The Chamber of Deputies passed revisions to Luxembourg’s 2020 climate legislation on Wednesday, with support from the governing coalition, the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP), the Pirate Party, and the Green Party (Déi Gréng). Only the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR) and the Left Party (Déi Lénk) opposed the measure, which aligns national law with updated EU climate frameworks.
Key changes expand emissions trading systems to construction and road transport sectors while extending the existing system for maritime transport. The legislation also incorporates provisions for a European Social Climate Fund and reforms to Luxembourg’s “climate bonus” subsidy programme.
Left Party MP David Wagner rejected the legislation, criticising emissions trading as an ineffective climate strategy.
While voting in favour, Green Party MP Joëlle Welfring voiced disappointment over reduced subsidies for bicycles and e-bikes. “Active mobility supports both climate goals and public health,” Welfring argued. Given the high number of bicycles sold, she continued, these aids – alongside those for cargo bikes – should have been maintained.
Environment Minister Serge Wilmes disagreed, arguing that the subsidy has “served its purpose” after facilitating the purchase of 80,000 bicycles for residents.
The minister also dismissed criticism from Pirate Party MP Marc Goergen that changes to electric car subsidies had led to a drop in sales. Wilmes pointed out that under the previous system (granting €8,000 subsidies), 534 applications for cars were submitted, while under the new system, over 700 applications have been filed so far (120 for used cars, 487 for the €6,000 subsidy, and 146 for the €3,000 subsidy).
