2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Luxembourg. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Luxembourg Country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Luxembourg at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Crime Threats

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Luxembourg as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Luxembourg is a safe, modern country with infrastructure, services, and amenities similar to those found in the . The general crime rate is below the U.S. national average. Most crimes are petty street crimes, crimes of opportunity, and burglaries. Pickpocketing occurs with some regularity, often at popular tourist sites and near the train station, where victims are likely to be carrying cash for shopping and are usually distracted. Individuals who have traveled on trains to Luxembourg have also reported bags, laptops or other valuables stolen when left adjacent to seats or unattended. Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind.

The Government of Luxembourg releases crime statistics in March/April each year for the preceding calendar year. Below are the reported statistics for 2018; statistics for 2019 will be released in March/April 2020.

Comparisons between 2018 crime statistics and the 2017 figures indicate a 1.5% increase in recorded offenses with the police. The increase in general crime is a change from the downward trend since a 2014 peak. Property crime, which includes all types of robberies, thefts, thefts linked to vehicles, and burglaries of inhabited and uninhabited houses, is the main category of offenses that represents 61.5% of the total reported crime in 2018. This is a 2.7% increase from the previous year. Police attribute the increase in residential break-ins to criminal groups. Although there were 567 more crimes reported than the previous year, the crime rate per 100,000 inhabitants has been decreasing since 2014 and it is at the lowest level in five years. There were 6,194 offenses per 100,000 inhabitants in 2018 compared to 6,217 offenses in 2017. Burglaries occurred most often during the winter months or over school holidays, when residents are likely to be on vacation. In the majority of these cases, burglaries targeted unoccupied homes; home invasions or burglaries of occupied residences are infrequent.

1 Violent crime is rare but does exist. In 2018, four murders and ten cases of attempted murder occurred in Luxembourg. Offenses against persons, which includes violence against persons, threats, breaches of morals, racial discrimination, and other offenses against persons constituted 19.9% of all reported offenses. This was a slight decrease of 2.1% or 159 offenses from 2017. The number of complaints involving rape (122) and indecent assault (76) declined slightly from 2017 (126 complaints involving rape and 84 for indecent assault). There were no reports of U.S. citizens subjected to aggravated robberies (robberies involving a weapon).

Cybersecurity Issues

While service providers are modern and efficient, they are susceptible to hacking and unauthorized intrusions. In 2018, hackers attacked Luxembourg’s Parliament database, rendering internal administrative documents accessible to hackers for 24 hours. Spear phishing attacks are common; however, they are generally easy to recognize and can be avoided by simply deleting the email. Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, and Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices.

Other Areas of Concern

The U.S. government does not restrict any areas in Luxembourg for its personnel. The neighborhood surrounding the main train station, referred to locally as the “Quartier Gare,” does have a slightly higher crime rate than the rest of the city. While the train station itself is safe, traveling the side streets that intersect the area, particularly at night, can expose individuals to a greater risk of becoming a victim of crime. Many adult entertainment clubs are located in this area, and open prostitution and narcotics trafficking occurs on a small scale. While police maintain a continuous presence and work diligently to enforce the law, when contrasted with the level of safety found in the rest of the city, the Quartier Gare is an area of concern. Avoid traveling alone on small side streets after dark, particularly in the Quartier Gare neighborhood.

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Main roads and highways are well illuminated and well maintained, comparable to those found in the U.S., and present no inherent dangers for motorists. Many towns and villages connect via smaller, older, and more challenging roads, which are often winding and not illuminated. Use caution driving outside of major thoroughfares. Cell phone use while driving is illegal without a hands-free system. Seat belt use is compulsory. Pedestrians have priority when crossing the road. Drivers must keep reflective clothing in the vehicle to wear in case of emergency or breakdown.

Drivers must carry a blank accident report in their vehicle, available through all local insurance companies. This report is necessary for any accident not involving injury. Typically, police do not respond to these types of accidents; it is the driver’s responsibility to exchange information and file the report with the insurance companies. In the event of injury, notify police immediately by calling 112 or 113.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a concern. Police report that a majority of accidents involve an impaired driver. Similar to , , and , the legal blood alcohol limit in Luxembourg is .05%. Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal, and drivers face substantial fines if caught. In 2018, authorities checked 19,346 drivers at 185 checkpoints, withdrawing 1,743 driver licenses mainly due to alcohol (81%) and speeding (10%).

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Conditions

Luxembourg has an excellent record regarding public transportation. Virtually every part of the country is accessible by bus or train; both are safe and reliable. Within the city, it is not uncommon to see young children riding public buses unaccompanied by adults, as Luxembourgers have a high level of confidence in their public transportation.

Taxi service in the metropolitan areas is safe and appropriately regulated by the government.

