According to Minister Wilmes, heavy rainfall and the risk of flooding will become increasingly frequent due to climate change. In response, adaptation measures such as the renaturalisation of rivers and streams and sustainable forest management are “inevitable.” He emphasised that construction must be regulated more strictly to prevent unchecked development.
Minister Wilmes highlighted water management as a significant challenge in climate policy. He noted that while extreme precipitation is becoming more common, ensuring a stable water supply is also crucial. The Minister assured that the new SEBES plant in Eschdorf will secure the drinking water supply in the coming years. Additionally, untapped water sources and a project to treat water from the Moselle River are underway. Wilmes stressed that it is not only about the quantity of water but also about maintaining its quality in rivers, streams, and groundwater.
Minister Wilmes described his first six months in his new role as “very intense” and filled with “major challenges.” He acknowledged that the Ministry’s reputation had suffered in recent years, with many viewing it as a “Ministry of Obstruction.” Wilmes aims to change this perception and transform the authority into a “Ministry of Creation.” He emphasised the need to implement measures to improve air, water, forest, and soil quality, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life.
Over the past decade, the Ministry’s approach was seen as “rather ideological,” resulting in people feeling excluded and complaining about a top-down approach. Instead of being “harassed,” people should be “motivated,” Wilmes said, highlighting his intention to shift the Ministry’s strategy.
Wilmes stressed the importance of recognising the climate emergency and getting everyone on board in the fight against climate change. He noted that the attitude towards implementing measures and achieving goals is crucial. Politicians need to listen to people in the field and set “realistic” goals. “There is not one path, there are many,” Wilmes stated, emphasising the need to be open to new technologies, for instance.
Communication with the public is another key pillar, according to Wilmes. He sees digitalisation as a means to process cases more quickly and simplify procedures.
Minister Wilmes highlighted the CSV’s longstanding concern over lengthy construction procedures, often delayed by environmental protection measures. To address this, the Ministry introduced the “Timed Nature” model, designed to expedite construction. Under this model, nature is allowed to thrive on undeveloped plots until they are needed for building. When construction begins, it can proceed without the need for compensation measures, which Wilmes described as “a fundamental simplification.” In return, municipalities and the state will be required to establish more green zones, enhancing quality of life and increasing biodiversity. An analysis of satellite images indicated significant potential for improvement in green spaces, and the Ministry supports municipalities with subsidies and consultation.
Minister Wilmes identified forests as another one of the greatest challenges in climate policy, acknowledging that Luxembourg’s forests are in poor condition. He noted that 60% of trees are severely damaged and only about 15% are completely healthy. Forests, described by Wilmes as “our greatest treasure,” require multiple approaches for recovery. Since half of the Grand Duchy’s forests are privately owned, the Ministry collaborates with private owners, offering financial incentives for sustainable forest management under the new forest law. Additionally, there is a need to plant more trees, including new species, and protect these young trees from wildlife.
Wilmes emphasised the crucial role of hunters in managing wildlife populations that threaten forest health. With excessive wildlife damaging forests, more animals need to be culled. Responding to hunters’ requests, Wilmes expressed openness to allowing occasional night hunting under conditions such as the use of night vision goggles. A meeting with hunters is scheduled for early autumn to discuss these measures further.
Minister Wilmes stressed the importance of cooperation with farmers in the agricultural sector. He noted that the construction of retention basins, a contentious issue in the past, had already seen pilot projects three years ago. While progress has been slow, Wilmes intends to prioritise these projects now, citing their necessity and benefit. He criticised the Green Party (déi gréng) for not significantly increasing the percentage of local fruit and vegetable cultivation despite their advocacy for local production and consumption, indicating that “not enough has been done up until now.”
Wilmes also touched on energy, despite this area being overseen by Lex Delles of the Democratic Party (DP). He mentioned that the government plans to introduce a strategy to phase out state price caps on electricity and gas, ensuring a gradual transition without sudden impacts on consumers. Wilmes reaffirmed that the CSV has consistently opposed nuclear energy and assured that the current government will advocate against extending the operations of nuclear power plants in Cattenom, Tihange, and Doel.
