The CSV in the Chamber: The most important things at a glance

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What was discussed in Parliament, and what does it mean in concrete terms for people? We briefly and clearly summarize the most important statements by our CSV MPs and the ministers’ replies regarding the individual draft laws and debates.

More child benefit, more purchasing power for families

Child benefit will be increased by 45 euros per month per child; for children aged 12 and over, it will even be 60 euros more. The back-to-school allowance will also rise by 60 euros for children up to 11 years old and by 90 euros from age 12 onwards. Altogether, that adds up to an additional 11,700 euros in support per child up to their 18th birthday. CSV MP Paul Galles emphasized in Parliament that this reform sustainably strengthens families’ purchasing power. In the future, all these family benefits will be automatically indexed, and targeted support to combat child poverty will be expanded. This biggest child-benefit increase in 25 years is a clear sign that families are at the heart of policy-making, said Paul Galles.

Overcoming blockages, building faster

To create more housing in Luxembourg, procedures also need to become simpler and faster. CSV MP Marc Lies presented, as rapporteur, a draft law that reforms the so-called “Remembrement urbain”, i.e. the reallocation of building land. In the future, it should be possible for the Minister to intervene when individual owners block the development of an entire residential district. In doing so, the rights of all owners are to be respected and fair treatment guaranteed. Marc Lies also underscored the important role of municipalities, which can play an active part in mobilising building land and creating affordable housing.

Teleworking in the civil service becomes more flexible

Teleworking in the public service is set to become more flexible and more up to date. In the future, civil servant trainees will also be able, under certain conditions, to work from home. In addition, teleworking will no longer be tied exclusively to one’s own home, but will also be possible in coworking spaces. For the CSV, this is an important step towards better reconciling professional and private life. At the same time, MP Georges Mischo stressed that the proper functioning of the administrations and the quality of the public service must continue to be guaranteed. The Minister for the Public Service, Serge Wilmes, underscored that the new law creates a clear legal framework and greater legal certainty, while at the same time providing the necessary flexibility to adapt teleworking to the needs of employees and the administrations.

Biodiversity – Nature needs our protection

Biodiversity in Luxembourg is not in good shape. During a topical question time, CSV MP Paul Galles drew attention to the worrying state of our forests, waterways, and animal and plant species. For him, one thing is clear: despite the other challenges, such as the housing, energy, or climate crisis, the biodiversity crisis must not be pushed into the background. After all, nature is the foundation of our lives. Paul Galles therefore expressly supported the government’s ambitious nature-conservation measures. What would be crucial is that sufficient resources are available, that concrete measures are implemented at the local level as well, and that progress is reviewed consistently. Environment Minister Serge Wilmes stressed that nature conservation and climate protection must go hand in hand. He announced concrete measures, including a new national forest programme in November and an amendment to the hunting law before the end of the year, to make our forests more resilient.

Guardianships and curatorships – creating clear rules

Anyone who represents the interests of people who depend on a guardianship or curatorship takes on a great responsibility. CSV MP Charel Weiler, acting as rapporteur, presented a draft bill that establishes clear rules for compensating these mandate holders. This will bring greater transparency and legal certainty, both for those who take on this important task and for the persons concerned. For Charel Weiler, this law is an important building block in a broader reform of the protection of adult persons. The individual and their dignity must always remain at the centre. Justice Minister Elisabeth Margue announced that the more comprehensive reform of guardianships and curatorships is to be presented next year, with a particular focus on greater autonomy and better protection for the persons concerned.

Medical genetics officially recognized

Genetic analyses are playing an increasingly important role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. CSV MP Jeff Boonen, as rapporteur, presented a draft bill that officially recognizes medical genetics as a discipline within laboratory medicine. This closes a legal loophole, so that qualified specialists in this field can also take responsibility for a laboratory. At the same time, the requirements for the training and qualifications of those in charge are set out more clearly in the law. With this law, the legal framework is being adapted to medical developments, without making any compromises on quality standards. Health Minister Martine Deprez emphasized that the new law is particularly important for the Laboratoire national de santé (LNS), as it creates the necessary legal basis for its activities in medical genetics. At the same time, she explained that the LNS is working on a new strategy, which is to be discussed at the beginning of 2027.

