Luxemburg Audiotour: Macht, Kunst en Innovatie in Kirchberg

Ah, you’ve arrived at the European Public Prosecutor’s Office-or, if you want to make things sound very official, the EPPO! But don’t worry: even though the name sounds like a burly detective with a big hat, there’s no need to look over your shoulder. Unless, of course, you’ve recently pulled a jewel heist against the European Union-but then again, this is probably not the best place to take a stroll! Take a moment to let your eyes scan the modern glass and steel structure here in Kirchberg. It fits right in next to heavyweights like the Court of Justice and the European Court of Auditors. And yet, this building has the energy of a hive-inside, more than 275 legal minds from across Europe are fueled by ambition, coffee, and an unbreakable dedication to justice. So, why does the EU need a public prosecutor? Imagine, in the past, if someone committed a crime against the EU budget, say, fudging expenses or trying to pocket millions in grant money. Each country’s own authorities could only reach so far-right up to their borders, in fact. Fraudsters were bouncing between countries like a bad magician, always escaping at the last moment. It was a game of “catch me if you can,” with investigators sighing as another suspect slipped across the border. Even the famous OLAF, Eurojust, and Europol had to stop short. That all changed on September 28, 2020, when the EPPO officially started its work. Twenty-four out of twenty-seven EU countries-if we were reading names in a classroom, only three would sheepishly say "absent"-joined together, giving this office the power to investigate crimes that cross borders and cost the EU more than 10,000 euros. In bigger cases-think more than 10 million euros per fraud-the cross-border net got even tighter. The EPPO is unique: it’s independent, with its chief prosecutor-Laura Codruța Kövesi from Romania-at the helm since October 2019. She leads a team of prosecutors, tech experts, and investigators, all determined to keep European tax money safe. When she took her seat, Kövesi declared that the EPPO would strengthen trust in the EU-a bit like a superhero pledging to keep the city safe, only with less spandex and more paperwork. One fun twist: the working language here is English! That raised a few eyebrows across the continent, since legal English and legal French, for instance, aren’t exactly twins. But when it came to talking shop and busting corruption, English just worked best. So as you stand here, don’t just see a modern building-imagine a bustling command center, tracking villains across borders to defend the Union’s piggy bank. All in a day’s work for the EPPO! And who knows? Somewhere inside, a new European crime novel might just be writing itself, one investigation at a time. Fascinated by the legal bases, role and structure or the language of work? Let's chat about it

Take a look up at the sleek, mirror-like glass tower rising behind the line of green trees-in the bright sunlight, the Ministry of Housing and Regional Planning almost blends right into the sky! Now, imagine you’re standing at the very heart of Luxembourg’s efforts to make sure everyone, from college students to families and even the occasional chatty digital tour guide, has somewhere to call home. Here at the Ministry, the energy is always buzzing with plans, papers, and passionate debates about where new neighborhoods should sprout and how to keep housing affordable (no matter how many people want to move in after tasting Luxembourg’s famous pastries!). Since November 2023, the ministry has been directed by Claude Meisch, a liberal thinker determined to balance city growth with the charm of Luxembourg’s rolling countryside. Inside, this place is a hive of experts strategizing about everything from creating new homes to coordinating policies for every corner of the country. If you listened closely, you might even hear arguments over how to keep villages cozy while still making space for those dazzling new eco-homes. Since 1972, this ministry has been at the crossroads of change-making sure the whole country grows together, village by village, city by city, from blueprint to reality.

