt is a garden lined with orange and yellow pansies. The flowers, planted in March, are just some of the 150,000 plants cultivated by the Service des Parcs at the Luxembourg City greenhouse. Horticulturist Marc Theis thinks of the plants like children and watches them pass through three phases: from a more humid nursery, to the 18°C “crèche”, to “primary school”, where plants get used to a cooler climate (13°C). The transition ensures plants are hardy enough to face the outdoors. By 15 May, sunflowers and begonias will be ready for summer planting, and planters prepared for decorating city centre lampposts. The greenhouse organises plants and cut flowers for the commune and municipal offices. It also prepares birthday floral arrangements for city residents over age 90; this year, it delivered around 900. NG

FROM GREENHOUSE TO CITY CENTRE A. The greenhouse building in Reckenthal has a surface area of 2,780m2 B. By 15 May, summer plants must be ready for delivery, explains horticulturist Marc Theis C. In some cases, flowers are delivered to the greenhouse in multi-cell trays, each containing 480 plants D. Boxes that will hang along the Grand-Rue and other locations are prepared in advance at the greenhouse E. An experiment using cut flowers, in preparation for the Luxembourg National Day F. In March, spring flowers were planted in garden beds across the city icon_website www.delano.lu/current-affairs

Luxembourg experienced the hottest March ever recorded since MeteoLux was founded in 1947, with an average temperature of 8.5°C. May 2017

Crime decreased by 4.5% in 2016, with 38,537 offences recorded by the grand duchy’s police in 2016, the lowest level in four years.

Rent for one- or two-bedroom flats increased over one year by 7% in Luxembourg, according to atHome.lu. The average price for a new flat reached 6,093 euros per m2 .

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8.5°C -4.5� 7�

SPEAKERS’ CORNER

GOODWILL AMBASSADOR

The owner of Kamakura restaurant, Hajime Miyamae, has been named a goodwill ambassador of Japanese culinary culture by Japan’s agriculture ministry. There are only 50 such cultural diplomats in the world. Kamakura, based in the Grund, was the first Japanese restaurant in Luxembourg; when it opened in 1988, only 80 Japanese nationals were living in the grand duchy. Miyamae was given the honorary title based on his commitment to defend washoku, inscribed in 2013 on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco. As the international body describes, washoku is “associated with an essential spirit of respect for nature that is closely related to the sustainable use of natural resources,” especially in action as the Japanese prepare to “welcome the deities” of the new year.

Julien Becker (archives)

ASYLUM SEEKERS

The grand duchy welcomed 52 asylum seekers at the end of March. The 23 adults and 29 children had been living in Greece and Italy prior to their arrival. This is the 6th group of asylum seekers to have been relocated from Greece to Luxembourg, bringing the new total relocated from that country to 217 of the total 309 expected to arrive.

TAKE TIME TO REMEMBER Scott Desjardins, superintendent of the Luxembourg American Cemetery in Hamm, describes the importance of remembering Victory in Europe Day through an anecdote about private first class Harold Ridley. 8 May 1945: Victory in Europe Day. My copy of the Random House College Dictionary defines “celebrate” as “to take part in special enjoyable activities in order to show that a particular occasion is important”. The end of a world war is most surely important. The reminder of the losses suffered is equally important. The Luxembourg American Cemetery contains the remains of 8,412 American service members, and less than a mile away the German Cemetery of Sandweiler contains the remains of 5,599 German service members. Both were maintained at the time by units of the US Army Graves Registration Service. Though these units were led in most part by white officers, the men providing the labour were predominately African-American, and the task was dismal. The care and maintenance of the German Cemetery was returned to the German government just as an agreement between Luxembourg and Germany was reached in 1952. The temporary American Cemetery of Luxembourg was chosen as America’s permanent cemetery commemorating the Ardennes Offensive begun by the German Army on 16 December 1944.

There is, of course, a cost for this day of celebration paid for by a loss of life on both sides of this conflict. What was that day like for PFC Harold Ridley? Harold was a young man from Detroit, Texas, who arrived in Marseilles, France, in December 1944. On Christmas Eve he joined in the defence of Strasbourg. His new year started with the breakthrough of the Siegfried Line. Over the following months he helped capture Würzburg, Schweinfurt, Fürth and Nuremberg. On 29 April he took part in the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp--a task that made him vomit--and the mountain of children’s shoes he saw enraged him, according to a letter received by his family. He was in Austria on 7 May as the German High Command surrendered unconditionally to the Allied forces at 01:41 in Reims, France, to become effective at 00:01 on 9 May. On 8 May, while on patrol, Harold was shot by a German soldier 2 hours before the ceasefire took place. Harold now lies in Plot H of the Luxembourg American Cemetery. Celebrate VE Day: Harold and many men like him made it possible. Remember. icon_twitter American Battle Monuments Commission May 2017

CURRENT AFFAIRS

COFFEE “HABESHA” STYLE A new association uniting Ethiopian and Eritrean refu gees in Luxembourg brings a sense of hope and a wealth of support to its members.

smell of incense mixed with freshly roasting coffee beans fills the room where Galila Zewdinah Milianitis is preparing for an Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Born in Addis Ababa, educated in the United States and relatively recently arrived in the grand

May 2017

duchy, Galila founded the Habesha Association for Ethiopian and Eritrean refugees in Luxembourg in June 2016. With 27 members, from both countries, it is small but growing month by month. “Habesha is about Ethiopians and Eritreans being together in harmony. It may surprise many people who will mostly remember the region’s conflicts, but we have a lot in common. Our food, our dress and even our coffee ceremony,” says Galila (pictured, left). The association

operates a policy of no politics and no gender, faith, disability or tribal discrimination. Whilst Ethiopians speak Amharic, and Eritreans speak Tigrigna, Galila explains that they can usually understand each other and often speak both languages. About 85% of Ethiopians and Eritreans who arrive in Luxembourg come as refugees. Many have never heard of the country before they come. “None of our members regret coming to Luxembourg. They are welcomed, given medical attention, food, shelter and safety,” says Galila. The Habesha Association’s foremost aim is to create “togetherness” for families and individuals, many of

Mike Zenari

THE JOURNAL

whom feel alone with no one to turn to if they experience problems. Most refugees, who are housed in shelters (foyers) in different parts of Luxembourg, value the monthly meetups as an opportunity to meet others outside of their foyer and to share experiences of home. “A life in the foyer and visiting government offices can be lonely,” she says. “Refugees cannot work until they have a resident’s permit.”

arrivals have somewhere to come for help.” In the future she also hopes to reach out to the elderly Habesha people from both countries that may be living in Luxembourg in isolation. icon_facebook Habesha Association

Reported by SARITA RAO

TOP 5 PETITIONS

“THIS ASSOCIATION IS LIKE A FAMILY; IT GIVES THE COMMUNITY HOPE.” Galila, fluent in French, English, Amharic and Spanish, regularly provides support as a translator in the grand duchy’s hospitals and at Olai (the Luxembourg Reception and Integration Agency). She also helps refugees to fill out necessary paperwork.

Chambre des Députés

GETTING THE WORD OUT “We want to help members to integrate into society smoothly,” she explains. The association meets once a month at the Clae premises in Gasperich. New members often just “turn up”, as was the case with Sam (pictured, right) who arrived in Luxembourg in January this year and heard about the meeting from fellow Ethiopians walking past him on the street. The Habesha Association also wants to promote Ethiopian and Eritrean culture in Luxembourg. “Many people here know nothing about our culture and traditions,” says Galila, who has organised stands and displays at several festivals of world culture, migration and work. The festivals give Habesha the opportunity to offer Luxembourg residents beriberi spiced meats and the chickpea dish shiro, found in the homes of rich and poor alike in Ethiopia and Eritrea. Galila uses these projects to showcase the needlework, cooking and hair braiding talents of members, with a view to creating future work opportunities for them. “We don’t have financial support yet, but we are hoping to get some so we can buy a van, to help with the transportation needs of our members, and an office, so new

Since March 2014, people in Luxembourg have been able to petition the Chamber of Deputies for a parliamentary hearing on issues they deeply care about. That is, if they get 4,500 signatures. uxembourgers have been busy these past three years: 468 public petitions have been submitted as of 15 March (the latest figures available). The subjects touch on every aspect of life, ranging from a referendum on Ceta (the Canada-EU trade deal), to more protection of animals, to meal vouchers for pensioners, to the use of Luxembourgish as an administrative language. 78 were rejected for not complying with the rulebook. The reasons for this are directly related to the, sometimes funny, content of the petitions. A request to reformulate the petition was not followed in 28 cases. One such petition called for the free distribution of condoms in schools. Another recent petition called to ban US president Donald Trump from entering the country. The content was incorrect in 15 cases: consider the petition to “rename the civil code, which was based on the code Napoleon, into the ‘code Jang de Blannen’ (John the Blind, Count of Luxembourg in 1309)”. Parliament was not concerned in 10 cases, such as the one which asked to “be able to park in front of your house without

getting a ticket”, or the one calling for signs that feeding pigeons is banned. In three cases the language was not appropriate: one petition called for selective immigration and featured racist language. Only 20 of the 379 accepted petitions achieved 4,500 signatures. One petition which called to extend the rail network to two rail tracks towards the North to Gouvy received only 527 signatures. However, the petition in 2016 to ban hiding your face in public collected 4,275 signatures--a mere 225 short of getting a hearing. Politicians do take note of these petitions. During parliamentary debates, the responsible minister is often present, and many MPs participate in the exchange. MPs ask questions about the objectives and the practical implementation of the suggestions. The minister also May 2017

CURRENT AFFAIRS

THE JOURNAL

makes a statement on whether he or she thinks it is commendable and opportune, and then the petitioner has another chance to react. Marco Schank, the CSV chair of the petitions commission (pictured on previous page), told Delano that a report on petitions will be published at the end of April or beginning of May. The document will detail which petitions have resulted in legislative or regulatory changes. icon_info www.chd.lu

Reported by MARTINE HUBERTY

CONTINUED

MOST SIGNATURES There have been only 20 petitions which made it into the “charts”, and here are the top five in terms of signatures: 14,500: Enshrine Luxembourgish in law as the first administrative language and national language for all residents 12,952: For the right to private schools for everyone: private schools for disabled and special needs children 11,679: For the preservation and modernisation of parish councils 10,317: Against the regulation on opening the game hunting season in 2015/2016 10,105: Legal paid vacation days of at least 30 days for the whole private sector

STRICTLY ST. GEORGE’S St. George’s International School has found a novel way to make young people pas sionate about sports class.

curious sight greets visitors to St. George’s International School at break time. In addition to young people running around and chatting in the playground, pockets of pupils are holding hands and waltzing.

May 2017

PE specialist and ballroom teacher Sue Cooper is particularly proud to see this. “It’s enthused them that much they are continuing to dance in their own time, which is lovely,” she says. Ballroom dancing has been a regular feature at the school since 2013 when Sue and husband Gary (pictured), also a teacher at the school, introduced it into PE lessons at secondary level as part of an inclusive sports programme. Since then the school has hosted two international Comenius balls with other schools in Europe and now the couple are teaching eight weeks of ballroom each year to primary pupils (also see page 18). “At first they [the students] are a bit reticent about dancing together. I say ‘you don’t have to get engaged and married…’ It’s about getting them to respect one another, to have a working relationship,” Sue explains. A number of studies in the US suggest that teaching ballroom and partner dancing to young people helps them develop social and

emotional skills. A 2013 study even showed that student exposure to dance and other art forms was linked to improved test scores. The Coopers are aware of the benefits. Beyond the physical and learning aspects of the lessons, social interaction and etiquette are key. “It means that boys know where to put their hand on a young lady in a way that is appropriate,” she says. To avoid taboos, the roles are clearly defined as “leaders” and “followers”, particularly important in lessons where boys and girls may have to dance in both roles. Older students, meanwhile, have an opportunity to learn leadership skills by assisting in dance lessons at the primary school. The Coopers are quick to stress they are no dance experts. They took up ballroom just eight years ago. Riding on the wave of popularity of British TV series Strictly Come Dancing, which injected new interest in ballroom dancing, Sue used lottery funding to spearhead an intergenerational ballroom project in Yorkshire. “We had community balls with people aged from 6 to 86 dancing… It was quite emotional seeing grandfathers and granddaughters dancing together.” She and her husband brought ballroom to St. George’s where the couple noticed a transformation in the young people. “It gives kids who are not particularly sporty in terms of games a real opportunity to shine,” she explains, adding that now they are enthusiastic about PE lessons. Part of the appeal is the fact they teach dance in a non-competitive way. After teaching the basic steps to the different dance forms, young people are then encouraged to dance freestyle. “It’s not that you need amazing agility, balance or strength,” Gary counters, “anyone can do it.” Indeed, even the parents are getting in on the action--the couple will resume teaching beginner adult classes after school in October. Reported by JESS BAULDRY

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CURRENT AFFAIRS

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CONTINUED

GET ON THE BUS

hen former European school student Constance Piat ventured into the Calais jungle migrant camp as a volunteer teacher in September 2016, she had little idea what she was getting herself into. “We did a Facebook search and found the École laïque du Chemin des Dunes. They told us to put their address in our GPS and come over,” Piat explains. Despite reservations of her family, she and friend Solène Burtz drove five hours to the notorious Calais jungle, where at one point around 10,000 migrants were thought to be living. There they were greeted with a scene reminiscent of shanty towns in Brazil: a wasteland surrounded by police cars and all around makeshift housing. “They put me in front of a blackboard. I had never taught French before. And they said ‘teach!’”. The two young women taught for just over three weeks, an experience which would stay with them for months afterwards. “We thought about what we learned from this experience and what others could learn,” says Piat. The challenge for her was deciding where to stand in the debate. “We knew people in Calais were angry about the camp… In another way we saw police being violent against migrants. We heard stories about mafias and children being abused. This whole mix was difficult for us to form an opinion because we can understand all sides of the debate.” The friends were, however, deeply touched by the motivated people they had taught, particularly the young adults whose potential was being wasted because they were not able May 2017

to integrate locally. They were also aware, having launched a fundraising drive to buy materials for the school, that there was a lot of goodwill in local host communities. After the Calais jungle closed, Piat (pictured, right) and Burtz (pictured, left) began formulating their own integration project--“Défibus”. “We want to travel around Europe to make people collaborate on dynamic, short-term projects for young people to meet one another,” Piat explains. “We want to do it for host communities and refugees to meet and be put in touch with local charities.” The pair are currently working on raising funds for the project. In May they will conduct a pilot in Lille, where young adult refugees will work with local residents to make a music video over two days. They will likely do a second pilot in Paris before beginning a project in June/July proposing similar creative challenges to the beneficiaries. The first stop on their European tour will be Luxembourg,

where they will work with local charities Hariko and Passerelle. Piat adds: “In parallel we will do a project with portraits of the people and local groups we work with, sort of like a ‘Humans of Europe’… It’s more to keep a trace and maybe for people who did not come to our launch to see what’s out there.”

icon_facebook Défibus icon_mail contact.defibus @gmail.com

Reported by JESS BAULDRY

TAX UNCERTAINTY Implementing “Beps”, the international tax avoidance accord, in the EU is proving easier said than done.

or the past few months, multinational firms have had a new concern: the implementation of Beps. The “Base erosion and profit shifting” scheme is an international plan to tackle aggressive tax planning. It is a set of actions agreed at the OECD, a forum for wealthier countries, which need to be transposed on a national basis. Since the plan was unveiled in 2015, the EU has been very proactive in its implementation. The Anti-Tax

Avoidance Directive was unveiled in January 2016, along with a rule obliging each multinational enterprise to give authorities detailed information on its activity on a country-by-country basis. A third text was adopted last February, dealing with special cross-border tax arrangements. Finally, the European Commission will unveil another proposal in June, dealing with the transparency of intermediaries, such as banks and consultants. The bloc has also decided to go further than the minimum required by Beps. For example, Europe includes a “general abuse” clause and an “exit taxation” rule that are not in the

Constance Piat

Former European school stu dent and university graduate Constance Piat talks about “Défibus”, a nomadic project to tour Europe and foster in tegration of refugees and mi grants in host communities.

international plan. The commission also proposed releasing country-by-country reporting to the public, while the OECD standard is “private” aside from information sharing among tax authorities. The commission move “is dangerous”, Pascal Saint-Amans, the OECD’s director for taxation, told Delano. “Going beyond the minimum Beps level might endanger all [of the] agreement”. The speed of Beps implementation in the EU also left some wondering about the goal of a global level playing field. “There are a lot of uncertainties as to how certain large jurisdictions will move forward,” Luxembourg’s finance minister, Pierre Gramegna, told Delano. In February he asked the commission to monitor the implementation of the Beps plan worldwide. European tax commissioner Pierre Moscovici said that was an “excellent idea”. But other officials were more reluctant, and pointed to the OECD as the relevant entity to perform such an exercise. The matter was discussed on 8 April, during an informal Ecofin meeting of EU finance ministers. Malta, which presided over the debate, had prepared a discussion paper on the need for “tax certainty for enterprises”. “It is clear that an inconsistent implementation of Beps rules at the international level risks being counterproductive, by increasing uncertainty,” read the paper. “Differences in the level of implementation may act in favour of those that drag their feet and those who do not act at all.” According to one source who followed the talks, Luxembourg and Belgium agreed during the Ecofin. German finance minister Wolfgang Schäuble also stressed that “nobody knows what the US administration will do”. But Moscovici answered that it was important to move fast on Beps implementation. That call was echoed by Manon Aubry of the NGO Oxfam, who told Delano: “It’s too easy to say ‘we can only act all together, let’s wait to see what happens in the rest of the world’.” Reported by JEAN COMTE

EXPRESS BIO

WHO’S WHO

Born 27 April 1951 in Esch-sur-Alzette Education and professional career 1977: doctor of social sciences, Paris-Sorbonne University 1978-1999: journalist at Luxemburger Wort 1979-1989: member of the Luxembourg Parliament 1989-1999: member of the European Parliament 2004-2010: European commissioner for information society and media 2010-2014: vice president of the European Commission and commissioner for justice, fundamental rights and citizenship 2014-present: member of the European Parliament Career highlight In 2012, the US-based magazine Foreign Policy ranked Viviane Reding at number 97 in its list of “Top 100 Global Thinkers” for her leadership in promoting the economic benefits of the role of women in top management and on company boards.

