Photo credit: British Embassy Luxembourg
H.E. Joanne Olivier, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Ambassador Joanne Olivier, please introduce yourself to our AmCham and expat audience so they know who you are, where you come from, and your professional background.
I have been His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg since 23 April 2025 when I formally presented my credentials to His Royal Highness the Hereditary Grand Duke.
As a career diplomat, I have served in a range of roles at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) since 2009, including working on areas that really interest me such as Ukraine, Europe and Security. I was previously posted in Paris and Pretoria.
Before joining the FCDO, I had a career as a lawyer. I practiced as a Barrister in London for seven years and then worked as an attorney in Botswana for a further four years, working on international construction contracts. I made the move to diplomacy to combine my legal expertise with my strong interest in international work and British foreign policy.
Please share your pre-arrival impression of Luxembourg before becoming an Ambassador.
Before arriving, I thought of Luxembourg primarily as a major financial centre. Having worked as a lawyer in London, my vision of Luxembourg was very much shaped by its strong reputation in global finance and links with the City of London. Many years ago, I had also read The Expats by Chris Pavone, which gave me an intriguing fictional view!
During my time in Paris, I met people who had lived in Luxembourg and told me that it was a wonderful place to live, blending UNESCO-protected heritage sites with Kirchberg’s skyline of high-rise buildings and banks and offering a great quality of life.
I was aware of the fantastic travel links with the UK and am extremely pleased that Luxair are expanding them to Scotland next year.
How has your pre-arrival impression changed over the short time you have been here?
I already knew Luxembourg was internationally minded, from its membership of the EU and NATO as well as its internationally focused financial centre. I now have a much deeper appreciation for its role in shaping Europe and hosting European and NATO institutions at the heart of Europe. I am also impressed by the strength of its public services, from free public transport to excellent healthcare and education. I’m struck by the country’s multilingualism and multiculturalism, which go far beyond simply learning other languages they’re lived, native-level skills that shape everyday life.
I love the blend of old and new. Luxembourg has managed to preserve its millennia of history while building sustainably for the future. I’m constantly amazed at how close nature always feels. You can enjoy all the advantages of a capital city, fantastic museums, great concert venues for all tastes, yet be only minutes away from the forest. The Mullerthal region, with its cliffs and flowing streams, is particularly lovely.
How do the policy objectives of the UK and Luxembourg align?
The UK and Luxembourg are like-minded on many foreign policy issues. We share a strong commitment to defence and security; as founding members of NATO, our partnership in this area remains central.
Both countries also believe in innovation and modern technology as drivers of growth. Financial services are major engines for both our economies with the City of London and Luxembourg’s financial sector being complementary in many ways and closely linked.
Above all, both nations are outward-looking and internationally engaged, with a shared desire to contribute constructively to global challenges.
In what ways do the policy objectives of the UK and Luxembourg not align?
Our bilateral relationship is exceptionally strong. It is based on trust, respect, and shared values. So while, naturally, there may be areas where we are not completely aligned, we are able to discuss and exchange views constructively.
Whilst the UK is no longer a member of the European Union, our role as key allies and trading partners remains.
What are your hobbies or favorite activities to pursue during your leisure time?
I love walking my dog in Luxembourg’s beautiful forests and spending time with my family and especially my two daughters. Being surrounded by nature is something we truly value here.
What values guide your decision-making?
Empathy and kindness are at the heart of how I try to lead and make decisions. Honesty, respect and integrity are not just UK Civil Service values, but values that I hold personally as well.
What advice would you give to U.S. Designate Ambassador Stacey Feinberg when she arrives in Luxembourg next month?
I am looking forward to meeting Ambassador Feinberg when she arrives. I hope she will, like me, find Luxembourg a wonderful place to live and work.
Please share with our audience any other observations or advice you would like to voice
It’s a privilege to represent the United Kingdom in a country that plays such an active and constructive role in Europe and beyond. Luxembourg’s outlook and influence are global making it an important partner for the UK. It is a pleasure to be part of strengthening our bilateral relationship further.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect an official policy or position of AmCham.lu. Any content provided by our interviewees are of their opinion, and are presented in their own words.