With 53% of the population holding Luxembourg nationality, the focus is on ensuring that every individual feels at home and can coexist harmoniously in the country.
The law, receiving 57 votes in favour, marks a significant shift in policy, replacing the previous “integration” approach with a more inclusive concept of “intercultural living together.”
MP Simone Asselborn-Bintz of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers Party (LSAP) stressed the importance of this shift, stating that it encourages not only newcomers but the entire society to play a role in improving intercultural coexistence. The collective effort and openness of all individuals living and working in Luxembourg are vital to promoting a welcoming and cohesive community, the MP said.
Minister for Family Affairs Max Hahn explained that the new law prioritises individual needs and interests, irrespective of one’s status, be it “a refugee, a long-term foreign resident, a cross-border worker, or a Luxembourger.”
Equal participation in various programmes, activities, and projects is ensured for everyone, the Minister declared. To achieve this, the law emphasises the accessibility of information to all members of the community.
The new law is based on four pillars aimed at implementing the new concept of intercultural living together:
1. The national action plan for intercultural living together;
2. The citizens’ pact of intercultural living together;
3. The intercultural living together programme;
4. The communal pact for intercultural living together.
The National Action Plan outlines the strategic direction for intercultural living together, encompassing political objectives and measures.
The Citizens’ Pact allows individuals in Luxembourg to commit to these values, granting access to the intercultural living together programme.
The Programme for Intercultural Living Together replaces existing integration contracts, offering a diverse range of learning modules and information about the country.
At the municipal level, the Municipal Pact supports local strategies, providing financial aid and intercultural advisors.
The proposed Higher Council for Intercultural Living Together will oversee implementation, with a focus on municipalities to address local barriers effectively.
In addition, the Ministry of Family Affairs stresses that the fight against racism and discrimination remains integral across all measures.
