As cross-border workers face mounting challenges, Luxembourg MPs on Wednesday debated the country's responsibilities within the Greater Region and its impact on neighbouring communities.

On Wednesday, members of Luxembourg's Chamber of Deputies engaged in a debate, initiated by Franz Fayot, an MP from the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP), on the future of the Greater Region.

Fayot emphasised Luxembourg's responsibility toward its neighbouring countries in the Greater Region and questioned whether the Grand Duchy should increase its financial support. Several MPs highlighted concerns about a declining interest in working in Luxembourg due to challenges such as limited teleworking options, transportation issues, housing shortages, and overtime regulations.

Citing findings from the Cahier de la Grande Région, a report released last week by the Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER), Fayot argued that Luxembourg is "exporting its housing problem" to border regions, leading to additional social pressures. He noted that 40% of homes in these areas are owned by Luxembourg nationals – a figure that has doubled in 15 years. This dynamic, Fayot warned, is pushing low-income residents further into peripheral regions, lengthening their commutes and diminishing their interest in working in Luxembourg.

Responding to the criticisms, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Xavier Bettel, who is attending the Greater Region Summit in Mainz this week, rejected the claim that Luxembourg exploits its neighbours. He described the relationship as a "win-win" situation and dismissed calls for financial handouts to enhance Luxembourg's appeal.

Instead, Bettel outlined his focus on making life easier for cross-border workers to ensure that working in Luxembourg remains worthwhile. A motion from the LSAP proposing the assessment of a cross-border fund was rejected by the Chamber.

Other votes

In other parliamentary business, MPs unanimously approved a bill recognising the statutes of IDEA International, an intergovernmental organisation promoting democracy.

They also endorsed an agreement with Belgium for the exchange of information in the event of a nuclear incident or accident. Additionally, a NATO agreement from 1994 on the status of third countries was approved, with 58 votes in favour and two abstentions.

Finally, MPs revisited a law implementing an EU regulation on due diligence for importing certain rare metals, voting again to correct an error in the original text.