Claude Meisch, Minister of Education, Children and Youth, Minister of Housing and Spatial Planning
Minister Meisch, please introduce yourself to our members.
Originally from the town of Differdange in south-west Luxembourg, my career has been one of dedication and service. With a background in financial mathematics, my journey in public service has been driven by my commitment to promoting a prosperous and inclusive society. I first started at local level, to later on serve as mayor of Differdange for 12 years, modernising and developing the town.
In the field of education, my main focus is on improving the quality and accessibility of our education system. We are determined to develop the potential of every child, promote lifelong learning and integrate digital tools in education to prepare our young people for the challenges of the future. I am particularly committed to adapting the school system to the diversity of the school population. As Minister of Education, I have introduced the European public school system to Luxembourg and further developed it so that it is accessible to every pupil free of charge.
In housing and spatial planning, my priorities include addressing the urgent need for affordable housing and to create coherent, sustainable, well-planned communities that meet the needs of all residents. The development of housing and the arrival of new residents create new needs in terms of facilities and infrastructure. There are significant challenges to be considered. We are implementing several measures to boost the housing market and increase the availability of affordable homes. Our goal is to create more affordable housing, while fostering a balanced urban development.
Please tell our readers the terms and conditions for your agreement with AmCham which will allow AmCham a 75% subsidy to develop affordable housing projects for young professionals working in international business companies.
The dedicated housing for employees’ program is a significant step towards addressing the housing challenges faced by workers in Luxembourg. It aims to provide affordable rental housing specifically for employees of certain employers, ensuring that high rent prices do not become a barrier to attracting and retaining skilled workers.
Employers becoming social housing promoters can develop these affordable rental units, which are reserved for their employees. The rent for these units is determined based on the tenants’ income, making it more affordable for workers. Employers have the option to build these units themselves or collaborate with social housing promoters who manage the properties and ensure they meet legal requirements.
This measure is supported by state financial participation, known as “Aides à la pierre,” which helps cover the costs of construction and maintenance. This financial support is available to non-profit organizations, including AmCham, foundations, entities of the social sector, and municipalities. Companies interested in building employee housing must establish a separate non-profit entity or collaborate with existing non-profits like AmCham.
There is a clear framework set for the development and management of these units, ensuring they remain affordable and accessible to the intended beneficiaries. The eligibility analysis of the projects submitted are based on the provisions of the amended law of August 7, 2023, on affordable housing. This analysis also follows the criteria detailed in the “Specifications for the Development of Affordable Housing” (Cahier des charges pour le développement de logements abordables) available on the housing portal, logement.lu.
Are there any other non-profits who have initiated similar affordable housing requests or is AmCham the first to do this?
The Ministry of Housing and Spatial planning is open to submissions from various non-profits and is actively seeking to establish dialogue with companies and large employers in Luxembourg. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to boost affordable housing in the country. It integrates the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mechanism and includes state acquisitions of properties under the VEFA (sale in future state of completion) scheme.
Please identify any advice you would offer to AmCham and its members as they begin their efforts trying to solve the housing needs of the business community.
As AmCham and its members embark on the journey to address the housing needs of the business community, there are several key pieces of advice to consider. Offering affordable housing solutions to employees is not just a social responsibility but a strategic opportunity for companies to retain talent. When employees have access to affordable housing, they are more likely to stay with their employers, reducing turnover and associated costs.
Moreover, a workforce that lives closer to their place of employment is generally more productive, engaged, and resilient. By addressing housing affordability, companies can unlock the full potential of their talent pool, ensuring that Luxembourg remains competitive on a global level. This initiative creates a virtuous circle where everyone benefits employees gain access to affordable housing, companies retain their workforce, and society becomes stronger and more united.
Such projects align perfectly with the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) approach of businesses, enhancing their reputation and favourably impacting future non-financial reporting. It is essential to spread the word and recognize that solving the housing needs is a community effort. Collaboration and communication among businesses, government, and non-profits are crucial to the success of this initiative.
For further information and resources, AmCham members and interested parties can refer to logement.lu, where detailed guidelines are available.
How has Luxembourg’s education system evolved to meet the needs of its growing international population?
Luxembourg has embraced its multicultural identity by ensuring that the education system reflects the diversity of its population. Internationally renowned programmes such as the International Baccalaureate, the European Baccalaureate and A-levels have been integrated into the public school system to meet the growing demand for English language education. These programmes provide students with a solid, internationally recognised education, enabling them to acquire the skills they need to thrive in a globalised world.
How does Luxembourg support students from different linguistic backgrounds in its public schools?
Luxembourg’s public school system is designed to accommodate the linguistic diversity of its students, who come from a wide range of language communities, including Luxembourgish, French, German, Portuguese and English. To meet these needs, the education system offers a variety of programmes that allow students to learn in a language closest to their mother tongue, while helping them to integrate into today’s multilingual society. For example, the European public schools provide teaching in English and other languages, and the public primary schools have launched a pilot literacy programme in French.
To ensure that both parents and students receive the best possible guidance, School Integration and Welcoming Service (SIA) through serves as a central hub (“guichet”) to welcome families, assist them in navigating the educational system, and provide tailored support and orientation. This resource ensures that every family, regardless of background, can access the information and assistance they need to make informed decisions about their child’s education.
What role do the European public schools play in promoting equality in the Luxembourg education system?
The European public schools play an essential role in guaranteeing equal educational opportunities for all children, whatever their cultural or linguistic background. The schools offer a range of language options, including English, and are specially designed to meet the needs of local and international families. By integrating students from diverse backgrounds, European public schools create a multicultural learning environment where children can grow and succeed together. Since 2016, six such schools have been established in Luxembourg, with three more due to open by 2028: in Esch-sur-Alzette, Dudelange and the Luxembourg City region.