To spot the Museum of Modern Art Grand Duke Jean (Mudam), look ahead for the striking blend of ancient stone fortress towers topped with golden ornaments and bold, modern glass architecture rising dramatically behind them. Welcome to one of Luxembourg’s most extraordinary creations-the Museum of Modern Art Grand Duke Jean, or as locals say, Mudam! Now, take a deep breath and look around: ancient fortress stones, crisp modern glass, tall city buildings-if it feels a bit like someone mashed up a medieval castle and a spaceship, you’re in the right spot. Let’s rewind to 1989. Luxembourg’s then-Prime Minister Jacques Santer wanted something incredible to mark Grand Duke Jean’s 25th year on the throne. The government gave the green light for a new museum, which, naturally, would bear the Grand Duke’s name. But-and there’s always a good twist-the chosen place was the historic Fort Thüngen, a stone relic famously nicknamed “Dräi Eechelen” for its three “acorn” towers. If you squint just right, you might spot them! Building Mudam turned out to be more dramatic than a modern art performance piece. Famed architect Ieoh Ming Pei-yes, the same guy who created the Louvre pyramid-was chosen to dream up the design. For almost seventeen years, the project simmered, dodging controversies and local debates about whether this ancient spot should be rescued for military memories or handed over to art’s wild embrace. Some folks wanted a museum of fortresses; others wanted something for the future. In the end, art had its day, though not without losing a chunk of space to upcoming history exhibits. Finally, the museum opened in 2006 to grand fanfare-royalty everywhere, a queue full of artists, politicians brushing shoulders, and even the architect himself! Imagine the sound of footsteps tapping on brand new floors, a bit like champagne glasses clinking in celebration. From the very start, Mudam wanted to be a true guesthouse for artists-and not just the paint-on-canvas type. Here, even the chairs, the café, shop signs, and the ever-evolving website were designed by artists and designers. You’re not just walking into a museum-you’re stepping into an artwork you can sit on. One remarkable philosophy reigns at Mudam: “Be the Artists’ Guest.” Here, nothing is ever entirely finished; the collections are constantly rotated, and even the archives are treated like creative projects. There’s a little joke in Luxembourg: if you see a designer making coffee behind the counter, don’t worry. That’s just art, too. The first year, over 115,000 people wandered these halls-a record for any museum in this tiny country! Mudam’s collection is a treasure chest where international names like Marina Abramović, Nan Goldin, Cindy Sherman, Grayson Perry, and many others bump elbows. Whether it’s videos, sculptures, photographs, or even fashion-if an artist has tested the boundaries, you might find them here under these glassy peaks and stone shadows. The setting itself tells a story within a story. Step outside and Mudam’s glass panels and fortress stones merge with nature-right in the Dräi Eechelen park, where the old military fort once looked out over Luxembourg, warding off invaders. Today, instead of the rumble of cannons, you’re more likely to hear the shuffle of feet and the low murmur of art lovers discussing the latest installation. And to top it all, if you wander inside the central hall, don’t forget to look up-there’s a majestic chandelier by Nathalie Dewez, hung for the museum’s fifth birthday, glittering like art’s answer to the royal crown. So, take a moment here, let the atmosphere soak in-and if inspiration strikes, don’t worry, that’s Mudam’s most contagious side effect. Ready to delve deeper into the the place, the philosophy of mudam or the the collections? Join me in the chat section for an enriching discussion.

To spot the European Investment Bank, look for a massive, modern glass building with a rounded roof and a parade of bright European flags waving along its front-right across the street from where you stand. Alright, get ready for the next chapter in our Kirchberg adventure! Standing before you is no ordinary office block-this is the European Investment Bank, or as insiders call it, the EIB: the bank that has helped shape not just the skyline of Europe, but its future too. Imagine flashes of sunlight glinting off all those glass windows, and wind rustling through the flags of the European Union states. The story of the European Investment Bank begins back in 1957, when Europe was still picking up the pieces after the Second World War. As countries were signing the Treaty of Rome-founding the modern European Union-someone had a brilliant idea: "Why not create a bank to help us grow together, not apart?" Thus, the EIB was born here in Luxembourg, but it wasn’t content with just a single home; it soon spread its wings with offices from