VIVIANE REDING

" YES TO PRIVACY, NET NEUTRALITY, ENCRYPTION, OPEN SOURCE, NO TO SURVEILLANCE, GEOBLOCKING, ROAMING, SPAMS, AT EU & GLOBAL LEVELS." Despite a few political setbacks over the past years, Viviane Reding has not lost any of her bite and continues to fight for issues she cares about. A mother of three who carries her feminist convictions with an irrefutable logic that has secretly exasperated some established politicians, Reding is nothing if not a fighter. After losing the leadership of the CSV party to Claude Wiseler in 2016, and before that the nomination of EPP candidate for vice president of the European Parliament in 2014, Reding is now focused again on her work as an MEP. While she is a member of the committee on international trade, she also holds the European Commission to account on issues which she used to be responsible for herself (see bio above). A natural politician, Reding started out in journalism, but quickly made herself known for her sharp analytical skills and political instincts. After ten years of being an MP, she

got elected to the European Parliament, where her European vocation and ability to grasp complex issues made her a prominent member. In 2010, she managed to get the prestigious and increasingly important post of commissioner responsible for justice, fundamental rights and citizenship. In 2013, Reding was already talking about “systemic rule of law problems” in certain member states, such as Romania and Hungary, and subsequently presented the new procedure of assessment and recommendations on the rule of law. She was also the initiator of the regulation and directive of data protection rules in the EU in 2012, and worked on ending roaming charges in the EU. With her work in the EP, Reding keeps ruffling feathers--often in a good way. MH May 2017

CURRENT AFFAIRS

EDUCATION

Text by JESS BAULDRY

Photography by LALA LA PHOTO

STUDENTS SHAKE TAIL FEATHERS

ne hundred fifty youngsters Cha Cha Cha-ed, waltzed and jived the night away at their first ball on 17 March at the Parc BelleVue Hotel. “We adapted the Cha Cha and choreographed a dance to ‘Night Fever’, which includes some cheesy disco moves. We also adapted ‘Shake a Tail Feather’ [from The Blues Brothers] to fit the jive with extra actions,” PE specialist Sue Cooper told Delano. Ballroom has been taught in PE at St. George’s International School for the past four years. But it is only this year that teachers and ballroom instructors Sue and Gary Cooper took it to primary level. Both said they had seen a transformation in the young people learning to dance. A novelty at the ball was the participation of 6’8” (2 metres) basketball coaches Trent Wurtz and Billy McDaniel. “They have never done this before in their lives and they have learned... The kids saw them transform from games players to dancers,” said Sue. icon_info www.st-georges.lu icon_website www.delano.lu/snapshots

May 2017

ST. GEORGE’S DANCE A. Fired up by ballroom, a young dancer poses for a photo during the St. George’s International School ball B. Young people from Years 4, 5 and 6 were encouraged to dress up for the ball C. Basketball coaches Billy McDaniel and Trent Wurtz got involved D. At over 6’ tall, McDaniel could not be missed on the dance floor E. Young dancers donned shades from The Blues Brothers’ song ‘Shake A Tail Feather’ F. The dance was all about having fun G. Youngsters showed off the moves they learned in PE class H. Wurtz was not short of dance partners I. There were smiles aplenty at the ball

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CURRENT AFFAIRS

May 2017

LOCAL POLITICS

Text by MARTINE HUBERTY

Photography by SVEN BECKER

THERE IS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO VOTE 7 % of c a

re f

f o re

i gn er

e ter

ONE SYSTEM FOR VILLAGES AND ONE FOR TOWNS The number of councillors elected depends on the number of residents in the municipality. If you live in a small village with a population of less than 3,000 inhabitants, your voting ballot will only feature individual candidates, no parties. That is because a Westminster-type majoritarian system is applied: it means that parties are less important, and individuals present their ideas to improve the village. The candidates with the most votes get elected. In towns and cities which have a population of more than 3,000, a proportional representation (PR) system is used. Here, candidates belong to a party list.

gis

councillors may also express themselves in one of the other official languages (French or German).

were eligible to vo te

DISAPPOINTING TURNOUT OF FOREIGN RESIDENTS IN THE 2011 LOCAL ELECTIONS

ou may find local politics a bit boring, but it is sometimes the level of government that most directly impacts your life, because local councils decide how many crèches are available in your commune, whether shops are open on Sundays or not, or whether the local park is being well maintained or neglected (see April edition). In the same vein, knowing how to fill out a ballot paper is essential if you want your vote to be counted.

WHO CAN VOTE AND BE ELECTED? You can register to vote for the next local elections on 8 October if you have lived in Luxembourg for five years and are over 18. It does not matter which citizenship you have, but you must register before 13 July. Voting is obligatory for citizens, and once you registered, you are also obliged to vote. However, Josiane Schroeder, who is head judge of the district court (tribunal d’arrondissement) in Luxembourg City, explains that “so far, no one has ever been prosecuted for not turning up to vote over the past decades. In practice, people are not prosecuted if they don’t vote, even if it’s written in the law.” Since 2011, the positions of mayor and aldermen are open to anyone who has resided in Luxembourg for the past five years and is over 18. The law of 16 February 2011 also states that Luxembourgish is the common language spoken during local council meetings, and that

ate s

ig re

17 % o f

n di d

Local elections may seem like lightyears away, but don’t be fooled: parties are already gearing up to charm you for your vote. But do you know how many votes you have? Do you know how the votes are counted and how the winners are decided?

The number of bigger local councils has been increasing steadily because of population growth more generally, but also because the government has made a concerted effort to make local government more efficient through the merging of smaller councils or merging a small one with a bigger council. In 2011, there were 116; now there are 103. This has implications for the politics within councils, as the more PR is used, the more predominant parties become.

PARTY OR CANDIDATES? If you live in a town of more than 3,000 people, you are spoilt for choice. In most big municipalities, all the parties put up a list of candidates--so you may have up to 7 or 8 parties to choose from. A party can present a list of fewer candidates than there are seats in the local council. Not only that, in Luxembourg you can

JOSIANE SCHROEDER Voting is, legally speaking, compulsory for registered voters, but so far “offenders” have not been prosecuted May 2017

CURRENT AFFAIRS

HOW PANACHAGE WORKS The voter has 9 votes in this example. She has a general preference for party 1, but also wants to give some votes to 3 other candidates whom she likes and wants to see elected. Therefore, she gives Ben Dasch from party 2 and Camilla Bauer from party 4 two votes each, and then Mike Scharf one vote. In Luxembourg, the order in which the parties appear on the ballot is drawn at random. Apart from the first candidate on the list (who is chosen by the party), the rest of the candidates appear alphabetically. * A fake ballot reading : “Election of 9 councillors in the Council of Marsdorf, 8 October 2017”

LOCAL POLITICS

CONTINUED

Élection de 9 conseillers dans la commune de Marsdorf, le 8 octobre 2017*

PARTY 1 SMITH, JOHN

ASTER, GUY

PARTY 3

WERTZ, PAUL DASCH, BEN

FABERY, QUENTIN X

DOSER, ALBERT

CONSTHUM, FABIENNE

DORF, KEVIN

GOBEL, FERNANDO

GRUN, ASTRID

HUTH, BEA

HORN, MARC

KLEIN, JOACHIM

SCHARF, MIKE

SCHILTZ, ALPHONSE

MALER, JEANNE

STARK, CÉLINE

SCHMIT, MARIE

SCHMIDT, SUSI

STRINK, YVES

STERN, DAVID

POULI, WILLY

THARN, JILL

WEBER, LAURENT

VANBERG, LARS

WINSELER, VIVIANE

MULLER, ALBERT

split your votes between a party or different candidates from different parties. This is called “panachage”-much like the infamous mixed drink of white wine and Coca-Cola or beer and lemonade (both of which can give you a headache). The example provided in the graphic on the top of this page is a fake ballot paper (all the names are fake as well--any connections to real persons was not intentional). If you vote for one party, you give it all your votes (equal to the number of councillors to be elected). In Luxembourg City, for example, there are 27 councillors to be elected. So, in this case, your 27 votes would be distributed equally to every candidate on that party list. Easy!

“PANACHER” As mentioned above, you can also parcel out your votes to candidates May 2017

PARTY 2

from different parties. You have the same number of votes as the number of local councillors in your municipality. Schroeder explains it from the assessor’s perspective: “If the voter has used panachage, i.e., has given his 27 votes to candidates and not a party list, we need to count whether they have effectively given out 27 votes, not more. If there are more votes, the ballot paper is invalid. The voter is allowed to give fewer votes than there are seats, but not more. If you vote for a party, then you have no more votes left.” You have several possibilities: you can give one or more candidates two votes, and give other candidates just one vote. Or you give every candidate you like just one vote. This gives freedom to voters who don’t feel particularly drawn to a party, but want a more personalised

politics. Luxembourg’s politicians are often well-known in their community, and many people vote according to whom they know best. This can also have certain drawbacks, as candidates may get elected according to their levels of notoriety, rather than competence.

ON ELECTION DAY Schroeder, who is head of the main polling station in Luxembourg City, said: “The council is responsible for [confirming] the party lists and sets up the polling stations. The council decides who goes to vote in which polling station, and sends them a letter of notification. On the election day itself, it starts at 8 a.m. and people can vote till 2 p.m. People who are in the polling station are still allowed to vote after 2. You need to identify yourself, you get your ballot paper, you must go alone into the voting

PARTY 4

PARTY 5

PARTY 6

PLANK, MARION

BARNE, ANDY

KLARGER, ERIC

ASTER, FABIEN

BANTER, HERNI

DAST, ALEX

DURKER, TOM

FLICK, CHRIS

CHRISTNACH, PAULINE

HUBER, SANDRO

GROSLI, DANIEL

FUSTER, XAVIER

KLINTZER, JOSEPH

HONGER, ARSÈNE

JUNG, ESTEBAN

MUSTER, VICTOR

JAWER, CARMEN

KLANG, STEVE

SAIFERT, SVEN

LAWES, ROBERT

TRANCK, JEAN

OPAL, YANNICK

MORNER, ESTELLE

MERSA, CHARLES

ZENNERY, MARCEL

STRENG, YVONNE

BAUER, CAMILLA

booth. Some people do postal voting if they have written to the council that they won’t be available on election day. People over 75 don’t have to vote.” However, if you give too many votes, spoil your ballot paper in any way (write on it, fold it too many times, or mark it in any way which could identify your vote) then it is invalid. “First we calculate the votes for party lists, and then the individual votes, according to a fixed PR system. The votes are then calculated and the seats allocated to each party and candidate,” says Schroeder.

BEHIND THE SCENES The head judge of the tribunal d’arrondissement nominates all the polling stations in the Centre district, including the capital. The heads of those main polling stations then nominate all presiding officers of the polling

stations which are under their responsibility. Every polling station is composed of a presiding officer, a secretary and four assessors. The presiding officer can nominate whom he or she wants. Schroeder notes that: “Usually, he chooses people who have already done this before. It’s difficult to find people because it’s not paid that well anymore. But some people have done this for years, they like doing it and see it as an honour.” For local elections, one polling station is responsible for 300 to 600 voters. Assessors, but not the secretary, must live in the same council in which they work at the election. The assessors cannot be related to the second degree with any party candidate, or with each other. If you are allowed to vote and are registered for the elections, you are also allowed to volunteer as an assessor.

Schroeder joked that “it’s always a race to be the first to finish counting the votes! A bit like at school! In smaller councils, votes are counted once, but they’re counted twice in Luxembourg City and Esch[-Alzette].” During an interview with Delano, the secretary for the main polling station added: “Every council certifies their results and proclaims them. In Luxembourg City, the main polling station is at the Limpertsberg, and the 70 or 80 polling stations bring their ballots and their results. We then evaluate everything at the centralised office. The biggest councils need help--that is why they have a centralised office. In a small council of four polling stations, each station calculates their own votes, and then take them to the head polling station. First, they phone their result to the ministry of the interior, before it is published.”

May 2017

CURRENT AFFAIRS

HEALTH

Text by ALIX RASSEL

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

FIVE DECADES OF FAMILY PLANNING On 27 May, 50 years will have passed since Planning familial (family planning) opened their first centre at avenue Pescatore in Luxembourg City.

uring its five decades, the NGO has seen many changes in the grand duchy’s social and political makeup, yet their objective has never changed: “To welcome all people without discrimination or stigmatisation.” “Many people have the impression that Planning familial is only available for a certain demographic,” says Catherine Chéry, the organisation’s director. “However, this is not and has never been the case, Planning familial is accessible to everyone regardless of income or social status.” When the non-profit opened its first clinic in 1967, a total of 23 patients were seen during the year; now Planning familial has clinics in Luxembourg City, Esch-sur-Alzette and Ettelbruck. The core functions of the Planning familial are to educate and inform, provide advice on contraception and carry out screenings. “Two thirds of our clinic consultations are for screenings,” Chéry says. “Screenings can be for pregnancy, STDs or smear tests for cancer. Regardless of the type of test, there is no cost and it is completely confidential.” As Luxembourg is a predominantly Roman Catholic country, termination of unwanted pregnancies has always been a sensitive topic and one that the Planning familial has been an active campaigner of. “Abortion in Luxembourg up to 12 weeks has only been legal since 2015,” explains Chéry. “Under the first law voted in 1978, abortion was only permitted in certain circumstances and ultimately the decision of the gynecologist, not the patient,” she says. “When the May 2017

" REGARDLESS OF THE TYPE OF TEST, THERE IS NO COST AND IT IS COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL." CATHERINE CHÉRY The director of Planning familial spoke with Delano in her Luxembourg City office. The NGO has centres in Luxembourg City, Esch-sur-Alzette and Ettelbruck. Patients can drop in during opening hours or telephone to make an appointment.

government changed in 2013, the law on abortion was amended and precounselling became optional,” notes Chéry. “Prior to these changes, the law of 2012 had allowed the Planning familial to act as pre-counsellor and this is a service we still provide free of charge.” In addition to its core functions, the Planning familial also provides consultations on infertility, in vitro fertilisation treatment and counselling during menopause. “We are here to provide emotional support as well as medical help,” Chéry states. “All of the services offered by the Planning familial have an emotional impact on the patient and our role is to listen and offer guidance. We see the individual and we do not judge.” More than 40 different nationalities visit its centres every year and the group

provides information in multiple languages. For asylum seekers and refugees, Planning familial can provide services prior to the patient receiving official status. This is particularly important in terms of prevention as short-term contraception is not free of charge after the age of 25 in Luxembourg. Since 2015 the organisation has been funded by the ministry of health and last year, health minister Lydia Mutsch spoke at the 50th anniversary conference, highlighting the paramount importance of sexual education. “The Planning familial provides education and advice from puberty to the menopause,” states Chéry. “We are always available when people need us.” icon_facebook Planning familial Luxembourg icon_website www.planning.lu

CURRENT AFFAIRS

EDUCATION

Text by JESS BAULDRY

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

BEING A DIPLOMAT FOR YOUR CULTURE Academics at Luxembourg’s university aim to show the power of cultural diplomacy when they welcome hundreds of people from the US and Europe to a four-day conference.

ith 170 different nationalities, Luxembourg is often referred to as a multicultural melting pot. The cultural diversity is even more concentrated at the University of Luxembourg where nearly 6,200 students from 115 different nationalities work together. This microcosm makes it a natural choice for a conference exploring the power to create human bonds through cultural diplomacy. A four-day forum, the Transatlantic Dialogue (TAD), from 24-27 May will welcome over 350 academics and specialists from Europe and the US for high-level lectures examining ways in which we can overcome prejudice to foster greater understanding, tolerance and cooperation and together tackle problems facing humanity. Specifically, the talks will look at various aspects of cultural diplomacy related to human rights, education, conservation of heritage and communication. And they will aim to identify ways in which cultural diplomacy can be harnessed by universities to transform societies. On the organisational team are six students studying a master in learning and communication in multilingual and multicultural contexts. Through their studies and life experiences, they have clear ideas on how best to forge human bonds. “For me there are two things that will make human bonds--no stress and the fact that everyone can be a diplomat for their own culture,” Agusmia Putri Haerani, from Indonesia, explains. Having studied French May 2017

LUXEMBOURG UNIVERSITY CAMPUS BELVAL A. Sisi Yin is organising a photo exhibition for the conference B. Agusmia Putri Haerani from Indonesia and Gabriella Vasarhelyi from Hungary are among the 6 masters students organising the conference

literature and lived in three other European countries prior to coming to Luxembourg, she knows how important it is to connect with the people around her. But she stresses that assimilation does not have to come at the cost of forgetting one’s culture. “There are only one or two students from Indonesia here, so I am a minority, but we get together with multicultural people, tell them where we are from and about our traditions. By doing that, you’re already being a diplomat for your country,” she adds. Coming from monolingual Hungary, Gabriella Vasarhelyi is enjoying the benefits of multiculturalism and multilingualism first-hand. “Acknowledging and admiring differences and living together is a great thing. I think this could be one of the main messages of the conference,” she says. “It’s especially sad when culture is used as an excuse or a way to divide people rather than unite them.”

For Vasarhelyi, the key to successfully forging human bonds requires that the debate go beyond the boundaries of the university, engaging locals and non-academics too. The group hopes to achieve this by organising a number of cultural events, including concerts, dance performances, workshops, art installations and an open-air barbecue and music festival in Brill Square, in Esch-sur-Alzette (see box, opposite page). “We’ve organised this conference so there’s an action for people to come and meet people,” says Chinese national Sisi Yin, who is responsible for organising the concert, and is also hosting a collaborative photo exhibition. For the latter, students and participants are encouraged to submit an image that describes their understanding of cultural diplomacy in human bonds. “I think that’s an important way to get people engaged before the conference… It will be an exchange of thoughts,” she says.

WHAT IS CULTURAL DIPLOMACY? “Cultural diplomacy may best be described as a course of actions, which are based on and utilise the exchange of ideas, values, traditions and other aspects of culture or identity, whether to strengthen relationships, enhance socio-cultural cooperation, promote national interests and beyond; cultural diplomacy can be practiced by either the public sector, private sector or civil society,” according to the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy. icon_website www.cultural diplomacy.org TAD HIGHLIGHTS Among the many workshops and performances, by far the most eagerly awaited will be the open-air festival and barbecue in the centre of Eschsur-Alzette on 25 May. Located in Place Brill, the event starts at 7:30 p.m. with live music from the Miami Men’s Glee Club. This will be followed by a live show from the Blue Grass Band of the University College Virginia and the Wise Guys Brass Ensemble. Other highlights include the TAD Music Sensations concert from 8 p.m. on 24 May at the Audimax (Maison du Savoir) on Belval campus. Here, visitors can hear Japanese musician Keisho Ohno play tsugaru shamisen, the University of Luxembourg choir as well as the Blue Grass Band and Wise Guys Brass Ensemble. icon_website transatlanticdia logue2017.uni.lu B

May 2017

CURRENT AFFAIRS

May 2017

IN FOCUS

Photography by SVEN BECKER

NO OBSTACLE

PLACE DE L’EUROPE, 31 MARCH, 5:11 P.M. Johny Costa practices parkour, which developed out of military obstacle course training. The urban sport, often abbreviated “PK” and sometimes known as “free running”, involves getting from one place to another in the most direct possible manner using running, jumping, climbing and vaulting. Costa says the capital’s ancient fortifications are among the most popular places to train in Luxembourg. AG icon_website www.pklux.org May 2017

UPFRONT

BUSINESS TAKING STOCK

INSIDE LUXSE A. The door from the last LuxSE office made especially for a 1995 visit by the Grand Duke B. Coins can be seen on the door, and the bull and bear on the handles C. Clocks telling the time around the world line the wall of the market surveillance department D. On the fifth floor is a terrace with a view stretching as far as Leudelange E. Around a dozen people work in the communications department, which works globally F. Maurice Bauer points to a new advertising slogan, a reference to the green bond LuxSE pioneered icon_website www.delano.lu/business

LUXLEAKS APPEAL

Antoine Deltour will launch a second appeal against his (recently reduced) LuxLeaks conviction. The ex-PwC employee told Paperjam that he would live “eternally with regret” if he did not further challenge the case against him. May 2017

2,700 The number of clients the average bank branch in Luxembourg serves, compared to 9,000 in the Netherlands, according to Carlo Thill, chairman of the management board at BGL BNP Paribas.

Denmark €42.00 Belgium €39.20 Luxembourg €36.60 France €35.60 Germany €33.00 Ireland €30.40 UK €26.70 Malta €13.20 Poland €8.60 EU average €26.60

HOURLY LABOUR COSTS

Total wages and non-wage charges per hour worked in 2016, according to Eurostat.

