The agglomeration, comprising Diekirch, Ettelbruck, and Erpeldange-sur-Sûre, recognised as a “development and attraction centre of national importance” in the master plan for regional development, is seeking additional financial backing. Unlike Esch-sur-Alzette, which has the same status, the three northern municipalities do not currently receive comparable financial support from the state. While the demand for increased funding is not new, the Ettelbruck municipal council renewed the push on Monday.
In a unanimous decision, the 13 members of the municipal council, i.e., the majority coalition of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP) and the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) as well as the opposition comprising the Democratic Party (DP) and the Green Party (déi gréng), approved the demand.
The endorsed document calls for Diekirch, Ettelbruck, and Erpeldange-sur-Sûre to receive - just like Esch-sur-Alzette – an additional 25% for the adjusted population starting from 2024. This supplementary allocation is sought in addition to the funds these municipalities already receive from the General Allocation Fund.
Explaining the significance of the proposal, Ettelbruck Mayor Bob Steichen highlighted: “In principle, the General Allocation Fund is the largest source of government revenue for the municipalities. This is distributed based on population, constituting 82% of the distribution. Applying a 25% increase to this 82%, for example in Ettelbruck, would translate to an additional allocation of around €7.1 million per year.”
This would be “a lot of money” for Ettelbruck, particularly considering that a potential loan of €24 million has been earmarked in the budget forecast for 2024.
It is worth noting that the envisioned Nordstad merger, outlined in the master plan for regional development, is not a prerequisite for the three municipalities — Diekirch, Ettelbruck, and Erpeldange-sur-Sûre — to benefit from the status of a “development and attraction centre of national importance.”
While the ultimate goal remains the merger involving Bettendorf, Diekirch, Ettelbruck, Erpeldange-sur-Sûre, and Schieren, Ettelbruck Mayor Bob Steichen emphasises that the existing regional responsibilities should not be understated. Ettelbruck, Diekirch, and Erpeldange-sur-Sûre are already shouldering regional tasks, including the presence of secondary schools, two clinics in Ettelbruck, and various administrative functions in the Ettelbruck-Diekirch region.
Addressing the associated costs, Mayor Steichen cited examples such as the CAPE (Ettelbruck Centre for the Arts) and the conservatory, which collectively incur around €4 million annually for the municipality. Despite these costs, Steichen underscored the pride associated with national presence and cultural contributions.
The demand for additional funding will face votes in Diekirch on Thursday and Erpeldange-sur-Sûre on Friday, after the unanimous decision in Ettelbruck on Monday. Following these votes, Minister for Home Affairs Léon Gloden will play a pivotal role in determining the next steps.
The mayors from the three northern municipalities have already requested a meeting with Minister Gloden at the beginning of the next year.
