Luxembourg

In Luxembourgeois, qui êtes-vous? Jul Christophory explains that Luxembourg’s prosperity stemmed from its mindset. On the matter of the European Union, Jean-Claude Juncker stresses that the economy must be complemented by the social dimension. Also, that the European Union would be viable only if Central European countries are integrated and given the same consideration as their Western counterparts, for as he puts it: “East to West: Europe must breathe with both lungs. Otherwise our continent will struggle for air”. For Jean-Claude Juncker, the capital markets union is indispensable for financial stability and the development of European businesses that currently depend nearly entirely on bank credits. On the subject of immigration, he reminds Europeans that, in every family, at least one member was once a refugee. On the subject of posted workers, Jean-Claude Juncker considers that they should enjoy the same rights as other workers within the European Union. He comes out in favour of a tax on financial transactions. To combat tax evasion, Luxembourg would abandon its bank secrecy laws in the case of European citizens having opened bank accounts in the country. Jean-Claude Juncker makes the point that small countries need an intelligent niche policy. Romain Kirt explains that Luxembourg’s wealth stems from its openness to the outside world and diversity within its frontiers. Stéphane Bern writes that Luxembourg has managed to preserve a strong cultural identity. Claude Wey and Fernand Entringer decry the widespread housing crisis, whereas Michel-Édouard Ruben depicts Luxembourg as “a homeowner’s democracy”, as 80% of Luxembourgers own their main residence.