On Friday, Defence Minister Yuriko Backes and Chief of Staff General Steve Thull took stock of the situation and thanked service personnel at the Diekirch military centre during the Army’s Christmas Eve service.
Chaplain General of the Public Forces stated during the traditional Christmas Eve service held on Friday afternoon at the Grand-Duc Jean barracks in Diekirch. The event brought together numerous members of the armed forces, guests of honour and representatives of charitable organisations supported by the army, in the presence of Defence Minister Yuriko Backes and General Steve Thull.
General Thull welcomed the increase in personnel in 2025, with a total of 245 women and men recruited into the Luxembourg Army. While a record-breaking figure, General Thull stressed that the numbers are still far from sufficient to meet growing demands.
“We need another record year next year. It’s as simple as that”, General Thull said. “The demands are enormous, and we absolutely need many motivated women and men to cope with the workload. It is therefore essential that we maintain the current rhythm and momentum. One key factor is also the loyalty of those who already serve”.
In her address, Defence Minister Yuriko Backes announced that all soldiers would soon receive a pay rise. Personnel will be granted a minimum increase of €530 gross per month to support recruitment efforts. “We need more women and men who are prepared to contribute to national and collective defence”, the minister said.
General Thull went on to thank service members and highlighted the central role of the Luxembourgish armed forces. “As a pillar of national and international defence, the Luxembourg Army works closely with its allies in joint missions and exercises”, he said. “This Christmas Eve ceremony reflects the strong bond between the army and civil society and honours those who contribute daily to our collective security”. He added that interoperability and cooperation remain at the heart of the army’s rising power. The modernisation of vehicles and weaponry, along with intensified training, underlines the army’s determination to adapt to future challenges.
During the ceremony, General Thull presented the 2025 Military Sportsman of the Year award to Private Luka Mladenovic for his outstanding achievements in table tennis, and to Private Loïc Bettendorf for his successes in cycling. Awards were also presented to winners of inter-company competitions and military championships.
A series of slideshows displayed the wide range of activities carried out in recent months to highlight the sense of group spirit and cohesion within the Luxembourg Army. Musical interludes by the Grand Ducal Military Band added to the solemn and festive atmosphere of the event.