Brussels to Sydney, Nairobi, and even far-off Fort-de-France, like an overachieving cousin at a family reunion. In those early decades, the atmosphere was full of possibility-and maybe a few nervously sipped espressos-as ministers debated how to steer Europe from old rivalries to shared dreams. What better way than to fund projects in the poorest regions, sparking opportunity where there was none? From the outset, the EIB focused on bringing jobs and smart ideas to life, investing in everything from new bridges in Greece to startup workshops in Spain. Now, picture this: a financial powerhouse, but without all the usual stuffiness. The EIB doesn't use taxpayer money from the EU budget. Instead, it raises huge sums by selling bonds, boasting the elusive AAA credit rating-think of it as being the straight-A student of European finance. Investors all over the world snap up EIB bonds, and the bank then hands out long-term loans for infrastructure, small businesses, green energy, and even medical research. Oh, and talk about green-the Bank was the world’s first to issue “climate bonds” in 2007, long before being green was trendy. Today, it’s the planet’s leading climate financier, promising to pour a jaw-dropping one trillion euros into environmental projects by 2030. If you hear anyone mention EIB’s climate commitment, just picture a tidal wave of wind turbines, solar panels, and city trains stretching from Lisbon to Helsinki-powered, quite literally, by loans from this very building. But it’s not all about saving the Earth one loan at a time. During the global financial crisis of 2008, and again in the COVID-19 pandemic, the EIB leapt into action with rescue loans and support to help European businesses survive, and even helped fund the development of life-saving vaccines. You might say, when things get tough, this bank doesn’t hide in the vault-it grabs its financial toolkit and gets to work. You might also be surprised to know the EIB isn’t just for governments. It plays matchmaker, bringing together private companies, tiny tech start-ups, and local banks across 140 countries. Almost 90% of its investments happen within Europe, but it’s also busy fighting poverty, building roads, and wiring up schools from Africa to the Caribbean. At the coronary of all these activities stands a core commitment to fairness, sustainability, and innovation. Inside, teams from all across Europe argue energetically (in at least three languages at once) about big ideas, crunch spreadsheets, and plan how next to change Europe for the better. The EIB only lends to projects that really matter-projects that honestly make lives better and fill in the gaps where regular banks wouldn’t dare to go. So if you hear the gentle thunder of suitcases on wheels and snippets of conversations in every European accent, that’s probably the Bank’s 3,000-strong team plotting their next move. And as you stand here, just think-inside this shimmering glass arc, Europe’s next chapter is already being written, loan by loan, idea by idea, and always, with at least one eye on a greener, fairer tomorrow. Eager to learn more about the eib group, role or the financial products and services? Simply drop your inquiries in the chat section and I'll provide the details you need.

To spot the Jean Monnet 2 building, look ahead for a massive glass and steel construction site with a tall, unfinished tower and several cranes towering over Boulevard Konrad Adenauer. Here you are, standing outside the Jean Monnet 2 building, or JMO2 as its new friends call it! Before you is a gigantic rectangle of future office dreams: a long, low structure stretching almost as far as your eyes can see on the left, and beside it, a mighty tower that looks like it’s auditioning to join the Luxembourg skyline. The faint clang of metal-the city’s unofficial applause for all that construction-reminds you that you’re breathing in history as it unfolds. But JMO2 isn’t just a building, it’s the next chapter in a very European story. The tale starts way back in 1952, when Luxembourg was chosen as the “temporary” home for the European Coal and Steel Community’s High Authority-sort of like the European Commission’s great-grandparent. Fast forward a bit, and the city was picked to share the workload with Brussels for the newly-minted European commissions. You could say Kirchberg was the original co-working space. By the 1970s, Luxembourg’s government had big ambitions for this neighborhood. They pitched Kirchberg as the new hub for European institutions, even setting up the Kirchberg Fund to stir up some real estate magic. The first Jean Monnet building-JMO1-rose from these dreams in 1975. Designed to last just 25 years, it was supposed to fit all of the European Community’s staff when Europe had only 9 member states and “Zoom call” would have sounded like a dance move. They even called in all the office