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The director of the Centre des technologies de l'information de l'État,

The push for digitalisation within Luxembourg’s public sector has accelerated significantly in recent years, according to Patrick Houtsch, Director of the Centre des technologies de l'information de l'État (CTIE). Speaking on RTL Radio on Friday morning, Houtsch explained that his teams are busier than ever as they work to keep pace with the growing need for digital services across government administrations.

Houtsch described the institution as a key engine behind the digital transformation of Luxembourg’s public sector. He outlined the CTIE’s two major responsibilities, both of which have the digitalisation of the state at their core. The centre provides platforms for ministries and administrations, ranging from purchasing equipment to developing websites and specialised applications.
Another core function is managing interfaces between citizens, businesses, and the state, mainly through platforms such as guichet.lu and its physical counterpart. Houtsch noted that these platforms document and facilitate over 2,000 procedures that can be completed online or in person. The CTIE is also responsible for other crucial areas such as the national persons’ register and the production of identity cards.

Houtsch highlighted the rapid evolution of the CTIE, from its beginnings as a very small administration in 1974 up to the celebration of its fiftieth anniversary, with 650 employees and an annual budget of €192 million. Houtsch emphasised that cost efficiency remains a top priority, which is why the centre strives to centralise and standardise processes wherever possible.
He stressed that the demand for digitalisation has accelerated notably, especially with the advent of artificial intelligence. The CTIE currently manages around 350 projects in parallel and has a backlog of about 90 more yet to be started, putting significant pressure on staff.

Also today

• Police appeal for witnesses after a crash near Wiltz and damage to Kleingettingen railway barrier.
• Drivers travelling on the A1 motorway between the Gasperich interchange and the Hamm exit this weekend will face reduced speed limits and two-way traffic.
• Luxembourgish telecommunications engineer and AI pioneer Marco Barnig has died at the age of 75 in France.
• Poland's president has vetoed a bill that had been brought by their PM looking to legalise civil partnerships.
• Dense wildfire smoke billowing down from Canada set off unhealthy air quality alerts across the United States.
• Four members of staff at Frankfurt airport have contracted malaria, according to reports.

On air

Big ticket give away to James morrison, who plays at the Echterlive Festival 1 on Sunday 26th July and also, tomorrow is the Blues & Jazz Rallye!!

Figure of the day

A landslide in southwest China has killed at least eight people and left 34 missing today

• A landslide in southwest China killed at least eight people and left 34 missing on Friday, local authorities said, with Chinese President Xi Jinping urging comprehensive inspections as rescue efforts were ongoing.
• The landslide happened around 9:10 am local time (0110 GMT) in Chongqing's Pengshui County, with more than 800 rescuers deployed to the site, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

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