Marion Dessard (archives) > Lala La Photo

Luxembourg’s stock exchange is a far cry from the manic scenes depicted in movies. Touring the spacious building on Bd Joseph II, which has housed the LuxSE since 2014, the first thing you notice is that there is no trading floor. “That was a job that existed until 1996,” says secretary general Maurice Bauer. “Today if you want to make a transaction with LuxSE you would go to your bank to buy shares.” Transactions are now carried out electronically, a more secure process which leaves an audit trace. The IT revolution has given rise to new roles, like the market surveillance department. Here a team of six analysts verifies activities. Not everything is new, however. The giant coin door with bull and bear handles which stood at the entrance of the old building can be found in a meeting room. “A souvenir”, says Bauer. JB

LAURENT KOX The renowned Luxembourg wine producer talks

about the first cross-border bubbles that he is creating with producers in Germany and France.

CATCHING UP WITH…

SpaceX

TICKER

A Luxembourg judge said the court could not yet rule on $1.6bn in claims, filed by families of 9/11 victims, against Iran; the assets, held in Iranian accounts at Clearstream, have been frozen during proceedings. >>> SpaceX, an American firm, launched a satellite for SES using the first reusable booster rocket since Nasa ended the space shuttle programme; a SES executive said on Twitter the firm might have two more such launches soon. >>> The insurance market Lloyd’s of London will set up its post-Brexit EU hub in Brussels, and not in Luxembourg (the grand duchy was one of two finalist locations). >>> The Dutch financial firm NN Group will sell its Luxembourg life insurance business to Global Bankers Insurance Group for an undisclosed sum. >>> Assets under management in Luxembourg-based investment funds increased more than 10% between January 2016 and January 2017, to nearly €3.8 trillion, according to the CSSF. >>> 130 out of 162 employees at Unicredit Luxembourg will be made redundant when the banking unit shuts down at the end of next year; an official at the trade union Aleba said 19 staff will be transferred to Milan and 13 have agreed to early retirement. >>> The price of housing, excluding newly built detached houses, rose 7.7% last year in Luxembourg, compared to 4.7% across the entire EU, said Eurostat.

What’s in a name? A lot when it comes to a new high-quality sparkling wine. Laurent Kox, of Domaine Viticole L&R Kox, represents Luxembourg within a trio of producers from the Moselle valley who are making the first ever cross-border cuvée. The trouble is, no one knows what appellation to give the special bubbles. The Moselle wine valley spans 10,000 hectares in three countries and currently counts four different appellations. To create a cross-border appellation could be viewed as additional competition to existing ones. “We cannot use the term ‘Vins de Moselle’. That’s the biggest concern. And we want a name that represents the entire valley,” he says. The alternative is “Grande Cuvée Terroir”, a nod to the economic interest group of wine and tourism organisations from the three countries, which was created in 2013. To have the appellation officially recognised, however, they must apply to the European Commission. The project began three years ago when Kox found two like-minded producers in Eve Maurice of Domaine Les Béliers, in France, and Franz-Josef Bollig, of Weingut Lukashof, in Germany. “We wanted to combine flavours from each region in one bottle,” he explains. K&R Kox contributed their iconic Pinot Gris, to which they added 10% Auxerrois, or the “jewel” as Kox calls it, from Maurice and around 50% Riesling from Bollig. “We wanted Riesling grapes that were grown on the steep slopes of the Moselle in Germany. We wanted to promote these parcels because perhaps in ten years half of them will no longer be there,” Kox says. The cuvée was made using the traditional crémant method and uses fewer sulphates. Each producer will take a share of the produce based on the proportion put in and promote the cuvée in their respective countries. “As three we can reach a bigger audience than if we were just selling as individuals,” he says. The first signs look good. The trio first presented the 2015 millésime in Paris in March where it sparked a “positive” interest. Meanwhile, Kox is in talks with a local distributor to sell the cuvée more widely in Luxembourg. Consumers will have to wait until the end of 2017 to try it. icon_website www.terroirmoselle.eu icon_website www.domainekox.lu

Text by JESS BAULDRY Photo by LALA LA PHOTO May 2017

BUSINESS

NETWORKING

Text by ISABELLA EASTWOOD

Photography by LALA LA PHOTO

QUINN RECOUNTS CAREER

pen, charismatic and jovial, Niall Quinn opens his speech with a phrase that shapes his narrative: “As a footballer and especially as an ex-footballer at 50 years of age, I still like a pat on the back. So that’s why I’m here, to get a much enjoyed pat on the back.” Quinn, an Irish international player, was speaking at an event organised by the Ireland Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce. An apt storyteller, he tells the tale of his life and success, including an anecdote from his youth: “I kept my footballing from my dad for three years because he was so focused on my career in hurling,” he laughs. “My mum used to make me promise not to tell him.” He recounts how his stalling Arsenal career sent him he pushing for a transfer to Manchester City, and was about to sign in Thailand before he went to Sunderland. Of the three clubs, Quinn notes: “I learnt my trade in Arsenal, became a footballer in Man City but I fell in love with Sunderland.” icon_website www.delano.lu/snapshots icon_info www.ilcc.lu

SPORTS TALK A. Andrew Lintner and Angela Milne B. Geoff Thompson of the Ireland Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce listens to Niall Quinn, an Irish football star, speak at the chamber’s event on 22 March C. Annie Walsh, Michelle Carvill and Ailbhe Jennings D. Paolo Bradley, Kieran Bradley and Michael Hodges E. Tom Cranfield, Christian Carbonne and Ruth Thompson F. Ronan Carroll, Luke Guerin and Ben Embleton G. Niall Quinn signs a football for Joe Huggard, the ILCC’s chairman H. Niall Quinn poses for a picture with Paul Goes and Noeleen Goes-Farrell

May 2017

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BUSINESS

TECHNOLOGY

Text by STEPHEN EVANS

Photography by LALA LA PHOTO

INSIDE THE CLOUD Internet content is said to reside on the “cloud”. The reality is a series of data centres: hundreds of computers in highly secure, well-connected, concrete and steel refrigerators. Delano took a tour of one of the most modern of these facilities.

ocial media, gaming, video and music streaming, online banking, and the rest rely on apparently nondescript data centres. LuxConnect is this country’s leading supplier of these facilities, with three in Bettembourg in the south (put into service in 2009, 2011 and 2015), and one in northerly Bissen (2012). “These are five-star hotels for high power computers,” explained Christine De Ridder, a manager for data centre projects. “We rent secure empty rooms supplied with cold air, connectivity and electricity.” Delano visited the most recently built of these facilities, DC1.3 in Bettembourg, in April. Guests at this “hotel” are very demanding. DC1.3 has 5,500m2 space for servers, and for this to work to the highest standards, equipment occupying a further 17,500m2 is required. This is room for the electricity transformer, the backup transformer, a diesel powered back-up electricity supply, extensive cooling infrastructure (with backups), fire extinguishing equipment, control rooms and offices.

COOL SPACE Large clients (such as eBay and Skype/ Microsoft) rent whole IT rooms (from 216m2 to 324m2), while service providers (such as IBM, Telindus, and CIG) sublet some or all of the 36m2 “cages” they operate. As well, a room is set aside for telecommunications providers to bring their cables into the heart of the centre, with around May 2017

30 local and international firms supplying the centre. Each room is 3.8m high, with a one-metre-deep false floor. This underfloor space provides unobtrusive access for connectivity cables, the power supply, air conditioning pipes and the fire extinguishing system.

SMOOTH SUPPLY A room full of high-power computers gives off a lot of heat, and servers must be kept cool if they are to work well. The air conditioning system is mainly water-based, but can also use air when outside temperatures permit. Water is chilled on the roof and then is carried through the building via a network of under-floor pipes. This keeps the rooms below the optimal maximum of 25°C in all weathers. There is also a 70,000 cold water litre reserve, just in case of a major power failure.

A constant supply of electricity is vital. DC1.3 has two transformers (in case one fails) to convert power from the grid into an ideal smooth supply. It is also sometimes necessary to fill small outages of a fraction of a second. A separate room equipped with hundreds of batteries is used to this end. A final power back-up provided by a diesel generator, with enough fuel to keep the centre running independently of the electricity grid for 48 hours.

A SECURE INVESTMENT Hundreds of smoke and fire detectors dot the ceilings and walls. At the first whiff of danger, nitrogen is released from about 100 1.5m storage bottles, thus starving the flames of oxygen. This gas is used because it is not harmful to humans. The site also has specially deep foundations to counter even small changes in geology.

DC1.3 IN BETTEMBOURG A. Christine De Ridder of LuxConnect with an aerial photo of the firm’s three Bettembourg data centres. She is pictured giving a tour to Delano on 3 April.

Security is the final component. Identification badges have to be scanned four times to give access to the IT rooms. Also, once space is rented to clients, LuxConnect’s personnel no longer have access, other than security staff. Also, the firm doesn’t know the identity of most of the end clients. The IT kit is also protected from external electromagnetic interference by being enclosed in a metal Faraday cage. Clients add further security by keeping backups or “mirrors” of critical systems in other locations, either in Luxembourg or abroad. Green IT is a major selling point, with many clients, and LuxConnect has a policy of using the most benign sources possible. All the electricity used comes from Norwegian hydroelectric suppliers. LuxConnect is a private company that is wholly owned by the state. This has enabled them to make long-term investments, anticipating future demand. This country now hosts about one third of Europe’s supply of the highest-ranked Tier IV data centres. LuxConnect also contributes to this, and has laid 1,300km of ultra-high bandwidth dark fibre cables, connected to 12 “break out” points on the borders. Having this high quality infrastructure is often central to attract new investment into this country by international businesses.

B. Four layers of physical security protect the IT rooms C. The fire extinguishing system uses nitrogen gas, stored in 100 1.5m bottles D. One of the lowvoltage electricity distribution rooms from which power is managed E. Around 30 telecoms firms supply LuxConnect clients F. Water is cooled on the roof G. Glass flooring to demonstrate the false floors under which power, connectivity, cooling and fire extinguishing gas are transported around the building H. Delano correspondent Stephen Evans speaks with Christine De Ridder of LuxConnect in front of a water tank; 70,000 litres of cool water are kept in reserve in case of a power outage I. A huge site, but the firm only employs 27 staff

May 2017

BUSINESS

TECHNOLOGY

Text by ISABELLA EASTWOOD

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

HOW TO MANAGE YOUR OWN CLOUD Tips and advice from Luxembourg IT experts on how to best organise your personal data, what are the options available, and which services offer the best value for money.

PERSONAL BUSINESS

ascal Bouvry says: “When it comes to the cloud, the question isn’t really ‘should we use it’, but rather ‘how do we use it’ because we’re already in it.” With this statement, Bouvry, a professor at the University of Luxembourg, points to the level of interaction and immersion we already have with cloud services. Whether you use Paypal, Dropbox, Facebook, Linkedin, Gmail, Hotmail, or any other service on the plethora of online platforms, they all have a common denominator: they deal with consumers’ personal information. As we increasingly create digital imprints of our lives online, the questions we need to ask ourselves become more pertinent. Who has access to my data? Who provides the best offer and where will this data be the most secure? Does any service do everything? Should I rely on one of the corporate giants, such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft or Apple, or is it worth going for one of the smaller providers flocking the field? It seems as though, while “the cloud” drifts down from space, steadily amassing significance and weight, most of us are trying to figure out how best to use a service that still feels very up in the air.

VALUE FOR MONEY In terms of best value for money, most of these services run on the “freemium” business model, explains Laurent Miltgen of Elgon, a computer services company in Windhof. This means that the 20% of consumers subscribing to additional features and extra storage pay the way for the May 2017

PASCAL BOUVRY You are already in the cloud

free-floaters. However, these “free” operators receive, in return for the service and tools provided, access to your personal data. This data is then sold on to third party companies. So while you may not be aware of it, a financial transaction is still very much taking place. This means that using cheap or free services, such as Google’s, which are incredibly easy to use, will come at the cost of your privacy, while more expensive options keep your secrets safe.

It’s important to keep this in mind when making digital decisions. What information are you willing to impart for the promise of both convenience and necessity? “There are frightening aspects of the cloud, that’s for sure. However, we’ll all continue to use it, because of how easy, useful and practical it is,” reckons Bouvry. “End users just need to be smart and go the extra mile to ensure they get the best deal.” If you decide to join the cloud crowd, your choice might be

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More information: bics.uni.lu

BUSINESS

TECHNOLOGY

CONTINUED

LAURENT MILTGEN Free services often come with a privacy cost

influenced by a number of criteria. “The iCloud is only really compatible with Mac hardware,” states Bouvry, “while OneDrive will be more suited to Microsoft. Google Drive on the other hand is really efficient when it comes to work, as it allows for easy document editing, sharing and notifying.” Services like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive and iCloud provide a variety of tools, which makes them an easy entrance into the electronic stratosphere. If your main goal is backing up your data, there are specific servers for this purpose too, such as IDrive (paid, secure, but slow) and SpiderOak One (strong emphasis on privacy and security, but pricy and with little else to offer). If sharing is your aim, then Dropbox, Box (more business-orientated), Google Drive and OneDrive are all good contenders, and all save OneDrive are compatible with most different software. Prioritising your data is key. “You need to think about the worst case scenario: what data would you survive losing? What could you simply not live without? Consumers need to embrace the hybrid solutions the world now offers. This means backing May 2017

up your work on multiple servers and devices, making copies, using hardware. It also means being aware of what your needs are, and keeping an open eye on the market, which is continuously evolving. While it might have been unthinkable to change providers 50 years ago, it’s really worth being on top of the technological progress nowadays.” In terms of regular users, going with the most well-known providers is the least risky option for beginners. “Think of cloud storage in the same way you would a bank,” suggests Miltgen. “It stores your data along with large amounts of other data. Is hiding it under a mattress safer?” The answer to this is a resounding “maybe”. Cloud storage is a lot more vulnerable to attack considering its prominence: the breach to Yahoo’s security, compromising the data of one billion user accounts comes to mind. However, the giants in particular provide a degree of security you would not have in your own home. “Microsoft and Amazon in particular have data centres the size of 12 football fields. In addition to this, they store multiple copies of your data in order to ensure it.”

The resources involved are immense and are impressive compared to personal measures such as switching up passwords, multi-factor authentication and being wary of “popular” fraud trends, such as phishing. The hazy maze of the cloud can be rather disorientating, which reinforces the impetus to start easy and then move onto more complex solutions down the line. We are moving further towards a weightless economy, a society where data is stored, sold and swapped for a living. According to Bouvry, “cloud brokering” will also eventually trickle down from the business sphere to the end user. This bears both the capacity to both complicate and facilitate matters further.

FINAL TAKEAWAY When in doubt, be clear: what are your needs, what is your budget? What are the known companies responding to these needs? The process of uploading and organising your data to the numerous providers can be daunting, but remember: cheap consumption often means cheap service, so do your research.

WHAT IS THE CLOUD? According to Laurent Miltgen of Elgon: 1. Availability: “on multiple devices, which means you need to be able to access it anywhere at any time (assuming you have internet access).” 2. Elasticity: “an inherent flexibility and adaptability that allows it to shrink and grow according to your data needs.” 3. Collaborative: “pools together resources from multiple users. This means both resources and pricing are shared among consumers.” 4. Independent: “relies mostly on a self-service system. Customers can buy, change and cancel their subscription independently, without human intervention.” 5. Billable: “the service is accountable, even if it’s free.”

Where data feels at home!

TIRED OF HOSTING YOUR DATA IN MUNDANE, GREY & FACELESS DATA CENTERS WHEN ABROAD? LuxConnect is delighted to welcome you in one of its 4 distinguished carrier hotels, totalling 14,700m2 of host space spread over 2 choice locations in Luxembourg. While you care for your business, we care for your data. You choose from our Tier II to Tier IV certified “menu” of fully integrated room, power & service solutions - and if, after a long day, you really need that moment of relaxation in a “Jacuzzi”, we will go the extra mile, providing you and your servers with Earth friendly energy. Come in, find out… and you’ll stay!

www.luxconnect.lu

BUSINESS

PORTRAIT

Text by MARTINE HUBERTY

REPORTING FROM THE WHITE HOUSE

May 2017

secretary of state John Kerry about cycling with the Schleck brothers. The terms “LuxLeaks” and “tax haven” don’t tend to come up, unless I bring them up myself. What is your image of Luxembourg now that you live abroad? Luxembourg punches above its weight. Its role as a founding member of the EU still gives Luxembourg plenty of clout abroad. Also, its role in international finance and in hiding dubious transactions means it cannot be ignored. It’s a fine place, but let’s not forget the sheer amount of dirty business that goes on behind the scenes. Money from dubious regimes and dubious people passes through bank accounts in Luxembourg, and plenty of people make a lot of money off it, which engenders a whole industry. Luxembourg does very well as a result of this dirty business. I don’t think we should live our innocent lives in Luxembourg and try not to be aware of where a lot of the money comes from. What do you miss about Luxembourg? That’s an easy one. My parents. They aren’t from Luxembourg, but have made it their home. And they are right. There are many many reasons to feel at home in the grand duchy. My father has successfully got his hands on a Luxembourg passport. I’m happy he can now vote in a haven of pro-European sentiment, surrounded unfortunately by a sea of newfound nationalistic tendencies. When was the last time you were proud of Luxembourg? When Aurélien Joachim scored the penalty to equalise in the World Cup qualifier against France at the Stade Josy Barthel. I knew my friends in Luxembourg were watching. I have no national identity as such, but when it comes to football I root for the Roud Léiwen. There’s some national pride for you.

QUICK BIO Born in Luxem bourg, Philip Crowther grew up in Mamer. After a stint at the Lycée technique Michel Lucius, he switched to the Lycée classique Athénée. Following a BA in Hispanic studies in London, he completed an internship at El País in Uruguay, where he wrote about sports in Spanish. He then was back in Luxembourg for a brief period, but decided to do a postgraduate diploma in broadcast journalism. After working in France, he moved to Washington and became the White House correspon dent for France 24, while also freelancing for Radio France International and Luxembourg’s Radio 100,7. CELEBRATING LUXEMBOURG Maison Moderne and Nvision celebrate Luxembourg by profiling 100 people who contribute positively to the country’s international reputation. The series will culminate in a gala evening on 13 December. If you know somebody who you think deserves to be on the 100 list, let us know. icon_mail celebrating@ maison moderne.com Philip Crowther

passengers with a smile at each stop. But then other passions and obligations got in the way. I wasn’t good enough to make it as a professional football player, so the next best thing was being a football commentator. I still hope to get there one day. If someone said to you that you were a shining ambassador for Luxembourg, how would you react? With incredulity, or with a #CELEBRATING sheepish grin, depending LUXEMBOURG on who was making the statement. Thank you, though. It’s an honour to be thought of in that way. Why did you leave Luxembourg? Philip Crowther grew up in the My father is British (though not grand duchy and today is the proudly so these days), my mother is White House correspondent German, and my outlook on life has for France 24 and a freelance always been pretty international. An journalist for 100,7 radio in exit, therefore, was always more likely Luxembourg. Crowther is one than not. But I also left because I of a number of personalities could: my studies were expensive but to be featured in the “Cele- paid for by my parents, and the brating Luxembourg” series. languages I learnt in Luxembourg opened plenty of doors abroad. And Martine Huberty: Never mind anyway, there was no university in meeting US presidents, how did Luxembourg. That’s the main reason why for decades so many 18-year-olds you meet Elmo? Philip Crowther: Elmo was at the left the country, though most do find White House while Obama was still their way back eventually. president. This was at an event for How is Luxembourg viewed where children in the White House gardens, you live? organised by Michelle Obama. The Washington is full of diplomats, people who work with Elmo took him scholars and generally smart folk. into the briefing room, which is where Most have some notion of LuxemI spend a lot of time. They wanted a bourg. The sheer amount of anecdotes picture of Elmo at the briefing room people have on hand about Luxempodium, and a few of us decided to bourg still surprises me, though. A get some photos with him! lot of them involve military service If you were not a journalist, what in Germany and frequent visits to would you be? neighbouring Luxembourg. One I would be a bus driver. That’s the friend who works in international only other concrete dream job I had. development keeps mentioning the Admittedly, I had it when I was about troglodytes (I think she means the 8 years old, but I did have it all mapped Casemates); a soldier tells me about out: I would be driving a bus around his trips to Utopolis for the movies; Luxembourg City, picking up and I had a discussion with the then

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BUSINESS

FINANCE

Text by NATALIE GERHARDSTEIN & MARTINE HUBERTY

MICROFINANCE FOR LUXEMBOURG A new lender plans to make up to 400 business loans to small firms in Luxembourg whose owners do not have access to conventional credit lines.

icrolux, the first microfinance lending institution for Luxembourg, began laying the groundwork in June 2016, and by October it was distributing its first loans. Rémy Jacob, the organisation’s president, said: “In Luxembourg, as it is the case across Europe, people put their hope into new entrepreneurial ventures which they cannot carry out due to a lack of access to traditional sources of finance. Microlux is here to help these people by providing both advice and microfinance to allow them to launch or develop their activities.” It supports and enables the formation and development of businesses by individual clients or social startups who usually can’t get “traditional” bank credit. The goal is to promote both economic initiative and financial inclusion. “In Luxembourg there’s a big microfinance industry, but it was always for the countries in the south,” said Microlux manager Samuel Paulus. The new institution began when the ADA and Adie, both organisations with microfinance expertise, joined forces with BGL BNP Paribas and the European Investment Fund. While the bank provides the financial backing, the EIF helps guarantee the loans. The EIF and Microlux signed the first agreement to support microbusinesses under the EU Programme for Employment and Social Innovation on 5 April. The European Fund for Strategic Investments--the so-called Juncker Plan partly run by the EIF--provides a first loss guarantee, allowing the EIF to invest in more, often riskier, May 2017

projects. The fund is providing a guarantee that will enable Microlux to provide €5 million in loans.