workers from scattered buildings across town, hoping to unite them under one roof. But as the EU grew, so did the number of people needing desks and coffee breaks. By 2004, office space was overflowing, people were working in five different buildings all over the city, and finding your colleague was a little bit like playing hide and seek. Then came trouble-JMO1 was creaky, outdated, and after 2014 it turned out to be full of unwelcome airborne asbestos. Cue dramatic music and the moving vans! Staff had to be relocated, and demolition teams turned the old building back into a pile of recyclable bits and bobs. In fact, they managed to salvage 400 tonnes of aluminium and 150 tonnes of glass from the site-talk about a recycling overachiever. Enter the JMO2 project: a brand new home, with a lease on the land for the symbolic price of one euro. Yes, you heard that right-one euro for a plot of land worth hundreds of millions. You could say the European Commission got the deal of the century. The design competition was drama-filled, too. The government went with the runner-up’s design, thanks to a spat over fees with the jury’s first pick. Eventually, KSP Jurgen Engel Architekten drew up this two-phase masterpiece-a main building and a 24-storey tower, with everything linked together at basement and second-floor levels. Expect bright courtyards, four floors of parking, a restaurant able to whip up 2,400 meals a day, and the gym and health center for when those lunches catch up with you. All in all, this office mega-complex will soon bring 3,600 European Commission workers together under one energy-efficient, solar-panelled roof-goodbye, five offices spread across town! Even getting here is designed to be a breeze: buses already whiz by and there are big cycling plans for the future. By late 2027, even the tram network will swing this way, so popping by the “Wehrer” tram stop to visit won’t require a marathon. Next time you gaze at those cranes and scaffolding, remember you’re seeing the slow-motion birth of a new headquarters for European cooperation-a little messy, a lot ambitious, but with a future as bright as that glass facade is going to be. And if you listen for the *tada* of the opening in a couple years… well, that’s a sound worth waiting for! If you're keen on discovering more about the background, design or the location, head down to the chat section and engage with me.

You’ve made it to Luxinnovation - the heart of Luxembourg’s imagination and invention! Take a good look at this building in front of you. It might look calm from the outside, but inside, I promise you, it’s buzzing with more ideas than a coffee shop during exam season. Luxinnovation is Luxembourg’s national innovation agency, but let me tell you, it’s so much more than just a fancy title. It all began way back in 1984, when big thinkers from both the private and public sectors teamed up, like superheroes forming their own Justice League for innovation. Ministries such as the Economy, Research and Higher Education, Foreign and European Affairs, and organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and Fedil all joined forces to help Luxembourg become a place where good ideas don’t just sit and gather dust-they get to fly! Imagine you have a brilliant idea for a talking robot pet fish (hey, don’t laugh-stranger things have happened). Whether you’re a giant company or a lone inventor working out of your garage, Luxinnovation’s doors swing open for you. They’re here to inspire, assess, connect, and fund-like wise wizards, guiding you through the magical maze of innovation. They give advice, connect you with partners, show you where the funding treasure is buried, and even offer action plans like the "Fit 4" programs-Fit 4 Digital, Fit 4 Innovation, Fit 4 Sustainability, and even Fit 4 AI. So, if your project needs a little boost, you know where to knock. Luxinnovation is also behind the Startup Luxembourg platform, which links everyone in the start-up world. With a few clicks, you can meet your future business partner, mentor, or investor. It's like speed dating, but for big dreams! And if artificial intelligence is your thing (or maybe it’s your fear), welcome to the Luxembourg AI Factory, launched in April 2025. This is the one-stop shop for AI innovation, connecting minds from LuxProvide, the University of Luxembourg, and more, all ready to help transform your wildest data dreams into reality. Let’s not forget about Trade & Invest-Luxinnovation also helps newcomers discover if Luxembourg could be their next European home. They offer support to international companies ready to plant their flag in this dynamic, buzzing hub. So, as you stand here, imagine the digital sparks, the whispered conversations about the next big thing, and the hum of excitement. Luxembourg’s future is being shaped right here-and who knows, maybe your big idea is next.