More prevention, more health

A healthy society starts with prevention. In a parliamentary question on the report of the National Health Observatory, CSV MP Françoise Kemp stressed how important it is to prevent diseases before they arise at all. There is still a need for action, especially with regard to tobacco, alcohol, diet and physical activity. The government has already implemented a lot, including stricter rules for nicotine products and promoting sport in municipalities. The state’s responsibility and personal responsibility go hand in hand, according to Françoise Kemp. The aim is to give people the right information and opportunities so they can make healthy choices themselves—and stay healthy for as long as possible. Health Minister Martine Deprez announced that a new national prevention strategy is to be presented at the beginning of 2027. It is intended to better link existing programmes, set clear priorities and ensure that prevention reaches people in their everyday lives.

Immigration: simpler procedures, clear rules

Less bureaucracy, more planning certainty and clear rules for immigration. CSV MP Stéphanie Weydert, as rapporteur, presented a draft bill that makes access to the Luxembourg labour market easier for people from third countries. Residence permits are to be valid for longer, changing employers will be simplified, and those affected will have greater security even in the event of losing their job. At the same time, the rules under which family members of people with international protection can join them in Luxembourg are being adjusted. The so-called “Golden Visa” for investors will be abolished. For Stéphanie Weydert, the aim is to combine the needs of our economy with a fair and clearly regulated immigration policy. Interior Minister Léon Gloden stressed that the new law, with simpler procedures and more rights for employees from third countries, helps companies find the qualified staff they need and, at the same time, in family reunification pursues a policy guided by both heart and reason.

Digital sovereignty: being able to decide for yourself

In recent years, Luxembourg has invested heavily in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. In a parliamentary question, CSV MP Françoise Kemp stressed that the aim now is to ensure these investments benefit businesses even more. Small and medium-sized enterprises in particular should benefit from better cooperation with research on new technologies. At the same time, she pointed to the importance of being aware of technological dependencies and having realistic alternatives. For Françoise Kemp, digital sovereignty does not mean producing everything yourself, but being able to make free, self-determined decisions in the future as well.

Israel and Palestine: Responsibility under International Law

What international responsibility does Luxembourg bear in the conflict between Israel and Palestine? In an orientation debate, CSV parliamentary group leader Laurent Zeimet stressed that international law must apply to all parties to the conflict. Israel’s right to security and the Palestinian right to self-determination must not be played off against each other. Luxembourg takes its international responsibility seriously, among other things through the recognition of Palestine, humanitarian aid, and engagement at the European and international level. Respect for international law, the protection of the civilian population, and the search for a peaceful solution must be at the center.

LU-Alert: Fast and clear warnings 

The major vegetation fires in the Hautes Fagnes in Belgium also caused uncertainty in Luxembourg in August. In a topical debate, CSV MP Stéphanie Weydert raised the question of why the population here in the country was warned by SMS only much later than in Germany. Especially in the border regions, smoke and the smell of fire were clearly noticeable. This raises the question of how the warnings via LU-Alert were triggered and how cooperation with the neighbouring countries worked. Municipalities should also be informed early and reliably in such situations. A warning system is only effective if the right information reaches people in time, Stéphanie Weydert emphasises.

Future of the Rouspert Hydroelectric Power Plant 

Since the 2021 flooding, the hydroelectric power plant in Rouspert has largely been out of operation. In the past, electricity for around 5,300 households was produced here. CSV MP and Mayor of Rouspert-Mompach, Stéphanie Weydert, asked the government during Question Time how the planned rebuilding is progressing and when work can be expected to begin. She also stressed that hydropower, as a reliable energy source, must remain an important part of the mix of renewable energies. A political decision is to be made in February 2027, according to the responsible minister.

Digital, but also personal

Digitalisation is a great opportunity, but not everyone can cope with digital tools. That’s why the state must continue to provide in-person assistance with administrative procedures. CSV MP Jeff Boonen stressed during question time how important physical points of contact are, especially for people in rural areas. He asked how the planned mobile service counter is supposed to work and whether new, permanent regional offices would remain an option. The responsible minister explained that before the end of the year, a service-counter bus is to travel through the country’s four regions, and that no additional permanent regional offices are currently planned.