NON-TRADITIONAL ENTREPRENEURS Microlux works with individuals who often lack business plans and don’t have starting capital or sufficient guarantees to back them up, according to Paulus. “They have a lot of motivation, but it’s often people who are unemployed or on RMG [guaranteed minimum income],” Paulus said. In many cases, they have what he calls the “right entrepreneurial spirit”, but can’t find traditional work due to special circumstances, such as family constraints. One woman, for example, has five children but found it difficult to strike the ideal work-life balance and sought a loan to start her own line of work. Other recipients ran their own businesses in Syria or Iraq before asking for Microlux loans to start their own firms in Luxembourg. In order to meet the specific needs of its clients, Microlux offers an extensive range of services. A team of 40 trained volunteers was recruited among employees of BGL BNP Paribas and the EIB, and half of them already provide coaching, supervision and training to clients. The volunteers are not only specialised in banking, but are also legal advisors, IT experts (helping set up a website) or graphic designers (helping design flyers). The coaches meet their clients at least once a month, depending on the autonomy of the client and their needs. “They are happy to have more volunteers,” said Jérémy del Rosario, manager at Microlux. The outfit now provides three types of loans: one credit is for €15,000 for the creation of an activity, €20,000 for business development and up to

"LUXEMBOURG IS OFTEN SEEN AS A RICH COUNTRY, BUT THERE ARE ALSO POOR PEOPLE HERE." SAMUEL PAULUS

€25,000 for creating a startup. Each application is presented to a credit committee, which determines whether to issue the loan. Del Rosario said: “If the person is already in debt and struggling to repay, the loan is unlikely to be approved.” Paulus added that “we work with coaches to help structure the project, and afterwards continue to mentor them, so these entrepreneurs get a feel for the climate surrounding their business.” Once approved, the loan works like traditional credit with a repayment scheme, with mentors available to advise throughout the process. Riad Taha, who owns a shop repairing smartphones and computers in Ettelbruck, received a loan of €2,000. He said: “I had already started my business eight months before I got

LAUNCH ON 5 APRIL A. Grand Duchess Maria Teresa arrives for the Microlux launch ceremony B. Dignitaries including Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Nicolas Schmit, the minister of labour, Corinne Cahen, the minister of family, and Jacques Santer, former prime minister, attend the European Investment Fund and Microlux ceremony

this loan. It helped me buy more stock, but I don’t think it’s enough to start a business with €12,000. My coach is helpful, and he comes once a month to my shop to follow up on things, we discuss how things are, we work on actual numbers and expectations.” However, he found the repayment rates rather high: “I have to repay €300 a month on my loan.”

UP TO 400 LOANS IN LUXEMBOURG By April 2017, Microlux already agreed to six loans for a small restaurant, an African products shop, a used cars selling point, a package delivery service, an e-commerce website, and a shop which repairs smartphones and computers. The average amount was €15,000. Most clients are in the

south and north of the grand duchy. Although Microlux has worked with some of the refugee population, which cannot always easily integrate into the job market, they also reach those who are simply not well off economically. Paulus said: “Luxembourg is often seen as a rich country, but there are also poor people here.” In 2015, an individual with a monthly income of €1,763--60% of the median income-was considered to be at risk of sliding into poverty; 15% lived under this threshold. Microlux anticipates providing up to 100 loans a year over the next four years. But its mission is bigger, as Paulus noted: “It’s [not only] about job creation, but also reintegration into society.”

AT A GLANCE Microlux began operations in June 2016 under the legal structure of a société anonyme (public limited company). The firm is authorised by the Luxembourg financial regulator, the CSSF, and the ministry of the economy. icon_where House of Microfinance, 39 rue Glesener, LuxembourgKirchberg icon_website www.microlux.lu

May 2017

BUSINESS

FINANCE

Text by SARAH PITT

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

A NEW CONCEPT: LPEA INSIGHTS A fresh initiative has been launched for financial pro fessionals to gain insight into private equity. The grand duchy’s first major conferen ce espec iall y des igned for private equity practitioners and investors will take place at the Philharmonie on 26 April.

he “LPEA Insights: 360 GP View” conference is a new concept organised by the Luxembourg Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (LPEA). The industry will be discussed from the 360° perspective of local practitioners, together with additional contributions from guest speakers for an expected audience of 300. “Not only will the conference highlight the work developed by private equity firms in Luxembourg, but the programme will showcase the asset class and range of PE investing strategies to the asset management community for whom PE has become increasingly attractive,” says Jérôme Wittamer, managing director of Expon Capital and president of LPEA, which has around 140 members. The sector has changed considerably since LPEA’s creation in 2010. While the number of PE firms present in Luxembourg has grown six-fold, the functions deployed have also evolved significantly towards more middle and front office. As a whole, the number of people dedicated to PE has jumped from a mere couple of hundred to several thousand. “LPEA Insights,” the trade group says, “is the occasion to learn about the different PE strategies available to investors.” Over the course of half a day, speakers will share their perspective on the latest trends and opportunities offered by PE, and May 2017

discuss why buyout, venture capital, private debt, emerging markets and other PE strategies outperform traditional asset classes.

INFORMING INVESTORS Rajaa Mekouar, a LPEA board member since 2016, is the conference host, and has also been occupied with coordinating the agenda and defining the subject areas and goals. Having moved to Luxembourg at the end of 2015 and joined Kharis Capital in 2016, Mekouar brings with her 15 years of PE experience and insights from London. “The asset class is still not widely understood both by the wider public and the industry, and it is important for back and middle office professionals to get a global picture of the investment cycle. The main goals are to share first-hand experience from the field, bring together PE investors and to explain what Luxembourg has to offer,” she states. The LPEA reckons the event will be both informative and act as much-needed promotion of the grand duchy as a destination for investors and fund managers. “Luxembourg needs to attract investors, and people are curious to understand how PE works here, so we need to communicate the different strategies and ways to invest,” affirms Mekouar, who plays an ambassador-type role for Luxembourg in Europe, encouraging PE managers with a domicile in Luxembourg to base part of their investment teams here. EMERGING MARKETS Guest speaker Julien Kinic has been the co-founder and managing partner at IDI Emerging Markets Partners, based in the grand duchy, since September 2008. As a PE investments specialist, Kinic will speak about Luxembourg at the crossroads of emerging markets and growth capital equity. “The growth rate in emerging markets such as Asia, Latin America and Africa is superior: they are leading the show. There is a huge wave of people moving from the

" THERE IS A MISCONCEPTION THAT LUXEMBOURG

IS ONLY A FUND ADMINISTRATION PLACE, BUT THERE ARE ALSO REAL INVESTORS HERE."

JÉRÔME WITTAMER A. The new conference is meant to serve as a showcase for Luxembourg’s private equity talent RAJAA MEKOUAR B. Private equity is still not widely understood as an asset class

countryside to cities which present investment opportunities as the middle class expands and along with it people consume new goods,” explains Kinic. “The positive thing about consumer sector investment is that it is less exposed to external shocks like commodity cycles or government decisions. With pure growth capital, you can invest without leverage in emerging markets, which also presents fewer risks.” The other four main topics will centre on what it takes to succeed in PE; Luxembourg in the global venture capital ecosystem and why it’s the best time to be an entrepreneur in Europe; the rise of direct lending in Europe; and the structuring benchmark with a focus on how to navigate the different alternatives structures. There are many legal structures in Luxembourg, but the real ecosystem of PE managers needs to be developed in order to attract investors into the country. “As a fund manager here I

strongly believe it is essential to demonstrate what this country has to offer. There is a misconception that Luxembourg is only a fund administration place, but there are also real investors here,” Kinic concludes. “LPEA Insights presents another dynamic and I look forward to sharing my experience as a fund manager, meeting and exchanging with new people and learning about what other investors do.” The keynote speaker is the chairman of the Listed Private Equity Association (LPEQ), Marc Foreman, whose career in financial services spans some 30 years. François Tesch, CEO of Luxempart, an investment company listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, gives the closing address, on why he believes Luxembourg should be more widely considered and recognised. The LPEA plans to make this conference a recurring event. icon_website www.lpeainsights.lu

May 2017

COVER STORY

SPACE

Text by STEPHEN EVANS

GRAVITATIONAL PULL

May 2017

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

Asteroid mining? From Luxembourg? That the grand duchy can be a world leader probing the feasibility of space mining demonstrates the breadth of related knowledge in this country. About 30 companies work in Luxembourg’s space sector, employing around 700 people, with turnover at an estimated €2bn. Communications satellite owner and operator SES dominates, but here is a look at some of the smaller outfits here in Luxembourg that are making waves in the global space race.

t’s hard to imagine a space sector in this country without SES, a global leader in its field. It took a leap of imagination for the government to create the firm in 1985, with the first satellite being launched to the country’s geostationary orbit slot in 1988. The timing was perfect. The fall of the Berlin Wall meant western German broadcasters needed a fast way to connect to eastern households. Sky UK also seized the opportunity to launch subscription TV. Growth and acquisitions resulted in the SES

becoming the world’s largest firm in its market by 2001, and it remains a key player to this day. Local high tech businesses benefited, supplying SES’s increasingly extensive and complex installations in and around the Château de Betzdorf. This organic growth was sufficient to inspire the country to become a full member of the European Space Agency in 2005. This gave local firms full access to pan-European programmes, and added credibility for global projects.

This is the context that the country is working to create a hub from which companies could work to extract minerals from near earth objects. The aim is to establish a legal framework to allow private operators to mine asteroids in full confidence that they would benefit from the fruits of their endeavours. Who knows where it might lead?

MICRO EXPERTISE

CROSS-BORDER SPECIALIST

Luxembourg’s ESA membership fee is relatively modest, at less than 0.01% of state spending. ESA’s annual budget of €5.75bn is coordinated centrally, with most of this allocated back proportionately to the member states. This move caused a step change in Luxembourg, as local businesses and research institutes reacted. Some applied directly to ESA for contracts, while others worked indirectly, establishing working relationships with local firms, and major international players. Mainly thanks to prior work with SES, smaller firms were able to demonstrate a solid track record. The industry cooperated with the government to federate promotion efforts. Research institutes adapted too. Whether it was materials science, secure communications, or even the legal implications of space flight, the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology and the University of Luxembourg made questions about this industry a priority of their work. Three decades later, a diverse sector has emerged. This country is the base from which more than 50 communication satellites are owned and operated. Local firms contribute to international projects to prevent aeroplanes and boats from becoming lost at sea. Emergency.lu enables voice and data communication to be re-established quickly in disaster-hit areas. Mars exploration will require an upgrade to space communication technology and Luxembourg-based researchers are working on it. Law in space is governed by a patchwork of international, regional and national rules. This has created a multi-layered, often overlapping legal framework. To date, the rules governing satellite communication have only rarely been tested in court, with arbitration being favoured until now. However, this could change as use of this technology continues to grow, so it is useful that the University of Luxembourg has law professor Mahulena Hofmann, holder of the SES Chair in Space, Satellite Communications and Media Law, researching these questions.

Emtronix had one of their first big breaks in the sector working with LuxSpace on Satellite AIS (Automatic Identification System) that tracks ships on the high seas. “Word of mouth has been important for us, with more recent clients hearing about our track record,” said the company’s founder Cédric Lorant. That has helped this micro business make its mark in this international industry. This is a relatively tight-knit, well-connected sector, and good news travel fast. This has led to work with the major European player Thales, with SES’s technical spin-off Techcom, and directly with ESA. Emtronix is a firm of eight engineers specialised in advanced electronics, integrated systems and embedded

software. Founded in 2001 by Lorant and Henri Du Faux as an automotive specialist, around two-thirds of its sales now are in the space sector. Recent work has been done on a receiver for the airline tracking ADS-B system. They are also contributing to a space exploration project: a telecommunications hub for potential missions to Mars. An autonomous receiver would be able to pick up signals from a planetary rover or even an astronaut on the surface, with this data then transmitted back to earth. This system would be more flexible than existing technology. “Now we can do so much more with signal processing inside electronic components, enabling us to reprogram certain systems after they are deployed,” said Lorant. May 2017

COVER STORY

SPACE

CONTINUED

“Satellites operate 36,000km away, so we have to work hard to optimise the communication signal,” Bhavani Shankar, a research associate with the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg, said. “All our projects are focused on how to get more data transmitted across space per euro,” he explained. They are refining the efficiency of both transmitters and receivers, efforts that cross over with other work ongoing in the centre. “Satellites are billion dollar investments that can’t be repaired from the ground, so projects generally work to conservative planning schedules with lengthy testing procedures,” said Shankar. The fruits of this work are beginning to ripen though. The SnT has patented much of the technology and they are eyeing the potential for spin-offs,

May 2017

CLEVER MAPPING

STRONGER SIGNALS

maybe even as early as next year. He sees no particular disadvantage from Luxembourg being a small country. On the contrary, the different public and private actors work together to spread their reputations. “Without SES, being a new kid on the block might have made it hard for us to get known,” said Shankar. “They helped us a lot, and now we have a symbiotic relationship: we conduct research work relevant to them while they add industrial relevance for us.” The SnT was established in 2009 and almost immediately started on space-related projects. They have worked directly with ESA on about a dozen projects since then, and some with the EU. They also work with commercial partners such as SES, the major Franco-Italian group Thales, the multinational Airbus group, and other firms in Europe.

Niederanven-based Space4environment uses earth observation data to make value-added assessments of the state of the environment. High resolution images from space enable them to create land cover maps to monitor the state of the natural and urban environment. For example, this information helps public organisations understand the need for, and success of, environmental and spatial planning policy. “Luxembourg working with ESA has been beneficial to us, but that was not the reason why the company was established ten years ago,” said owner

LOCALLY MADE SATELLITES AND MORE

and managing director Stefan Kleeschulte. ESA is currently funding two important projects of the company: the development of a “land information system for Luxembourg” and the compilation of the City Biodiversity Index. This measure features 23 indicators and Space4environment contributes to four on topics such as the extent and connectivity of natural areas, as well as assessments of water quantity regulation and carbon storage. Around one-third to one-half of their turnover is space-related, most of it to local and international clients independent of ESA.

LuxSpace actually makes satellites. This is a rarity in Luxembourg, where most players focus on developing components, materials, tools and services. “For micro-satellites we see ourselves as system integrators,” explained Marino Poppé, a project manager with the

Betzdorf-based company. “We partner with businesses to define what they need and then monitor the production of units and subsystems. We bring components together in our premises, carry out final assembly and integration, and then conduct tests,” he added. May 2017

COVER STORY

SPACE

CONTINUED

The microsatellites they work with can be as small as 30 cubic centimetres and 30kg. This compares to one of SES’s communications satellites, which generally weigh more than five tonnes. LuxSpace contributes to constellations of small spacecraft that give wide geographic coverage. This is just the thing for systems to track ships at sea and planes flying over oceans and deserts. Recent projects include machine-to-machine payload communication to enable data to be exchanged in space, before this is then processed on the ground. They are also contributing to a major ESA project that is seeking to better understand space weather. “For example, solar flares can affect communication technology in space and on the earth, and we need to understand these phenomena better,” said Poppé. “Data from these satellites will help scientists improve prediction models.” LuxSpace was founded in 2004 in the grand duchy as a subsidiary of the major German aerospace firm OHB SE. May 2017

FROM NUCLEAR TO SPACE

Gradel has been a Luxembourg specialist in high tech, high spec international industries for more than 50 years. It began as a supplier of maintenance systems to the nuclear power industry, but now about half its sales

are related to the space sector. “There are many similarities between these industries as both work to very high specifications reliant on accuracy,” commented Udo Winkler, a project manager in the firm’s space division.

MOLECULAR SPACE WORK

Their area of expertise is equipment and systems for manufacturing, assembly and testing components for satellites before launch. Each mission into space, each payload is different, so this has to be tailor-made to unique requirements. The firm employs around 100 people in Luxembourg, with manufacturing, engineering and assembly all taking place here. In the early days, Gradel’s highly skilled staff would often work in each of these areas, but specialisation has increased as the firm has matured. A relatively new project is work on ESA’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer mission, which is set for launch in 2022. Gradel are delivering different mechanical ground support equipment elements. “This is a demanding scientific mission for our customer Airbus in Germany and France,” said Winkler. Gradel also supplied elements for ESA’s major ESTEC test facilities in Noordwijk in the Netherlands. ESA-related projects tend to be the main client for the Ellange-based firm, which has already worked on projects such as the SGEO (Small Geostationary Satellite), the Solar Orbiter and the ExoMars project. This is augmented with a range of commercial clients too.