Right in front of you stands a building that could be called the “engine room” of Luxembourg’s buzzing economy-the Chamber of Commerce, or as locals might say with a flourish, “Handelskummer.” Imagine standing outside in the crisp Kirchberg air, seeing the modern glass and steel facade, but deep beneath that shiny exterior runs a powerful current of history and enterprise-a bit like finding a vintage Rolls Royce engine under the hood of a brand-new sports car. This institution, believe it or not, actually predates most of modern Luxembourg! It was officially founded on October 1st, 1841-just two years after Luxembourg became an independent Grand Duchy. You see, while the rest of Europe was busy with revolutions and mustaches so elaborate they’d make Salvador Dalí jealous, a clever King Grand-Duke named William II decided that the newborn country needed an official voice for its “makers and movers.” He signed an order gathering together 21 of the savviest minds-businesspeople, bankers, industrialists. If Netflix had existed, this would have been Luxembourg’s first-ever “power roundtable.” In those early days, imagine the scene: no glass towers, just earnest businessmen in thick wool coats, trading ideas over strong coffee, plotting Luxembourg’s leap from a sleepy backwater to an economic powerhouse. Decisions made here would ripple out, shaping industry, commerce, banking, and even the way your future hotel breakfast is served-yes, the Chamber represents everyone from the big banks to the corner café! Fast forward to today, and this Chamber of Commerce is no dusty relic. It’s the proud spokesperson for about 100,000 companies-those businesses account for around 75% of Luxembourg’s salaried jobs and a staggering 80% of its GDP. If Luxembourg’s economy were a rock band, this is the legendary manager that keeps the show on the road. The Chamber might look serious, but its structure is more democratic than you’d expect from such an old institution. Its grand assembly-now 25 strong, each with a stand-in backup-gets refreshed every five years through elections divided into six groups, so every corner of the economy has a voice. From retail and industry, to financial dynamos, to restaurateurs and café owners, everyone gets a seat at the table. The general assembly makes the big decisions, while a director general runs day-to-day operations-though their appointment still goes through the government. Checks and balances all the way! But what does this mega-mixer of enterprise actually do? Well, imagine it as Luxembourg’s most helpful-and perhaps nosiest-neighbor. Any time new laws are proposed that could affect business, the Chamber steps in with advice. Lawmakers are required to ask for its opinion before passing rules that reach industry, commerce, banks, or even your favorite brasserie. Sometimes, the Chamber acts like the know-it-all student in class-offering unsolicited advice whenever it sees fit! Another mission? Powering up the next generation of business dreamers. The Chamber is a huge supporter of entrepreneurship, especially among the country’s young go-getters. It runs programs that help people start companies, expand abroad, navigate digital challenges, or even just find investors for their next big idea. If business in Luxembourg were football, the Chamber would be both the coach and the fan club. It doesn’t stop there. The Chamber goes international, helping local firms export their products and connect with business partners across the world. Whether it’s your first exported box of chocolates or your hundredth office in Asia, their team is there with advice and introductions. Education is also a priority. The Chamber works hard to ensure the country’s workforce keeps ahead of the curve, funding training initiatives and supporting education reforms. They’re the study-buddy that never lets you fall behind. For the nerds among us-and you know who you are!-the Chamber also produces a flood of economic information and conducts surveys on everything from market trends to international business confidence. Their reports help shape political debates and guide policymakers, keeping Luxembourg perched atop Europe’s economic charts. So as you stand here, you’re in front of the heartbeat of Luxembourg’s lively, outward-looking economy-a place that has witnessed the grand sweep of change for nearly two centuries. And remember, the next time you sip a Luxembourgish coffee or see a local startup making global waves, the Chamber of Commerce probably helped make it happen. That’s what you call serious business-no suit required!

Here we are, standing before the Ministry of Justice of Luxembourg-the heart of law and order in the Grand Duchy. Take a good look at the Centre administratif Pierre-Werner at 13 rue Érasme; not exactly your average courtroom drama set, right? Yet, inside these walls, some of the most important legal decisions are brewed up like strong Luxembourgish coffee. The Ministry oversees civil, penal, and commercial matters, runs the country’s entire judicial organization, and yes, even keeps an eye on the penitentiary system. It’s a serious job, but let’s be honest-someone has to decide who gets the comfiest cell, right? Imagine the layers of history here, with ministers coming and going since way back in 1853. Right now, the helm is steered by Elisabeth Margue, who took charge in November 2023-juggling court cases, business law, and maybe the world’s trickiest “lost file” hunts. But this building isn’t just full of paperwork and verdicts; it’s a living hub where Luxembourg’s laws are kept alive, debated, and enforced. As you look up at these modern offices, picture decades of earnest discussion, passionate argument, and the occasional frantic search for an important document. If justice wears a blindfold, let’s hope it’s not to avoid seeing the mess on someone’s desk!