Asset or liability?Luxembourg residents divided over impact of AI

Jérôme Didelot
adapted for RTL Today
As artificial intelligence becomes part of everyday life, residents of Luxembourg feel both optimism and unease about its impact, ahead of an upcoming episode of RTL Infos' Cosmopoly programme on the topic.

The topic has become unavoidable in conversation, whether at work, with family, or among friends. As enticing as it is daunting, artificial intelligence (AI) is now part of daily life, for better or for worse. Our colleagues at RTL Infos gathered impressions from residents in the capital.

Studies on the impact of AI on society continue to accumulate, often painting an uncertain picture. In its latest economic report, the National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies (STATEC) assessed the theoretical impact of AI in Luxembourg.

The report found that 90% of workers in the country are exposed to AI, while 14% face what it describes as a risk of replacement.

However, the assessment also offered a more optimistic perspective, noting that despite vast uncertainties, Luxembourg has certain strengths, particularly due to its service-oriented economy, which could support the country’s ability to adapt to these changes.

Surprisingly, the report finds that perceptions surrounding AI remain generally positive. It is often viewed more as an opportunity than a threat, particularly among younger and highly qualified individuals.

Notably, those working in the most exposed professions, such as intellectual and scientific roles, management, and administrative positions, are more likely to see AI as an opportunity rather than a risk.

Youth employment under pressure

At a macroeconomic level, AI-related adjustments are already affecting youth employment in countries such as the United States and France, according to a report published by the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE).

In France, during the fourth quarter of 2025, salaried employment among 15–29-year-olds (excluding work-study students) declined year-on-year by 7.4% in IT, 5.8% in publishing, and 3.7% in management consultancy. Over the same period, private-sector salaried employment across the broader non-agricultural market sector fell by 0.7%, the institute reported.

Mixed reactions on the streets

Against this backdrop, reactions among Luxembourg’s residents reveal a mixture of enthusiasm and concern, even though most acknowledge already using AI in some form.

Several people highlighted the potential benefits of AI, particularly in fields such as healthcare, while also remaining concerned about its misuse. Others said they were worried about the pace of development and the lack of awareness surrounding potential risks.

Some interviewees described AI as a double-edged tool that could be used for both positive and harmful purposes. Others raised concerns about its impact on younger generations, suggesting it could reduce critical thinking and learning.

“I think if you use it correctly, it can really help society, but if you use it incorrectly (…) it can actually be detrimental,” one person said. Another added that, for them, “it’s more of a risk,” noting that they have seen some fellow students embrace it while others reject it. “It really is a divide within my generation,” they explained.

In a report published on 19 March, advisory firm Oxford Economics stated that a dystopian scenario of widespread job losses caused by AI was unlikely.

The firm noted that AI remains in its early stages, with its most impactful economic effects still to come.

In the coming years, AI chatbots are expected to evolve beyond answering questions to carrying out tasks autonomously. So-called AI agents could, for example, manage supply chains, assess financial risks, or develop software independently.

Impact on the country

Returning to Luxembourg, STATEC remains cautious in its conclusions, citing rapid technological progress and a profoundly uncertain economic and social impact.

While the country is considered both well-positioned and highly exposed due to its service-based economy, the report highlights both opportunities such as increased productivity and competitiveness and challenges, particularly in transforming technological advances into tangible productivity gains.

RTL Infos will soon broadcast an episode of their programme Cosmopoly dedicated to artificial intelligence and its impact on society.

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