“Making the components we need while in space is the ultimate aim of one of our projects,” explained Damien Lenoble, deputy director of materials research and technology at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology. The idea is to use additive manufacturing techniques (also known as 3D printing) in which layer-upon-layer of material is added to create objects outside of

traditional factories. This is one of the more revolutionary projects being worked on at Luxembourg’s oldest public research centre. It is being conducted in partnership with local space firm Saturne Technology. List has a 150-person strong materials department, and amongst its other work it focuses on two of ESA’s priorities: nano-technology and nano-materials. May 2017

COVER STORY

SPACE

CONTINUED

For example, a private spin-off or licensing deal is the ultimate aim for their work on super black coverings, research they are conducting on behalf of ESA. “When pointed to an area in space it is important that detectors do not suffer contamination from extraneous light which can distort the image or data,” Lenoble said. “Super black coatings absorb light, meaning there is much less reflection, thus increasing the detector’s ability to pick up faint sources of light,” he added. List are currently studying the viability of this material with a view to putting into production after validation. Another major project concerns the refinement of mass spectrometers, the tools used for analysing the chemical make-up of material. This has been an area of expertise for List for a number of years, and recently they have started talking with Ispace, a Japanese company that has recently moved to Luxembourg with a view to working on space rover devices. “This technology could be deployed on planets or asteroids to analyse the surface and underground resources,” commented Lenoble. “We need to make sure the mass spectrometers can work efficiently in space, as well as cope with the stresses of the launch.” May 2017

FINDING A NEW FOCUS

Hitec Luxembourg was one of the first local companies to tap into this sector. In 1999, just 13 years after being founded, this technology firm began working on communication antennas for SES at Betzdorf. These antennas are the large bowlshaped dishes that are so prominent at SES’s HQ. “Then when the country joined ESA this enabled us to take this expertise to a wider market,” said Philippe Osch, chief technology officer at Hitec Luxembourg. For example, they worked directly with the ESA after having won a tender work on the antenna deployed in Sweden and French Guyana as part of the Galileo navigation-satellite project. In turn, this work has gained them credibility more widely, including leading to contracts with the German and French space agencies.

Hitec are also providing the telecommunications services for Emergency.lu. Working in partnership with SES and Luxembourg Air Rescue, this system enables voice and data communications to be re-established within hours after a natural disaster has wiped out terrestrial systems. Osch claims this system works more effectively than satellite phones. It is currently deployed in the Philippines, South Sudan, Mali and Nepal. “We also sell antenna components, enabling us to refurbish existing antennas,” Osch added. A satellite generally lasts half as long as an antenna, meaning this valuable piece of kit can be recycled for use on a second mission with a different satellite after a reconfiguration. All told, around half of Hitec sales are now in the space industry. An impressive achievement for a company of only 50 people.

IMPACT INVESTING CONFERENCE Addressing climate change and social development Chamber of Commerce, Luxembourg 26 April 2017 in association with

BUSINESS

FINANCE

Interview by MARGARET FERNS

“WE ARE ALL LESS WELL-OFF NOW”

BREXIT

The British departure from the EU is not a great opportunity for Luxembourg, even if the grand duchy racks up some short-term gains, says Nicolas Mackel, CEO of Luxembourg for Finance. he deed is done. A letter invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty was delivered by the British government to the European Council on 29 March, formally launching the Brexit process. According to Nicolas Mackel, CEO at Luxembourg for Finance, a state-backed promotion agency: “We have now entered the most complex and difficult period the EU has ever seen.” Margaret Ferns: What is your feeling now that Article 50 has been invoked? Nicolas Mackel: It is one of deep sadness. Brexit is more and more likely to become a reality at the end of the two-year process. It is essential that we keep cool now and negotiate a new relationship with the UK as professionals. It is difficult to predict the outcome of something that has never been done before, but are you optimistic about Luxembourg’s future relationship with the UK in terms of business matters? There is no doubt that Luxembourg will always want to do business with London, we have a symbiotic relationship. London will remain a major financial centre, which has always been a strong ally of Luxembourg. Is Brexit an opportunity for Luxembourg? I do not see Brexit as an opportunity; we are all less well-off now that the UK [will be] out. There may be some minor gains, but these are set against an overall weakening. Can you envision, however, that companies that used London as May 2017

NICOLAS MACKEL Some business will migrate to Luxembourg, but “we are not vultures”

their gateway to Europe will now look towards Luxembourg? Luxembourg is a ready-made platform to Europe with its experience, skills and languages, etc., so naturally it is seen as an alternative to London. We have already had a lot of interest, especially from private equity and fintech. A lot of companies are now in the decision making process and we should know more before summer. Does Luxembourg for Finance have a specific plan in this respect? We have no specific plan in this respect. We are not trying to poach business, but stand ready and available. For many companies, Luxembourg is a natural option depending on their needs.

ITV News in the UK reported on 28 March that, “Luxembourg is hoping to capitalise on the potential loss of financial services jobs in the City of London”. This is not the first report of this nature. How do you respond to this kind of statement? As I said before, we have no plan to capitalise on Brexit, we are not vultures. Luxembourg stands on its reputation and experience. It has intrinsic qualities that are greatly appreciated: an open, yet stringent regulator, for example. Add to this our experience in the financial sector, highly qualified and multilingual skills base and political stability, and, of course, we are likely to attract business from London.

Mike Zenari (archives)

More than a book, now in bookstores.

180 pages / 25€ Available in bookstores and online maisonmoderne.com

Interviews by Frédérique Buck – Photography by Sven Becker and Mike Zenari Profits from the sale of this book will be used for the conception and creation of social inclusion projects. Find out more on iamnotarefugee.lu

BUSINESS

RESEARCH

Text by NATALIE GERHARDSTEIN

TEN RESEARCH PROJECTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT From robotics to smartglass, Luxembourg has some pretty fascinating scientific inves tigations underway. Here are a few projects with potentially far-reaching applications. uxembourg hit international headlines in 2016 for budgeting €200m to fund its asteroid mining initiative. But behind the headlines, there is research underway in the grand duchy, from algorithms to robotics, that could be applied to the technology. The grand duchy has worked hard to attract talent and establish a competitive system in research, and its investments have increased dramatically over the past couple decades. According to figures provided by the FNR (Luxembourg National Research Fund, which supports several of the projects featured here), in 2016 the government made €316.5m in research investments, up from €225.2m in 2010 and just €23.6m in 2000. And the results are paying off: out of 140 countries surveyed in the 2015-2016 Global Competitiveness Report, published by the World Economic Forum, Luxembourg ranked top in technological readiness. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Here are ten projects (not in any ranking) that are paving the way not just in technology, but in healthcare, industry, business, education, and more. May 2017

Robotics

QT ROBOT

DR. POUYAN ZIAFATI

The first social robot in the grand duchy started as a research project at the University of Luxembourg’s Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) in June 2015, and--after winning prizes at the Luxembourg Mind & Market Forum and the European “Pitch your startup” conference--the project developed into a spinoff. LuxAI is now continuing to develop the QT robot, which engages with users through body language and facial expressions. The platform is currently being used to educate autistic and special-needs children and for post-stroke rehabilitation. “Our main goal is to democratise social robotics by making programming and use of social robots effective, accessible, and affordable to assist teachers and therapists,” Dr. Ziafati says. Potential applications are broad: home assistance and cognitive training for the elderly are being investigated.

AT A GLANCE 9 researchers from Luxembourg, Iran, Spain, Portugal & France €600,000 budget icon_website www.luxai.com

Marion Dessard

Technology

SOFTWARE ENGINEERING DR. LIONEL BRIAND

Dr. Briand is the FNR Pearl chair and his research, “Testing the untestable”, is supported mainly by an advanced grant from the European Research Council, considered to be the most prestigious of its kind in Europe. The work focuses on software verification and validation, particularly as it pertains to so-called cyber-physical systems--for example, automated braking in vehicles--as these systems can be difficult to test. As he states, “Given the increasing pervasiveness of cyber-physical systems, e.g., drones, such research has wide implications in terms of the reliability, safety, and security of the many systems on which AT A GLANCE €2.3m over industry and more 5 years, plus generally society critically additional rely.” The research team contributions Partner includes individuals organisations from China, Tunisia include IEE, SES and Canada. & LuxSpace

SnT/scienceRelations, University of Luxembourg/Michel Brumat

icon_website www.svv.lu

Business

WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP DR. CHRISTINA CONSTANTINIDIS

Women entrepreneurs represent “one of the most powerful economic levers in European countries”, yet are “under-exploited”, according to Dr. Constantinidis. Her research team at the CREA at the University of Luxembourg, partnering with Fédération des Femmes Cheffes d’Entreprise du Luxembourg, is investigating how these women form professional partnerships. Preliminary results prove such networks help develop long-term relationships--and “collaborative entrepreneurship” contributes to success. “Women entrepreneurs challenge traditional views and build innovative business models,” she says. “The dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in Luxembourg gives the opportunity to get access to diverse entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship intermediaries, constituting an ideal environment for our data collection.”

AT A GLANCE 3 researchers icon_when April 2015March 2018 icon_website Search for “Centre for Research in Economics and Management” on www.uni.lu

Systems biomedicine

DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION DR. JORGE GONÇALVES

With his team at the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, Dr. Gonçalves is hard at work on deep brain stimulation, which is a known method for treating movement disorders such as Parkinson’s. The surgically-placed electrodes can help restore brain function, but DBS treatment AT A GLANCE 5 researchers isn’t currently personalised--something he from Portugal hopes to change. “By using a small sensor & Germany similar to a watch, we have been able to use icon_when 2015-2019 Key partner: a patient’s tremor to control the amount Centre of electrical stimulation required,” he says. Hospitalier de “We estimate to reduce levels by up to Luxembourg icon_website Search for 70%.” Gonçalves states that the results he “Systems Control has seen are “almost miraculous”, and he’s Group” on www.uni.lu excited about what that might eventually mean for treating disorders such as PTSD, anorexia and epilepsy. May 2017

BUSINESS

RESEARCH

CONTINUED

Automation & robotics

AUTONOMOUS DRIVING DR. HOLGER VOOS

With a focus on electric and hybrid vehicles, researchers at the university’s SnT centre are developing sensing and control algorithms for advanced driver assistance systems. “While the driver is still manually steering, the control system automatically commands speed, acceleration, and braking in order to drive as energy efficient as possible,” Dr. Voos says. Environmental data, captured through sensors like cameras and radars, figure into the model. “We already found in our driving tests with a series production electric car that up to 30% of energy could be saved… leading to a considerable extension of the driving range.” Additionally, the algorithms can be applied to drones and asteroid mining spacecraft.

Health

IMMUNOLOGY DR. DIRK BRENNER

AT A GLANCE 4 researchers from Germany, Iran & Colombia SnT is working closely with companies like Delphi Automotive & Volvo icon_website Search for “Automation & Robotics Research Group” on www.uni.lu

Developmental psychology

LANGUAGE INTERVENTION

DR. PASCALE ENGEL DE ABREU

The official name of the research project led by Dr. Brenner is “Elucidating the role of antioxidants in T-cells and its implication in immune-mediated diseases”. If that sounds too technical, Brenner puts it a bit differently: “A byproduct of increased energy generation is the formation of reactive oxygen radicals (ROS)… [You] can compare this to combustion exhaust gas produced at power plants. These ROS molecules are toxic for the cell and have to be disposed, which depends on so-called antioxidants.” By studying these antioxidants, he hopes to learn more about immunity and immune-mediated diseases, AT A GLANCE €602,000 which could have implications in cancer icon_when Started in therapy. He is enthusiastic about Luxembourg: March 2015 “We have the chance to influence and shape icon_website www.lih.lu [the] development of a rising and emerging biomedical research area.” May 2017

Portuguese immigrants’ children represent about 22% of the school population in Luxembourg yet, according to Dr. Engel de Abreu, “[they] manifest substantial language weaknesses in their first language, Portuguese, and their second language, Luxembourgish.” She is interested in the multilingual nature of Luxembourg, which she calls a “perfect location” for conducting research on the efficacy of language intervention for Portuguese languageminority children. A 30-week, oral language programme has been developed. “If the study shows that this programme is effective in boosting children’s first and second language learning, such a result might have important practical implications for educational policy in Luxembourg and other countries with AT A GLANCE 5 researchers high levels of from Luxemlearners from bourg, Portugal linguistic & Brazil €910,000 minorities.” icon_when 2014-2018 icon_website langcog.uni.lu

scienceRelations, University of Luxembourg/Michel Brumat

PARISSA RAFII runs the company Ireco, founded in 1971 by her Iranian father, which now represents more than 20% of the pistachio market in Europe. Every year, 12,000 tonnes of pistachios are processed and exported from Luxembourg to about 20 European countries.

C E L E B R AT I N G LUXEMBOURG MIR WËLLE WEISE WIE MIR SINN

W E D N E S D AY, 1 3 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7 — L U X E M B O U R G C O N G R È S

Maison Moderne will be celebrating Luxembourg with a gala evening attended by many of the country’s “ambassadors”, all of whom help promote the country abroad. celebratingluxembourg.com

organisation

gold sponsors

institutional partner

BUSINESS

RESEARCH

CONTINUED

Biomedicine

CANCER-ID DR. FAY BETSOU

Cancer-ID brings together approximately 50 experts globally from 13 countries, including the US and UK, and aims to test a new way to track cancer: blood-based biomarkers that could indicate a tumour’s development. The consortium brings together not just researchers, but other key players in SMEs, pharmaceuticals and diagnostic companies. In Luxembourg, the research is led by Dr. Betsou of the Integrated Biobank of Luxembourg with the goal of finding the best techniques for blood collection and handling without target molecules in the sample being damaged. The international research ideally will pave the way for more personalised medicine which, in turn, improves treatment options and AT A GLANCE European overall outlook for consortium of patients. over 30 partners

8 May 2017

Industry

SMARTGLASS DR. RENAUD LETURCQ & DR. DAMIEN LENOBLE

Researchers from the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology have joined forces with Carlex, based in Grevenmacher (a subsidiary of the Tokyo-based group Central Glass), to create a new kind of smartglass. According to the List researchers, “the aim is to reduce the ecological impact of heating and cooling systems in cars by AT A GLANCE 7 researchers diminishing heating of the passenger from List, compartment by the sun in summer and 3 from Carlex improving the efficiency of deicing in the icon_when Started March 2017, with winter.” The innovation, based on 3-year duration functional transparent thin-films, could icon_website www.list.lu & www.automotive translate into a new generation of components.lu windshields which would not only increase comfort for passengers but also help vehicles adhere to future EU emissions regulations.

icon_when Started January 2015, 5-year duration icon_website www.cancer-id.eu

Education

COMPUTER-BASED ASSESSMENT DR. SAMUEL GREIFF

With society’s heavy reliance on technology, 21st century skills are necessary to meet new challenges. How can skills like collaboration, global competencies and complex problem-solving, and their assessment, be facilitated in real life? How can countries implement them into their educational curricula? These questions are at the heart of Dr. Greiff’s research. “It becomes increasingly clear,” he says, “that these skills are important for success in life. They have been identified as target skills in educational policy around the world and have been… included in the Pisa assessment that tests 15-year-old students in over 70 countries.” Greiff acknowledges the certain “high-risk dimension” of his work, but hails the openness of the University of Luxembourg to his work.

AT A GLANCE 10-15 researchers from Germany & Luxembourg, with recruitment underway in South Africa & US icon_facebook 21cba icon_website Search for “Computer-based assessment” on www.uni.lu

IBBL, University of Luxembourg/Michel Brumat

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BUSINESS

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Text by JESS BAULDRY

THE REVOLUTION IN WILTZ Wiltz has built a tourist industry around its past as battleground for the Battle of the Bulge during WWII. Now it looks to the future, piloting pioneering circular economy projects.

HOUSING PROJECTS When the Luxembourg Ecoinnovation Cluster began searching for a hotspot to test circular economy applications, Wiltz was a natural choice. A number of projects are now in the pipeline. May 2017

SUPPORTING THE TRANSITION A. Frederik Demecheleer of PROgroup and Marcel Klesen of Luxinnovation B. Pierre Koppes, Wiltz councillor responsible for the circular economy transition

The most imminent is passive, modular apartment complex Nesto, due to open at the end of 2017. The six flats will be fully recyclable, carbon neutral and what’s more, some will be rented at 25% cheaper than market value. The smart design project is being developed by PROgroup, which is also advising the council on another pilot project in Weidingen artisanal zone, work on which will begin end 2017. The commune wants to build five 100m2 units using circular economy principles for small and mediumsized firms. “We can show people the commune built this, this is what it

cost, and show the return compared to a traditional building,” says Koppes. He adds that it will also give the council valuable experience for a planned extension at the Salzbaach industrial zone, which is reaching capacity. Businesses located there are meanwhile moving ahead to analyse waste generated to find a way for it to have value elsewhere. The most ambitious project is “Wunne mat der Wooltz”, a 250home development built along circular economy principles on a brownfield site. Developed by the national housing fund (Fonds du

Maison Moderne

he northern town of Wiltz is not an easy place to reach by car. Even with the route du Nord fully open, upon reaching Ettelbruck, motorists face a further 30 minutes through the Ardennes, along winding country roads crossing fields and forests. The journey is stunning in spring, but perilous during Luxembourg’s snowy winters. “We are at a disadvantage compared to other towns which attract more companies than Wiltz because of the road network,” town councillor Pierre Koppes explains. Wiltz has found other ways to set itself apart, however, notably in a raft of pioneering projects as a circular economy hotspot. “We thought, here’s an opportunity to position ourselves next to other towns,” says Koppes, who is responsible for the project at the council. The journey began in the Salzbaach industrial zone around 18 months ago. Circular economy principles have been practised by resident flooring firm Tarkett, among others, for several decades. These firms began working with other industrial zone tenants to collaborate on things like buying energy, training and identifying common projects. “This was the birth of the idea that industry in Salzbaach could work together,” says Luxinnovation manager Marcel Klesen, who is today supporting Wiltz in the venture.

photo: Christof Weber

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Logement) at a cost of €800m, the site will also include a primary and pre-school, museum and music school. “We’re still researching to see what we can do,” says Koppes, whose eyes widen as he describes an innovative school abroad which has captured his imagination: plants grown in a greenhouse purify the air in classrooms. “The aim is to build an environment around our children that’s positive for them so they will be integrated into the principles of cradle to cradle and circular economy so it’s not a concept children then need to learn-it’s a concept they’re already living,” says Klesen. The commune is fully committed to going circular. Koppes even says the project motivated him to stand again in the next communal elections. “It’s something that fascinates me because it opens a new world, and I see a future for the next generations and my children… I’m convinced we can find solutions in the circular May 2017

economy. They may cost a bit more, but long term it’s not more.” Yet there are still challenges, among them convincing businesses to commit without knowing the costs, for example at the Weidingen site. “All the halls have been promised to firms, but they want to know how much. We don’t know the price yet,” Koppes explains. It is hoped that once the first buildings are completed, it will be easier to answer these kinds of questions. Another consideration is getting residents to support and embrace the transition. The commune has already begun training its staff. “There tend to be more questions than opposition, which I understand… People might think it’s just another label. We need concrete projects so we can explain what the circular economy is and what the advantages are,” says Koppes.

PUBLIC EVENT To raise awareness in the wider community, community group the CIGR will organise a Do-It-Yourself Festival

in the autumn, promoting concepts like upcycling and repair knowledgesharing; meanwhile there are plans to host an informal repair café in the centre of Wiltz once a month. “The right information for everybody is key to this,” stresses Klesen. The commune, meanwhile, is leading by example at its town hall, which is undergoing a renovation that will integrate circular economy principles like product as a service, such as buying light as a service from Philips. This means that the commune will pay for the light it uses while Philips remains owner of all fixtures and installations. Wiltz will lease it for the duration of the contract at the end of which fixtures will be re-used elsewhere after upgrading, reducing wastage. If the transition proves successful, Koppes says the commune hopes to recruit a permanent expert. “The evolution happens so quickly and it’s so specialist we really need to have someone if we want to take it seriously.” icon_website www.circularhotspot2017.lu

CIRCULAR ECONOMY In a traditional linear economy we take, make and dispose of materials, a model which requires access to cheap and easy-toobtain materials and energy. As the planet reaches its limits for both providing natural resources and places to store waste, a circular economy offers a more sustainable alternative. It reduces waste by ensuring products and materials retain their value by being reusable (cradle-tocradle design), designing goods which have a longer life and can be more easily repaired through models, such as product as a service, and limiting consumerism through a sharing economy, among other things. “Everything that helps us uncouple ourselves from resource consumption,” says Luxembourg Ecoinnovation Cluster president Romain Poulles.

Marion Dessard

BUSINESS

Conférences

Stands

Evénements

Service clé en main et organisation

YES, we do.

BUSINESS

FUNDS

Text by STEPHEN EVANS

Photography by LALA LA PHOTO

KEEPING CALM

SNAPSHOTS

onald Trump has not begun to act on his promises, and we still have no idea what form Brexit will take, Luxembourg’s finance minister has said. “There is no need to panic, but there is a lot of need to talk,” Pierre Gramegna suggested at a recent Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry conference. icon_website Search for “Don’t panic” on www.delano.lu

While the threat of geopolitical instability continues to excite political commentators, financial investors appear to be calm and optimistic, and the asset management industry is benefiting. icon_website Search for “It’s the end of the world as we know it” on www.delano.lu

May 2017

OPTIMISTIC TONE A. Christina Coustry and Ruth Bültmann B. Corinne Prinz, Anne Goedert and Fiona de Watazzi C. Denise Voss, chairman of Alfi (facing away from the camera), asks questions to “The big picture-what’s driving the asset management world today?” panelists during the first day of the Alfi European Asset Management Conference, on 21 March D. Françoise Carlier and Ulrike KaiserBoeing E. Vilma Domenicucci and Marie-Aline Peetermans F. Pamela Hoerr and Daniela Klasen-Martin G. Isabelle Kintz and Alix Van Ormelingen H. Bethan Thompson and Monica Vidulich I. Pierre Gramegna, Luxembourg’s finance minister, speaks during the second day of the conference, 22 March icon_info www.alfi.lu

LE EC

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Graffiti

BUSINESS

FUNDS

Text by STEPHEN EVANS

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

INVESTING IN SOCIETY AND THE CLIMATE Investment funds already provide important social benefits, including helping to create jobs and providing the backbone to our old age pensions. However, clients also want targeted responsible investments, and the upcoming Alfi Impact Investing Conference aims to deepen understanding.

WHAT IS IMPACT INVESTING? Impact investing is defined as responsible investing that pays particular attention to the measurement of effects on society and the environment. This is not to forget keeping an eye on making financial returns. icon_website www.alfi.lu

ow can impact investing support climate change mitigation and adaptation measures? What role can impact investing play in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals? How can impact investing grow? On 26 April at the Chamber of Commerce, around 250 fund industry professionals will discuss these questions and more. “We chose to focus on impact investing this time, as we wanted to add value and take a different view to many responsible investing events organised internationally,” explained Corinne Molitor, co-chair of the Alfi Responsible Investing Technical Committee. Impact investing is currently a niche within the niche that is responsible investing, but has strong growth potential. The recent problems seen in the microfinance sector illustrate the desire to quantify non-financial impact. Molitor is convinced of the value of microfinance as a way to help entrepreneurs in countries with an underdeveloped financial sector, but she recognises that it has grown too quickly.

ADDRESSING GROWING PAINS “There is too much money chasing the good quality large and medium-sized microfinance institutions,” she said. “There is too little going to the smaller, tier three organisations because costs are a challenge given the small size of the transactions and the expense of proper due diligence procedures.” The May 2017

CORINNE MOLITOR The co-chair of the Alfi Responsible Investing Technical Committee says the fund industry needs better tools to assess “impact investing”

result has been the temptation, for example, to allow microloans to be used for consumer finance, or for support to be directed to micro-entrepreneurs rather than more sustainable micro, small, and medium-sized businesses. The conference will look at techniques for embedding impact into how funds are designed. “The industry needs solid, transparent and credible impact assessment, and this has to be integrated into the investment approach from the beginning,” Molitor argued. This contrasts with most standard responsible investments where analysis is carried out after the fact.

In the case of microfinance, there is a trend towards investors wanting to understand how the money is being deployed. “They want to be sure that their financing is benefiting clients in an impactful way, and that this development would not have happened otherwise through traditional funding methods,” Molitor added. Of course there is much more to responsible and impact investment than microfinance. Investment in projects to slow climate change and to mitigate its effects continue to be popular, as do investments related to sustainable land use and education.

Looking into the future of financial services

www.horizonconference.lu For the seventh year in a row, the Horizon Conference will offer fresh perspectives on the future of the financial industry. Each year, the event brings together senior industry professionals and internationally renowned keynote speakers with a message to share. With PIERRE GRAMEGNA, Luxembourg Minister of Finance, as guest speaker.

Organized by

Media sponsor

THURSDAY 29 JUNE 2017 From 8:30 to 14:00

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BUSINESS

Text by NATALIE GERHARDSTEIN

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

THE MAGICAL MUSICAL TOUR In February 2018, bookseller Tania Steffen will spend a week in London- -a trip that all centres around one musical.

CLOCKING OFF!

ania Steffen registered for priority booking to see Hamilton: An American Musical months ago. So the very minute online ticket sales opened in January, Tania and her friend were able to snag seats for £90 each. “I was willing to spend up to £500,” Tania said--a bargain, considering she almost paid close to $1,300 to see the show on Broadway. The bookseller is no stranger to travelling for musicals, having seen Hair in Sweden, Wicked and Tarzan in Germany and Shrek The Musical in New York City. She even dressed up like a missionary when she saw The Book of Mormon in London. Tania has also enjoyed her fair share of musicals in Luxembourg, like Kiss Me, Kate and Mamma Mia! For her, it’s more than just a great night out. “There’s something magical about having a roomful of people humming or singing with the cast,” she said. “At some point, you can’t help yourself. You just have to sing along.”

TOP 3 MUSICALS Tania’s recommendations: 1. Wicked (now playing in NYC, London): “Catchy soundtrack, out-of-this-world costumes” 2. The Book of Mormon (NYC, London): “So much fun, more so if you’re interested in the religious aspect” 3. Tarzan (Oberhausen, Germany): “Spectacular--the whole theatre becomes a jungle” May 2017

A PASSION FOR BOOKS For Tania Steffen, working in the All-English Bookstore in Luxembourg City is about more than just selling books: what drives her are “the people and their passion for reading”. Tania has worked in the bookstore since it opened two years ago. Most evenings, she reads on her bus ride home. “I try to have two or three books read from the top ten bestsellers, and one or two of the various prizes [like the Man Booker],” she says. She tends to get advance reading copies through work, alternating between print and digital versions. The Luxembourger admits English wasn’t her forte at school, although she now speaks with near fluency, having improved through her travels and reading. In fact, she prefers reading books in their original languages: “I’ve read the Harry Potter series in English and German, even some in French, and it’s like reading completely different books.” Tania has read around 120 books annually over the past four years. Her favourite genres are young adult and fantasy. “If I want to relax, I’ll just pick some cheesy young adult book. It’s a genre that’s really evolved.”

BUSINESS

AGENDA

TEN EVENTS

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

Amcham The American Chamber of Commerce hosts a drone confab (as part of a larger digital security conference) which includes a chance for drone owners to put their machine through its paces. icon_when Thu 27 April icon_where Junglinster Longwave Transmitter icon_website www.amcham.lu

Maison Moderne archives > SIP/Luc Deflorenne > Focalize > ALFI

SUPPLY CHAIN DAY

Cluster for Logistics “Companies from the industrial, trading and logistics services sectors take visitors behind the scenes of logistics and supply chain management.” Similar events are held in more than 20 countries. icon_when Thu 27 April icon_where Across the grand duchy icon_website www.clusterforlogistics.lu

TAX EXCHANGE

British Chamber of Commerce Speakers at the “Automatic exchange of information in tax matters: the global transparency era has started” forum will discuss developments such as the OECD Common Reporting Standard. icon_when Tue 2 May, 17:00 icon_where Deloitte, Luxembourg-Neudorf icon_website www.bcc.lu

ÉTIENNE SCHNEIDER

Luxembourg-Poland Business Club The deputy prime minister, who also holds the economy and defence portfolios, delivers a speech titled “Luxembourg economic outlook: how Luxembourg prepares for the future”. icon_when Thu 4 May, 12:00 icon_where La Table du Belvédère, Luxembourg-Kirchberg icon_website www.lpbc.lu

CORINNE CAHEN

Amcham During the “Abal luncheon”, the family affairs and integration minister will discuss the new parental leave policy and the “I can vote” campaign in the run up to local elections this autumn. icon_when Mon 8 May, 12:00 icon_where Légère Hotel, Munsbach icon_website www.amcham.lu

DIGITAL JOBS British Chamber of Commerce This evening business forum, part of an ongoing series of conferences, is titled “Analogue employees: digital jobs. Training and career development for a lifetime of opportunity”. icon_when Wed 10 May, 18:00 icon_where The Office, Luxembourg-Centre icon_website www.bcc.lu

DIVERSITY DAY LËTZEBUERG

INNOVATION CONTEST

ILCC “Based loosely on the Dragon’s Den concept of pitching ideas to potential investors with market experience.” There are few restrictions on the type of project, but it must be run out of Luxembourg. icon_when Mon 8 May icon_where To be announced icon_website www.ilcc.lu

IMS Luxembourg The network for corporate social responsibility helps employers promote equal opportunities in the workplace. Several organisations are expected to sign the “Diversity Charter” pledging to do so. icon_when Thu 11 May icon_where Across the grand duchy icon_website www.imslux.lu

LONDON COCKTAIL & CONFERENCE

WOMEN DIRECTORS Female Board Pool For the 9th year now, this all day seminar facilitates contact between senior female executives and organisations looking for better representation on their boards of directors. icon_when Tue 9 May icon_where Alvisse Parc Hotel, Luxembourg-Dommeldange icon_website www.femaleboardpool.eu

Alfi Luxembourg’s fund industry group heads to the British capital to host exhibitions, networking and workshops. Speakers include Naïm Abou-Jaoudé, CEO of Candriam Investors Group. icon_when Mon 22 - Tue 23 May icon_where Central Hall Westminster, London icon_website www.alfi.lu

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

May 2017

LIFESTYLE 73

UPFRONT

The diar y 50 CANDLES FOR AEI Aide à l’Enfance de l’Inde et du Népal celebrates its 50th birthday with an Indian-Nepalese festival on 13 May. Hosted at Tramsschapp, there will be live music and dance, food, handmade items and books for sale, as well as activities for children. icon_where Tramsschapp, LuxembourgLimpertsberg icon_website www.aei.lu

COOK FOR SYRIA Part of a global movement, this dinner on 13 May at 7 p.m. helps people to show solidarity with the plight of people affected by conflict in Syria. Participation costs 50 euros and includes a freshly prepared Syrian dinner at the International School of Luxembourg lower school building. 75% of the proceeds will go to Unicef’s Syria Crisis Appeal and 25% towards integration projects in Luxembourg at Hariko. icon_facebook CookforSyria Luxembourg

SEE FESTIVAL WINNERS The Luxembourg City Film Festival closed with the Grand Prix going to The Other Side of Hope, by Aki Kaurismäki, the Documentary Award to I Am Not Your Negro, by Raoul Peck, and Glory (Slava), by Kristina Grozeva and Petar Valchanov, receiving the Critics Awards. Catch the latter in Ciné Utopia with English subtitles. icon_website www.utopolis.lu

JIMS IN THE CITY Fitness centre Jims opened its second gym in Luxembourg in March. Spanning 2000m2 in the basement of the newly renovated Galerie Kons, it comprises weights and cardio area, CrossFit room, a relaxation room, boxing room (with classes on Thai boxing, Kali, self-defence, Lady Box and Free Fighting) and another room for general classes which include pump, yoga, Latino Jam, Zumba and Afrodance. icon_where 11 rue Joseph Junck, Luxembourg-Gare icon_website www.jimsfitness.com

PROMOTE FAIRTRADE To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Fairtrade Lëtzebuerg will host an array of events this year with a big awareness-raising campaign from 1-14 May. Visit their website to participate in an existing Fairtrade event or register your own. icon_website www.fairtrade.lu

GALLERY EXPANSION Nosbaum Reding Gallery in the capital has expanded and now occupies 2 and 4 rue Wiltheim. Among the first artists whose works are exhibited in the space are Aline Bouvy, Mike Bourscheid and Stephen Balkenhol. The exhibition runs until 29 April. icon_website www.nosbaumreding.lu

TAT-TASTIC International tattoo convention The Storm comes to Luxexpo for its sixth edition from 19-21 May. A must-see. In addition to 400 tattoo artists, visitors can peruse 50 shops, hear live music and watch shows. icon_website www.thestorm.lu

MUSIC

NEW FESTIVAL SIREN’S CALL There’s a new music festival in town. Den Atelier may have decided to take a break from Rock-A-Field, but the venue is not giving up on festivals after announcing Siren’s Call, a one-day music and culture festival in the capital falling on 24 June, the day after Luxembourg’s national holiday. Music is the mainstay of the festival, with concerts from Oscar & the Wolf (pictured), James Vincent McMorrow, RY X, Ásgeir and Francesco Tristano, among others, performing across three venues: Abbaye de Neumünster’s outdoor square, Melusina and the stunning St. Jean Church, a venue inspired by St. Pancras Old Church in London where The Beatles once played. In addition to the musical line-up, Siren’s Call will feature exhibitions and initiatives curated by the Bamhaus Collective in the Siren’s Garden. And there will be plenty of opportunities to buy food and refreshments at the Siren’s Village, where a number of food trucks and bars will be selling their wares. Tickets for the festival cost €48. icon_info www.sirenscall.lu

May 2017

Pexels > Thestorm.lu > Den Atelier

ELECTRIC FASHION To launch their new collection, electric fashion label Vol(t)-age hit the catwalk. Scores of fashionistas gathered at Paname in order to be the first to see the new creations.

Vol(t)age Rose of Tralee Luxembourg/Steve Eastwood > Marion Dessard (archives)

A. A model shows off an outfit from the new Vol(t)age collection B. Two women leaf through a catalogue of the collection C. A model is made up before hitting the cat walk D. A group attending the event smile for the camera

CROWNING MOMENT QUICK TAKE

ed e Síle Reidy was crown A year ago, Ireland nativourg. She talks about how the grand Rose of Tralee Luxemb one of her greatest dreams. duchy helped her realise Jess Bauldry: What made you put yourself forward for the Luxembourg Rose selection? Síle Reidy: I have attended the festival from a very young age, and in the back of my mind I always thought I would try to enter as the Kerry Rose in the future, but when the opportunity came about in Luxembourg I couldn’t say no. I had nothing to lose as it was always a dream to be a Rose, and that dream certainly came true representing Luxembourg in Tralee in 2016. What has been the highlight of your year as Luxembourg Rose? That’s a tough one because there have been so many great moments and friendships made throughout the year, especially in Tralee. I feel being part of the parade, travelling down Denny Street was a surreal moment as I had always been on the other side of the barrier watching the Roses. The happiness in my parents’ faces when I was announced the Luxembourg Rose will also stay with me forever. Another was with Anna, the Newfoundland & Labrador Rose after the Midnight Madness Parade, turning around to the crowd and capturing it all in a glimpse. I am just back from New York where over 70 Roses and Rose escorts walked in the St. Patrick’s Day parade there, which was another surreal experience. I feel very lucky with all the memories and friendships I’ve built over the last year. What do you think you have learnt from the experience? I have learnt a lot about myself over the last year and how important it is to seize every moment and to always look on the positive side. I have learnt so much about different cultures from the different Roses, and I have become so grateful for the people I have met and the friendships that will last a lifetime. What advice would you give the next person to be selected to represent Luxembourg as Rose? Enjoy every second of it, don’t fuss about the little things and maximise all the opportunities you are given throughout the year, and during the festival. I am so excited for someone to experience the amazing year I have had. Luxembourg will select its next Rose for the Rose of Tralee at the Rose Ball on 20 May at the Parc Alvisse Hotel, Luxembourg-Dommeldange. icon_website www.rose.lu icon_facebook Luxembourg Rose

May 2017

LIFESTYLE

STUDENT FESTIVAL

Text by JESS BAULDRY

Photography by LALA LA PHOTO

Acting up at ISL

SNAPSHOTS

tudents from all over Europe gathered at the International School of Luxembourg for a three-anda-half day theatre extravaganza. Over 100 students from nine different schools received introductions to performance at the Ista Theatre Festival. Performing with masks and puppets, drumming, Bollywood dance and physical acting were among the different workshops offered by the expert Ista team. The workshops culminated in a joint performance on 2 April. Ista is a not-for-profit international arts organisation bringing together young people, artists and teachers from different countries to experience, create and learn about theatre. icon_website www.delano.lu/snapshots

icon_info www.ista.co.uk

GETTING THEATRICAL A. Gav Guilfoyle gets a group warming up facial muscles B. Youngsters receive a lesson in Bollywood classical dance from Sunita Trivedi C. The beat goes on--students in the drumming extravaganza workshop D. Students hold up a giant puppet E. Greg Ruhe demonstrates shadow puppets F. The workshops kept all students on their toes G. Two students perform to the rest of the group in a workshop H. Gillian Ani leads a workshop I. Sydney Smith delivers his workshop “Inner Joy” C

May 2017

ARTIS

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SANITAIRE CHAUFFAGE TOITURE TRAVAUX PUBLICS

Fernand Lége, Les Loisirs — hommage à Louis David (détail), 1948-1949 © Jean-François Tomasian — Cebtre Pompidou, MNAM-CCI/Dist. RMN-GP © Adagp, Paris, 2017

Zone d’activité Cloche d’Or - 5a, rue Guillaume Kroll - L-1882 Luxembourg - www.cfm.lu

FERNAND LÉGER BEAUTY IS EVERYWHERE

20.05 > 30.10.17 The exhibition celebrates the 40th anniversary of Centre Pompidou

centrepompidou-metz.fr #lebeauestpartout En partenariat avec Bozar, Palais des Beaux-Arts, Bruxelles.

LIFESTYLE

CULTURE

Text by MARTINE HUBERTY

Photography by LALA LA PHOTO

Marrying sake with European cuisine

apan’s ambassador, Shigeji Suzuki, whet people’s appetite for Japanese culture by hosting a sake sampling soirée with a few selected European dishes. A few selected guests gathered at the residence of the Japanese ambassador to hear a presentation of JeanPaul Choi, vice world champion sake sommelier and owner of the restaurant Origami, on 23 March. Choi explained that sake is a general term for alcohol beverages in Japan. It is fermented, just like wine and beer. A selection of eight sake was paired with European dishes. The big favourite was the Senkin Tsurukame. Its very delicate aroma had a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, and went perfectly well with the sea bass with a parmesan sauce. icon_facebook Ambassade du Japon au Luxembourg icon_website www.delano.lu/snapshots

May 2017

SNAPSHOTS

CULTURAL EXPERIENCE A. Shigeji Suzuki, Japanese ambassador, and his wife, Eriko B. Jean-Paul Choi and British ambassador John Marshall C. and Q. Warm sake is served in a traditional masu D. and E. The guests sample a variety of sake F. The rice can be “polished” to varying degrees G. Eriko Suzuki, the ambassador’s wife, welcomes Austrian ambassador Gregor Schusterschitz H. The wives of the Japanese and Austrian ambassadors, Eriko Suzuki and Mara Elisabeth Schusterschitz I. Austrian ambassador Gregor Schusterschitz and Turkish ambassador Mehmet Ilicak J. Italian ambassador Rossella Franchini Sherifis K. Jean-François Bazin, the ambassador of Cape Verde Carlos Semedo, Roland Gaul and his wife, and Turkish ambassador Mehmet Ilicak L. Sweet little origami were on display M. Jean-Paul Choi (right) presents a sake for tasting to Mr Sherifis, the husband of Italian ambassador Rossella Franchini N. and O. A surprise buffet of Japanese delights was revealed after the tasting P. Roland Gaul, director of the military history museum, and his wife R. Piotr Wojtczak, the Polish ambassador (foreground, left) S. and T. Different bottles of sake were on display

May 2017

LIFESTYLE

GETTING INVOLVED

Text by ALIX RASSEL

Photography by LALA LA PHOTO

, s r e t s a s i d After n o i t u l o s a Hit finds d global financial hub an try d for many things: as a Luxembourg is renowneof the European Union . It is also the only coun install as a founding member dedicated team and framework capability to a s . ha und the globe in the world that when disasters strike aro satellite communications

he Humanitarian Intervention Team (or “Hit” for short) was initially established by the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to the EU member states’ decision to reinforce their civil protection capacities to deal with global crises. In June 2004, a change in the law established Hit as a permanent part of Luxembourg’s civil protection division. Hit is made up of a group of 100 volunteers who are able to respond, at short notice, to requests for humanitarian intervention from the United Nations and other emergency organisations. Their primary mission is to set up satellite communications in areas which have been hit by natural disasters, such as the Haiti hurricane in 2016 and the Nepal earthquake in 2015. “Hit has three main functions,” explains Bram Krieps, its deputy head and an active volunteer. “We provide satellite communication installations with the support of our local partners, SES, Hitec and Luxembourg Air Rescue. We have a dedicated flood rescue team and a humanitarian support team who are able to build camps, at short notice, for field workers such as the UN and Croix-Rouge.” The team’s unique advantage is their partnership with Luxembourg communication firms SES and Hitec, who provide cutting-edge satellite and antenna systems. “When the hurricane hit Haiti, we were able to go on site and install satellite communications to Luxembourg,” says Krieps, a civil servant. “Other partners, such as Ericsson, etc., were then able to distribute these networks to ensure vital communications were reinstalled.” Bram previously served in the Luxembourg army and as a local fire chief before joining the Hit team as a volunteer 12 years ago. “Many of Hit’s volunteers serve in May 2017

the army, government agencies or other rescue services,” he clarifies. “This isn’t because other people are not welcome; on the contrary. However, it is vital that volunteers can take time off work, sometimes at short notice, [and] not all employers are flexible on this point.” Depending on the severity of the crisis, volunteers can be required to be on site for between one and three weeks at a time. “Normally we deploy two people, but exceptionally six volunteers can be sent if it is a major crisis.” In 2015, Hit recruited 25 additional volunteers, but they are always interested in skilled applicants. “We do not have such a large pool of people in Luxembourg to choose from,” he notes. “We are always looking for mechanics and electricians with a high level of English, but that is not always easy to find.” “From a humanitarian viewpoint, it can be difficult for newcomers when they join the team,” adds Krieps. “We are often deployed in situations which can be very distressing. As human beings, we want to help everybody but it is crucial to remember the job we are there to do. Hit’s purpose is not direct humanitarian action, but to install the framework for that action to happen. It’s an essential role that we play.”

BRAM KRIEPS Hit volunteers help reestablish communication links following natural catastrophes around the world

HIT SQUAD At the beginning of March 2017, Hit deployed 2 volunteers to implement communications after the cyclone in Madagascar. Want to get involved? Hit volunteers are not required to have Luxembourg nationality, but fluency in multiple languages is advantageous, especially English. Strong technical skills, team spirit and a collaborative mentality are also essential. All volunteers take part in regular trainings. icon_website www.hit.lu icon_mail info@hit.lu

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LIFESTYLE

FASHION

Text by ISABELLA EASTWOOD

Photography by MARION DESSARD

An eye for detail nsultants: Luxembourg’s image co vide exac tly, pro y the e them? what ser vices do d when shouldn’t you, us and when should you, an

oyce Brothers, American psychologist, has been quoted saying: “An individual’s self-concept is the core of his personality. [...] A strong, positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success in life.” This is as true today (if not more so) as it was ten years ago. The development into the modern service economy, social media and increased mobility all push one fact forwards: representation matters. The way you present yourself to the world impacts the way you perceive and live in the world: if we appear confident and strong, it’s a lot more likely that others will treat us as such. However, there is often a discrepancy between the way we see ourselves and the way the world sees us. Perhaps we’re insecure or perhaps we’re unsure of how, or what, to reveal to others. If our dress accentuates certain traits of our personality, how do we make the right impression at the right time? We may not like to admit it, but we all judge a book by its cover--why else would you be able to buy an additional book cover to hide your original, slightly more embarrassing book cover? We do this because, at the beginning, the cover is all we have to go on. And while some might care more about image than others, it goes without saying that a strong image is helpful in supporting our purpose, whatever it is that we set out to do. Delano has spoken with three separate image consultants, and the

May 2017

" WE TRY AND HELP BUYERS CHOOSE THINGS THAT THEY LOOK GOOD IN. IT DOESN’T DO OUR BUSINESS ANY FAVOURS TO FORCE THINGS ON THEM."

owner of multi-brand store Casting, in the Belle Étoile shopping centre, about the difficulties of pairing fashion with comfort, daring with ease, and the cultural codes of clothes.

CH-CH-CHANGES When it comes to seeing an image consultant, the common denominator among clients is diversity. “Many customers come and see me after they experience a great change in their lives. The type of change varies, of course, and can range from divorce to illness, from a promotion to a desire for change. Maybe you just need an outfit for a particular event,” explains Wendy Casey, an image and fashion stylist since 2006 (and occasional contributor to Delano).

There is an intrinsic correlation between our clothes, our image, and our identity. Oftentimes we feel the need to exhibit an inner transformation, but we don’t know how to do so successfully. Our lives also lead us through different phases at different times. From our teenage years to university through to our first job, from family to retirement: every step of the way a change of wardrobe marks the change of pace. “Each turning point in your life leads you to a moment of re-evaluation,” says Mylène Voncken, an image consultant originally from the Netherlands. “You re-assess your priorities, your lifestyle, and the clothes that represent this.”

ALINE KOENER Personal knowledge is imperative

Sometimes, it’s not necessarily our own decision to see a professional. “Often partners or family members send their loved ones to see me. It’s a delicate matter, but usually it’s about helping that person look and feel their best, and the best is all they want for them,” states Gigja Birgisdottir of Gia in Style. In this sense, image consulting includes the reaffirmation of self-care: taking your time to find out how to bring out the best in you. How is this done? Amongst the three image consultants, the procedure is fairly similar. A colour analysis is done, a process during which skin tone, hair and eye colour are assessed. What follows is an examination of style and body

shape, a wardrobe investigation-which isn’t as frightening as it sounds--and a trip to the shops. “People need to be aware of how intimate this setting can be,” warns Voncken with a smile. “In order to achieve the best result, closeness is necessary. I might have to measure you, push back your hair or touch your face. You also need to be ready to discuss your personal and professional schedule, your habits and your activities, if I’m to help you find the right wardrobe.”

BALANCING ACT The aim of seeing an advisor is not to impose a certain look or style. A full understanding of a person’s life is necessary in order to appreciate what

makes people feel comfortable and look good at the same time. Aside from that, straddling the line between coaxing people out of their comfort zone and ensuring they still feel, well, comfortable, can be challenging at times. “As an image consultant, you definitely shouldn’t shy away from pushing the boundaries, but at the same time, there’s no point in convincing a client to buy something that will end up hanging in the wardrobe forever,” maintains Casey. “Of course, you can force someone in a completely different direction, but it won’t take. You need to get to know your client, accept the speed at which they’re willing to change and what steps they’re able to take,” adds Voncken. May 2017

LIFESTYLE

FASHION

CONTINUED

Knowing your clientele is imperative to the trade, says Aline Koener of Casting. “When I make the selection for the next season of clothes, I sometimes even have specific clients in mind when it comes to a particular purchase.” With the advent of online shopping and the competition of large corporate franchises, smaller businesses need to be able to offer their customers something of additional value, she reckons. “Exceeding in sales is not always appreciated, but it’s a vocation. We try and help buyers choose things that they look good in. It doesn’t do our business any favours to force things on them.” Smaller shops will be more likely to offer a personalised service with experienced workers, while larger retail staff simply don’t have the time or necessarily the knowledge to answer your needs. “Some of my staff has been with me for 20 years,” remarks Koener. “I know I can trust them. Large retailers and online stores can’t provide this to the same extent.”

FITTING DRESS CODES Whether you’re looking to impress on a personal or professional level, there is no doubt that it’s always beneficial to know what makes us look and feel great. However, cultivating and maintaining an air of professionalism can be tricky, as every business is built around specific cultural codes. The mission is to dress according to these codes while maintaining a sense of self at the same time. Voncken puts this into context: “Your dress will always have an impact on how you’re perceived. If you’re a teacher, what age children do you teach? If you work in the service industry, is the atmosphere more laidback or is it strictly elegant? You wouldn’t wear a suit if you worked in the arts, just as you wouldn’t display tattoos and piercings in the finance industry.” There are a lot of areas in life where we depend upon our image to convey an idea. Contemporary social media platforms, public platforms and profiles all come with a certain amount of constructing an acceptable, likeable and employable persona. The care we put into choosing a photo and writing a biography is the same--or should May 2017

LAYOUT D2

be--as we invest in our appearance in real time. If your career involves an emphasis on public image, the matter of dress is even more pertinent. Birgisdottir explains: “When it’s important to look the part, it’s good to know the basic rules. A wrong colour can lead to you looking tired and washed out. Quality and a good fit is one thing, but if the colour is wrong then it just doesn’t help your image.” In short, “one shade can make all the difference. The emphasis is in the detail.” As Voncken puts it: “The message follows the image. Your clothing needs to support your message, not be engulfed by it. In terms of professional style, your look shouldn’t be overwhelming.” Too many colours,

accessories and eccentricities have the potential to distract whoever you’re dealing with. “Subtlety and a delicate touch are important parameters to focus on: not too full on, but not wanting.” Casey elaborates on this further: “Even if you’re good at what you do, if you feel self-assured and comfortable, a look that is lacking means you have to work twice as hard to inspire people with the same amount of confidence. However, if you already look the part, you impress them before you even start speaking.” Dressing appropriately gives you a clear advantage: it creates a harmony that allows everything to slot into place, providing the potential to inspire what you wish to inspire.

GIGJA BIRGISDOTTIR Image consultants aim to bring out the best qualities in their clients

IN THEIR OWN WORDS MYLÈNE VONCKEN “My job is to help create a balanced image. Customers come with questions and I give them answers. I help them gain a new perspective and awareness of themselves. A general self-awareness is the best foundation towards how to perform in life, and I hope to help my clients achieve this.”

icon_website www.my-image.lu

GIGJA BIRGISDOTTIR “What I do is teach people more about their proportions and about what suits them. Knowing your colour saves you time, energy and money, and knowing you look good helps you feel good. I help people find their own style, build their confidence and feel comfortable with the choices they make.”

icon_facebook Gia in Style

WENDY CASEY “If done properly, image consulting can be empowering and liberating. You educate your client and build their confidence so they can grow and move forwards. Your job is to set them free, which is challenging sometimes, but it really touches me when clients completely trust my knowledge and expertise. To have someone go from plain to stunning, and for them to feel fantastic, can be incredibly rewarding.” icon_website www.imageandfashion.com

TAILORED SOLUTIONS The ideal representation is all about working with what you have, emphasising and flattering certain assets while masking the imperfections you wish to keep hidden. “It’s about playing with lines and proportions,” specifies Birgisdottir. “We need to accept what we’re given, the skin we’ve been born into, and work with what we have”. This also means being aware of what suits us, without following every fashion whim as it makes its way into the mainstream. Unfortunately, we can’t all get away with culottes, dungarees or maxi dresses. “The rules of reality can be incredibly frustrating, and it’s a shame that we are judged so harshly in our

MYLÈNE VONCKEN Working with an image advisor in an intimate experience

appearances. And yet, we can learn to bend the rules to our advantage,” declares Casey. “Fortunately, your youth is the time given to you to experiment, to make mistakes, and to find out who you are.” Clothing comes with a lot of feelings in tow, and when you consider the fact that our clothes are tied to our likes, dislikes and values, it makes sense that appearance can be a tricky topic to breach. Image consultants are paid for their honesty, but this doesn’t mean it’s always easy. However, a visit to the stylist doesn’t necessarily mean a complete overhaul, but rather making the best out of what you have with a few choice purchases. “You don’t need an excess of clothes either, but good quality basics with

which you can mix and match,” reassures Birgisdottir. The truth is, although we all like to think of ourselves as deep, thoughtful individuals, we are slaves to first impressions. “People judge you within five seconds of meeting you. No matter what you say, the first impression counts,” states Birgisdottir. There are some rules to remember when trying to build a truthful, positive image. “Consistency is key. In terms of personal branding, what you’re trying to do is let people know what they can expect from you, so being consistent with your message is a top priority. Find what fits your lifestyle, and dress accordingly. If your lifestyle changes, well then your wardrobe might have to change too.” May 2017

LIFESTYLE

INTERVIEW

Text by NATALIE GERHARDSTEIN

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

s s e n i s u b l e e The r of Cannes

direc tor Guy Daleiden Film Fund Luxembourg nce in May for the Cannes Film Festival Fra heads to the south of chy’s audiovisual industry. to promote the grand du

or 70 years the Cannes International Film Festival has been a byword for glitz and glamour, a place to spot the famous and wannabe starlets. But for Guy Daleiden, the festival marks an intense ten days of promoting Luxembourg’s audiovisual industry. “Most of the time people are interested in the red carpet and stars in their nice suits and dresses,” says the Film Fund Luxembourg director. “But what’s important for us is the whole market in Cannes, which attracts buyers and sellers from around the world.” This year is also the 15th anniversary of Luxembourg having an official stand in Cannes, and Crown Prince Guillaume and Crown Princess Stéphanie will be in attendance. According to Daleiden, Luxembourg film makers are now co-producing less with traditional partners in places like France, as subsidies in many countries are becoming more geared toward domestic productions. So this year’s focus is developing links with new territories. One meeting Daleiden is looking forward to is with his Georgian counterparts. This exchange already began during the 2017 Luxembourg City Film Festival, when the head of the Georgian National Film Center, Zurab Magalashvili, was in the grand duchy promoting House of Others (Skhvisi Sakhli). “I personally like this. Other territories, especially in eastern Europe, have different stories and different cultural, political and social backgrounds,” Daleiden says, adding that such collaborations “bring a cultural richness, and producers can only benefit from that”. The organisation’s budget for promoting Luxembourg this year is €135,000. As in years past, the Film Fund Luxembourg is also providing a €1,000 stipend to three young industry talents to visit Cannes. This year’s winners are actors Hana Sofia Lopes and Luc Schiltz, and writer and director Jérôme Weber. The five films Guy Daleiden never gets tired of: icon_info www.delano.lu/lifestyle May 2017

FILM

LIFESTYLE

SHOPPING

Text by MARINA LAI

Photography by LALA LA PHOTO

Pop Up Market tempts shoppers

wenty small local businesses got together to sell their products and services at The Pop Up Market Luxembourg’s first event. The three organisers--Aoife Murray, Becky Gollackner and Sarah Homer--created the event to showcase local brands. And with sellers of at least 15 different nationalities, goods ranged from hand-painted African scarves to a Vedic maths session in the afternoon. Sarah says that they aim to host four events a year: “We’re really pleased with the outcome, it’s important to have a variety of different stalls to give shoppers a good range of choices. We may need a bigger venue if we continue to receive applications from store holders.” One shopper, Jane Exall, who had brought her toddler along, noticed how family-friendly the event was. “We’ve managed to keep everyone occupied this Sunday afternoon! My 3-yearold did some ceramic painting, which meant that I could browse the stalls with my aunt and enjoy a glass of crémant.” Liz Exall had visited a handful of other local markets in Luxembourg before, but was particularly impressed by the wellness-related stalls at this event. “What a treat to get your nails done or get an aromatherapy session here on a Sunday afternoon. Even for those who weren’t able to get a treatment today, it’s great to discover meditation classes and pilates classes accessible in the local area.” icon_facebook The Pop Up Market Lux May 2017

SNAPSHOTS

SUNDAY SHOWCASE

A. Jane Exall and Liz Exall B. Isabelle tries her hand at ceramic painting C. Valentina and Nicolas from Excluvino D. Eyi Geers-Faderin from Allthestuffwelove E. Bex Stapleford and Scott Wilson F. Aoife Murray, Sarah Homer and Becky Gollackner, organisers of The Pop Up Market Luxembourg, pictured during their first event at the Centre paroissial de Walferdange on 19 March G. Kathy and Mo H. Natascha Van Der Eecken I. Amelie and Fionnuala J. Pille and Kadri from Kawaiisome K. Yasmeen and Florent L. Ava and Baila M. Alina from Oddhaus Vintage N. Jane Barclay O. Niki from Party Ville P. Arman and Nika Ivoghli Q. Chessy and Yuriy Zubarev R. Cassia, Alessandro and Martina

May 2017

LIFESTYLE

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

BEER

Text by DUNCAN ROBERTS

Photography by MIKE ZENARI

An emerging craft

ourg have added a jur y makers based in Luxemb A handful of new beer to the local brewing industry. Delano gathered . ity rts much needed divers compare them to a couple of Belgian impo to taste local IPA s and

ust two years ago drinking an IPA in Luxembourg often meant bringing a beer back home from a trip abroad. Finding a bar that served specialty beers was difficult--the much mourned after Decibel was the exception rather than the rule--and few supermarkets stocked imported IPAs. But now four local beer makers are producing IPA as the craft beer industry finally seems to have sown roots in the grand duchy. This is old news for anyone familiar with craft breweries in the United States, of course. There the industry has flourished with over 5,300 craft breweries (compared to just 82 breweries in the entire US in 1981). Luxembourg once had 65 breweries, but that figure had fallen to 12 in the 1950s and to just five in 1989. Indeed, by 2006 there were just three left after a series of closures and mergers decimated the industry and beer consumption declined. But now a select few beer lovers have taken things into their own hands. When New Zealand founder of Grand Brewing Mark Hatherly launched his Satellite IPA some 18 months ago it was the first commercially made Luxembourg IPA. His brewery also produces a popular amber ale called Red Bridge and other beers, including a porter, are on the way.

we will look back and laugh about it, saying ‘oh, how could I have put vanilla or ginger in beer’, but now is the time to do it because people are open. We have to respond to the market.” Venezuelan expat Luis Perez and his brother-inlaw José discovered the world of beer when they moved to Europe. They started experimenting with home brewing and one day struck upon the idea that their combined skills--Luis is an economist and José a chemical engineer--could be used to start a brewing business. They spent some seven months looking for a brewery that matched their ambition to create a range of beers, and have now settled on production in Rotterdam. But marketing their beers out of Luxembourg, the pair decided that their company should be called Nowhere Brewing. Their very modern beers have clever names and attractive labels (created by José’s wife, Odette) and include an IPA called Tropical Disease, the award-winning Doña Darkness Porter, an American Pale Ale labelled Corrosion Cure and the experimental sounding Accidental Wheatness. The recipes are created at home in small batches before finding the right mix of hops, yeast and malt. “We are kind of crazy about hops and how to use them,” Luis explains. They use mainly American hops, but the popularity of craft brewing has made many of the best hops scarce.

EXPERIMENTING The popularity of IPA was also picked up by Betty Fontaine, head of the innovative Simon brewery in Wiltz. “We had to add it to our portfolio,” she says. In fact, this year Simon is adding two limited edition beers to celebrate the tenth anniversary since it took over the floundering Okult brewery--a vanilla stout has already been launched, and a red beer with a hint of ginger is due for release in the spring. Betty thinks speciality beers like these will help revive the image of beer and made it more glamorous. “The whole beer market is changing, people are coming back to more local beer and they are trying something new. Maybe in ten years

DISTRIBUTION CHALLENGE Making the beers is not as challenging as getting the brews into the market, however. The vast majority of Luxembourg bars and cafés are still “tied” to one of the two large traditional local breweries. “We want to share the passion we have for good craft beers,” says Luis over a glass of Tropical Disease at the Black Stuff, one of the selected bars that sells Nowhere’s beers. “We don’t brew beers for the masses, we brew beers we like. To be innovative you have to break the rules.” That may mean the family business is gearing up to create a sour beer, which Luis says is the next big trend.

May 2017

Friends Antoine Biasino and Joe Hallach Wolff thought they were breaking new ground in Luxembourg with their IPA (which is why they named it Revolution). But a hold up in gaining authorisation for their small-scale brewery meant they were beaten to the punch. The pair had bonded over a love of craft beer after meeting in Ghent, and decided to set up their brewery in Luxembourg--in the basement of Antoine’s mother’s house in Steinsel. Joe was working in restaurants and bars while studying brewing, and Antoine has since given up his job at a bank to

focus on the Stuff Brauerei. In addition to the IPA, they have also launched a red ale style beer called Grand Ducale, a fusion between a Belgian blond and a “Witbier” they named Knights In White Satin, and a porter named Black Widow. The choice of beer styles was clear from the outset. “The Blanche is what fits in with Luxembourg taste at the moment. The Grand Ducale was our first beer and is delicious, and the dark beer is my favourite,” says Joe. “But the fashion starts in the United States, then moves to the UK and further east. So IPA was a must.”

JURY DUTY France Clarinval, Patrick de Goede, Sandrine Mayer Lehnen, Pierre Adam and Adam Kieffer taste an IPA at the Buvette in Rotondes

May 2017

LIFESTYLE

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

BEER

CONTINUED

LUXEMBOURG BEERS

SIMON IPA BY BRASSERIE SIMON “Herbal hoppiness… the IPA IBUs [ed. note: bitterness scale] are there… very smooth…definitely a European IPA, nice balance… caramel and tropical fruit.” icon_info www.brasseriesimon.lu

JURY NOTES

Delano decided to test the new IPAs and hand-picked a jury consisting of Sandrine Mayer Lehnen from Urban City bar, Pierre Adam from Café Bel Air, Patrick de Goede from beer importer True Brew Trade, France Clarinval from Explorator (a sister publication of Delano) and Adam Kieffer from the Luxem-beer-gers Facebook group. They gathered at the Buvette in the Rotondes in Bonnevoie, where bar manager Fabien Rodrigues served up the four Luxembourg IPAs and two Belgian imports that are readily available in the supermarkets. All beers were tasted from the bottle and served in random order.

May 2017

REVOLUTION IPA BY STUFF BRAUEREI “Aggressive…taste of tobacco…maltiness and sweetness is ok… not too strong.” icon_info www.stuff-brauerei.lu

TROPICAL DISEASE BY NOWHERE BREWING “Quite bitter…well balanced… a little too much carbonation… amber rather than typical light straw colour…easy drinking…quite rich.” icon_info www.nowherebrewing.com

SATELLITE IPA BY GRAND BREWING LUXEMBOURG “Tropical fruit, grapefruit and citrus…a little bit sweet, not too bitter…nice colour…easy to drink, not too powerful… the foam remains…flavour stays for a long time.” icon_info www.grandbrewing.lu

THE IMPORTS LEFFE ROYALE CASCADE IPA BY INBEV BELGIUM “Very low bitterness… pleasant fruitiness…taste of Haribo banana sweets, too sweet for a beer…looks as though it’s been filtered… drinkable…a little bit forgettable… short taste, short smell.” icon_info www.leffe.com

VEDETT EXTRA IPA BY DUVEL MOORTGAT “Reminiscent of a wheat beer, would never guess it’s an IPA…not very carbonated, a bit flat…hint of coriander…quite dry, probably used sugar in the process…quite short in the mouth...quite light on alcohol.” icon_info www.vedett.com

Maison Moderne Lucie von Lucilin Photography

Where are you going to eat today?

Campagne_explo_delano-DEMI.indd 1

16/03/17 17:34

LIFESTYLE

ON STAGE

Text by JESS BAULDRY

14 shows you must see

THE CRANBERRIES Classic take on dream pop Irish band The Cranberries will perform specially orchestrated versions of their greatest hits in this summer tour. Hits like ‘Linger’, ‘Zombie’ and ‘Dreams’ will be transformed into unplugged string versions thanks to the accompaniment of a string quartet. The new versions were devised with the Irish Chamber Orchestra at the University of Limerick. icon_when 7 May icon_where Rockhal, Esch-sur-Alzette icon_info www.rockhal.lu May 2017

ROCK AGAINST CANCER Charity event Belgian covers band Mister Cover will be the headline act at this concert raising awareness about cancer and money for Luxembourg cancer charities. The group will be joined at the Rockhal by local rock band Zero Point Five and DJ Deniz Labong. This event has been organised annually since 2013 by employees of Swiss Life Global Solutions. icon_when 5 May icon_where Rockhal, Esch-sur-Alzette icon_info www.rockagainstcancer.lu

THE VEGETABLE ORCHESTRA Root rhythms Back at the Philharmonie after ten years, due to popular demand: the band whose instruments are carved from fresh pumpkins, cucumbers, peppers and other vegetables. Hailing from Vienna, Austria, this group was founded in 1998 and plays diverse styles with their legumes including free jazz, noise, dub and clicks‘n’cuts. icon_when 5 May icon_where Philharmonie, Luxembourg-Kirchberg icon_info www.philharmonie.lu

QUEEN SYMPHONY Reinterpreting Queen The Philharmonie Ettelbruck plays hits of rock band Queen by performing Queen Symphony, by composer Tolga Kashif. They will play symphonic covers of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘We Are The Champions’ and ‘Who Wants to Live Forever’. There will also be other covers of English heritage music such as Elgar’s ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ and ‘Music’ by John Miles. icon_when 6 May icon_where Däichhal, Ettelbruck icon_info www.cape.lu

PLACEBO Post-punk revival Brian Molko returns to his old stomping ground in Luxembourg as part of a tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the release of platinum-selling debut album Placebo. With a back catalogue of tunes which defined a generation, such as ‘Every You Every Me’, ‘Bitter End’ and ‘Pure Morning’, the playlist promises to be memorable. icon_when 9 May icon_where Rockhal, Esch-sur-Alzette icon_info www.rockhal.lu

THE THIEF OF BAGDAD Live cinema Back in the 1920s, American director Raoul Walsh succeeded in riveting audiences both young and old with his adaptation of tales from the 1001 Nights. The magic of The Thief of Bagdad with its Eastern enchantment and nail-biting tension remains potent today. Over two nights, the OPL brings the score to life, performing during the screening. icon_when 12 & 13 May icon_where Philharmonie, Luxembourg-Kirchberg icon_info www.philharmonie.lu

CATEDRAL Flighty flamenco The FlamencoFestival Esch kicks off with Catedral, a production from Patricia Guerrero. For Guerrero, who won the coveted Prix Desplante in 2007 aged just 17, this will be her third appearance at the festival. Other highlights include cinema-music nights and an introductory session to flamenco dancing (Friday 19 May). Venues vary. icon_when 12 May onwards icon_where Théâtre d’Esch icon_info www.theatre.esch.lu

Mister Cover > Zoefotografie > Philharmonie Ettelbruck >The Cranberries > Placebo > Thief of Bagdad still > Oscar Romero

the past, d line-up of blasts from May brings an unrivalle enjoy music from as well as novel ways tora and ciné-concerts . The Vegetable Orchest

Pexels > Honne > Grand Théâtre > Yung > Opderschmelz > Sun Glitters > Jim Rakete

YOGA & MUSIC The ever-popular yoga and music session returns to the discovery area of the Philharmonie at 8 p.m. Strike your bridge, cat or half-moon poses to the peaceful strummings of the harp played by Sarah Verrue. The atmosphere is completed with stunning vocals by French alto Marie Chilemme. The session includes a structured yoga class led by Lisa Stepf. Come along with your mat and towel. icon_when 16 May icon_where Philharmonie, Luxembourg-Kirchberg icon_info www.philharmonie.lu

HONNE Electronic soul London-based electronic soul duo Honne, comprised of James Hatcher and Andy Clutterbuck, burst onto the music scene in 2014 by sharing their music on SoundCloud. Their sound has been likened to Jack Garratt and Låpsley and they are tipped to be the next big thing. Don’t take our word for it, check them out when they perform songs from new album Warm On A Cold Night. icon_when 20 May icon_where Den Atelier, Luxembourg-Hollerich icon_info www.atelier.lu

LIKE A JAZZ MACHINE Tooting hot in Dudelange Dudelange unleashes its international jazz festival at Opderschmelz with 15 different concerts involving 70 musicians over four days. Founded in 2012, the festival offers a range of contemporary artists, including big stars and living legends like Carla Bley (pictured), Joachim Kühn and Erik Truffaz, alongside emerging and local talents. icon_when 25-28 May icon_where Opderschmelz, Dudelange icon_info www.jazzmachine.lu

SUN GLITTERS Electronica Local artist Sun Glitters, aka Victor Ferreira, put Luxembourg on the electronica map with the release of his first singles in 2011, which attracted the attention of the likes of Pitchfork, BBC and The Fader. This gig will be a chance to hear music from new album It Will Be Forever, upon which the popular single ‘Together’ appears. icon_when 26 May icon_where Rotondes, Luxembourg-Bonnevoie icon_info www.rotondes.lu

GALA DES ÉTOILES Big league ballet Megastar Vladimir Malakhov and other acclaimed stars of the ballet world will perform a programme that spans classical ballet and modern repertoire: excerpts from choreographic performance rarities, as well as neoclassical and contemporary choreography by Georges Balanchine, Mikhail Fokine, Lev Ivanov, Herman Lovenskiold, and more. icon_when 20-21 May icon_where Grand Théâtre, Luxembourg-Limpertsberg icon_info www.theatres.lu

YUNG Danish rock Yung frontman Mikkel Holm writes and performs songs filled with gritty guitar and driving rhythms that snap like a live wire. Through his music, he channels the electric drive of youth with brief flashing portraits of his life in Aarhus. Yung already has two previous releases but their poignantly titled debut album A Youthful Dream is expected to propel them further internationally. icon_when 23 May icon_where De Gudde Wëllen, Luxembourg-Centre icon_info www.deguddewellen.lu

DEEP PURPLE Hard rock Rock‘n’Roll Hall of Fame inductees Deep Purple take to the road with their Mark VIII version of the band to promote 2017 album inFinite in their Long Goodbye Tour. The English rock band is considered a pioneer of heavy metal and modern hard rock. Here’s hoping they play some hits from their back catalogue, like ‘Smoke On The Water’ and ‘Highway Star’ (both from 1972). icon_when 27 May icon_where Den Atelier, Luxembourg-Hollerich icon_info www.atelier.lu May 2017

LIFESTYLE

THEATRE

Text by JESS BAULDRY

Luxembourg’s forgotten prison The Théâtre national du Luxembourg brings to life the unknown story of the first prison for Nazi leaders, located in Mondorf-les-Bains, in the English play Codename Ashcan.

LOST IN THE STARS

Directed by Anne Simon, the play sheds light on this critical episode in history, showing how detainees never believed they would be brought to justice. It also reveals the misconceptions the Allies had of the Nazi regime’s workings and awareness of the gravity of crimes committed. The cast bringing the story to life includes first-class actors from Luxembourg and abroad, among which Steve Karier, Ulrich Kuhlmann, Marco Lorenzini, Georg Marin, Gintare Parulyte and Daron Yates. A cinematographic team accompanied the troupe during the creation process, filming interviews and discussions with the play’s artistic talents that will be integrated into the performance. icon_where Théâtre national du Luxembourg icon_when 20-31 May icon_info www.tnl.lu

Musical theatre fans can rediscover the varied music of Kurt Weill in a show written for Luxembourg audiences and being performed for the first time by Pirates.

May 2017

Lost in the Stars, by Rachel Parker, recounts the story of the German composer Kurt Weill, whose works were seminal on the German cabaret scene. “I was a really big fan of his music… At first I had the idea of a review of songs but then I read a bit about his life story,” Parker told Delano. The script follows Weill from the start of his career with wife and singer Lotte Lenya in Germany right up to his death in the US. Forced to flee the Nazi regime in 1933 because of his Jewish heritage, Weill and Lenya moved to the US in 1935 where they continued their

careers. “He wrote a lot of fantastic music in the American style,” said Parker. The leads are played by Alex Teligadas, apparently a dead-ringer for the composer, and Kiara Barker (both pictured), supported by a cast of 18 and band of five. Familiar songs in the musical include ‘September Song’, ‘Mack the Knife’ and ‘Alabama Song’, which The Doors covered. icon_where Veräinshaus Schifflange, 22 rue de la Forêt, Schifflange icon_when 18-21 May at 8 p.m., 20 -21 at 3 p.m. icon_info www.pirateproductions.lu

TNL LaLa La Photo

t sounds like something straight out of a spy novel. But documentary play Codename Ashcan is based on real events. This performance tells the story of a handful of interrogators and their prisoners at the Central Continental Prisoner of War Enclosure No. 32, code-named Ashcan, in Mondorfles-Bains. From May to August of 1945, this group was in charge of identifying war criminals, among which were Hitler’s second-incommand Hermann Göring. Written by Ouri Wesoly, who worked with film director and producer Willy Perelsztejn, the creation builds on secret documents from the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, books and interviews with former US ambassador John Dolibois, and the five last surviving interrogators.

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LIFESTYLE

KIDS

Text by JESS BAULDRY

Plan ahead ays for the holid 24H ELECTRO FOR KIDS On 6 May, Rocklab will be transformed into a sonic laboratory and sound playground, enabling parents and children to discover the world of electronic music, combining workshops and an interactive sound lab. For kids aged 4+. icon_info www.rockhal.lu CATS AT NATURE MUSEUM Luxembourg’s nature museum reopens with a child-friendly exhibition dedicated to cats, big and small. The exhibition runs from 19 May until 1 January 2018. icon_info www.mnhn.lu

ktioun Bambësch is a firm favourite summer activity in the capital for children aged 5 to 12. They offer a host of activities for young people on weekday afternoons from 17 July to 11 August. For slightly older children (13-17), there is Aktioun Jugend Aktiv, a free, four-week programme of activities. Further details for both on www.capel.lu. If you would like your children to improve their languages over the summer, a number of language camps are offered in Luxembourg. Berlitz (www.berlitz.lu) offers camps for teenagers and younger children in French (Lultzhausen), May 2017

English (Echternach) and German (Schengen). There is also a French horse riding camp in Luxembourg City. Prolingua (www.prolingua.lu), meanwhile, offers a summer academy in English and French. And Languages.lu offers language camps from mid-June to September in Luxembourg, France, Germany and Belgium. If your children speak Luxembourgish, the national youth service runs a number of summer camps for different ages (agenda.snj.lu). Similarly, Young Caritas runs themed summer camps abroad and in Luxembourg from July to August (www.youngcaritas.lu) as does the Red Cross, which caters to 4- to 17-year-olds. The latter offers 19 different holiday camps at a low cost (www.croix-rouge.lu). Finally, for active youngsters, there is the Football Klinik Academy (www.octopus-link.com) and Happy Fitness (www.happyfitness.lu) offering holiday workshops.

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Don’t leave booking those summer activities for the kids to the last minute as registration for most places tends to close early. Delano highlights a few summer activities and camps your children may like.

CRÉARTIF WORKSHOPS On 29 May, the Esch-sur-Alzette youth service will run free creative workshops for young people aged from 12 to 30. The session is hosted at Kulturfabrik from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. icon_info www.facebook.com/ sjeesch

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Stepping in it

riders are considered like pedestrians in Luxembourg. According to the government’s website, Guichet.lu, solowheels should be ridden on the pavement provided the device in question does not travel faster than 25km/h. They may run on roads only if the road is closed to traffic, or located in a residential area or pedestrian zone. The law, however, says nothing about rider etiquette, but that’s no excuse for this solo-rider almost taking you out. Sadly, too many people think they are all alone in the world. I blame smartphones.

thing vice columnist on every This month , Delano’s ad reader questions on clay birds , in Luxembourg answers tforms and solowheels . missing train station pla

AUNTIE ELEANOR

I arrived in Luxembourg in January and have heard about this market which sells pottery birds that whistle. Can you tell me anything about them? --Anka in Dudelange Gentle reader, I am glad you are interested in the customs of this little country. These birds are called “Péckvillercher”, a sort of terracotta bird which makes a sound that can easily pass for the cry of the cuckoo. The designs vary from year to year, and potters let their imagination run (mildly) wild. The traditional Éimaischen market takes place on the place du Marché-auxPoissons in the capital and in the village of Nospelt on Easter Monday. The origin of the Éimaischen dates back to the 19th century--for a long time, Easter Monday coincided with the Potters’ Guild celebrations. Over the years, the Éimaischen has become a big market, not only for potters but also for craftsmen of all kinds. Food and drink is naturally available, as at every Luxembourg event. Dear Auntie Eleanor, why is there no platform 6 at the Gare Centrale? --Dan in Differdange A spokesman for the CFL, the national railway, told one of my May 2017

Delano colleagues some time ago that: “While it is true that there never was a platform 6, there was a track number 6 until 2006.” That was the year that the central train station was renovated, including an overhaul of the platforms and tracks. In fact, track number 6 was a service line that was exclusively used to move train engines from the front of a train (when it arrived) to the back (so it could depart for a new outward journey). But new CFL trains had driver positions on both ends of the train, so the station didn’t need the service track any longer, although they kept the same numbering system. The CFL rep added: “Some say… the

express train to Hogwarts departs from ‘voie 6’ in Luxembourg nowadays.” Dear Auntie Eleanor, I was walking down avenue de la Liberté recently when I was nearly knocked over by a man on a futuristic-looking, one-wheeled device. Are these legal in Luxembourg and are people allowed to ride them on pavements? --Erik in Kopstal Gentle reader, my granddaughter has one of these devices you describe which I believe are called solowheels. I quizzed her about the law and she tells me that solowheel

Dear Auntie Eleanor, I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve stepped in dog poo in my neighbourhood. I’ve even seen it in the playground where my son likes to play. I’ve simply had enough! Is there anything I can do? --Bernadette in Bonnevoie Gentle reader, oh, dear me. That is frustrating indeed. I’ve seen my fair share of it too, unfortunately, even getting my heel stuck in it once in Limpertsberg. Dreadful. Police regulations stipulate that dog owners and keepers must pick up and dispose of their furry friends’ waste--it is forbidden to leave it on pavements, public squares, playgrounds, etc. What’s more, it can be a health hazard, especially, as you note, when left in areas where children play. Although the rules are in place, they work on a policy of respect, I’ve been told-the rules aren’t really enforced. Hopefully, residents can look out for one other and talk to these misbehaving dog walkers when they see the rules being broken. SEND IN YOUR QUESTION Want to know something about Luxembourg? Contact Auntie Eleanor via AuntieEleanor@delano.lu. Please indicate if Delano can publish your name or if you wish to remain anonymous.

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