In 2017, a new tram began service in Luxembourg, linking Luxexpo to Pont Rouge in the Kirchberg district along Avenue J.F. Kennedy. In 2018, three new tramway stations began servicing the Limpertsberg district, extending the tram across the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge. The third and fourth stages will be complete in 2021, extending the tramline to the , the Luxembourg train station, and the neighborhood of Cloche d’Or. As of March 2020, Luxembourg will offer public transportation free of charge to all users. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Although small, the Luxembourg airport (LUX) is well equipped to handle the volume of passenger (4.4 million) and cargo (893,000 tons) traffic as reported in 2019. Airport security procedures are similar to those found throughout Western , and meet all U.S. aviation standards. A cadre of trained aviation security professionals screens passengers and cargo using modern equipment. Uniformed police officers and private contract security personnel maintain airport security.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Luxembourg as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The High Commission for National Protection (Haut-commissariat à la protection nationale, HCNP) falls under the responsibility of the Prime Minister and Minister of State, with the main mission of ensuring the safety of Luxembourg’s population. It is responsible for assigning alert levels to Luxembourg. The current VIGILNAT alert level for Luxembourg is 2 out of 4, indicating a “Medium” threat level. Alert Level 2 applies when the terrorist threat subject to analysis is judged to be possible and likely; consists of strengthening vigilance against a real threat that is as yet undefined; and triggers the implementation of temporary measures of vigilance, prevention, and protection of variable intensity that do not excessively limit the country's economic and social life.

While there are no known indigenous terrorist organizations operating in Luxembourg, the country shares regional concerns with its neighbors: France, Belgium, and Germany. All three of these countries experienced terrorist attacks and major terrorism-related arrests in recent years, with several arrests occurring only miles from the Luxembourg border. A few citizens have traveled to Syria and Iraq in support of ISIS. Most notably, the Syrian Democratic Forces detained a Portuguese national formerly resident in Luxembourg in 2019 in northern Syria for taking part in ISIS-led military operations. In 2018, authorities arrested 26-year old Luxembourger for suspicion of distributing ISIS propaganda material. He stands accused of incitement to terrorism by spreading terrorist messages and recruiting attempts. While support for ISIS and other violent ideological groups remains extremely isolated, especially when contrasted with its neighbors, it does exist. There are no known international or transnational terrorist threats against U.S. interests in Luxembourg.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

Vocal anti-U.S./anti-Western sentiment is minimal in Luxembourg, and has yet to manifest itself in for the form of significant protests or demonstrations. Third-country nationals have protested near the U.S. Embassy on a variety of topics over the last few years, but all have been peaceful and non-confrontational. Most recently, in 2017, a group of Kurdish individuals organized in front of the Embassy, holding banners about the war in Kurdish areas.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Luxembourg as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Protests tend to be small, well organized, and non-violent; local authorities generally sanctioned them in advance. Civil unrest, to include labor strikes, is extremely rare. The government is highly permissive in allowing freedom of assembly; groups wishing to hold protests or rallies need only apply for a permit to do so. These gatherings are virtually free of violence, proceed according to pre-arranged plans, and are generally without incident. Most activities involve raising awareness on a variety of social and global issues.

The Gilet Jaune (yellow vest) movement that has occurred in France, Belgium, and other European countries has not made its way to Luxembourg. There was an attempt, however, to capitalize on the Gilet Jaune movement in January 2019 in the Kirchberg district. Targeting “fraud and tax evasion,” the movement received very little support, only attracting four individuals to participate. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Post-specific Concerns

Critical Infrastructure

The Cattenom nuclear power plant is located approximately 45 minutes from the capital, across the border in France. While there has never been a hazardous incident at the plant, should one occur, it would likely affect Luxembourg.

Privacy Concerns

Both as a matter of government policy and cultural belief, Luxembourg is extremely protective of individual rights to privacy. Numerous laws protect these rights, which are inviolable and are among the strongest in the . Some laws that would expand police authority are under consideration in response to regional terrorism concerns; however, any changes would require extensive public and governmental debate prior to institution.

Personal Identity Concerns

There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Luxembourg. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

Public buildings, sports and cultural centers, theaters, and museums have good accessibility for disabled persons. Information is available in French and German from the National Center for disabled persons. This group is affiliated with Luxembourg’s Ministry for the Family and Integration. Buses operated by are all accessible to persons with physical disabilities. Train stations also assist travelers with disabilities. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Drug-related Crimes

Next to burglaries, the fight against drugs constitutes the second major priority of the . Few of these crimes involved violence, the majority relating solely to the sale and possession of illegal narcotics. Cannabis remains by far the most widely used illicit drug in Luxembourg, followed by cocaine and heroin. Cocaine is mainly sold and trafficked by nationals from East Africa, while it is mainly nationals from North African countries who distribute cannabis and heroin. The number of drug arrests rose to 227 in 2018 from 183 in 2017. Most drug-related activity occurs near the main train station, where street level transactions are common. Local police in this area focus primarily on stopping traffickers and decreasing consumers.

Police Response

Contact police directly at 113. The general emergency number is 112, which includes fire and ambulance services. Most often, English-speaking operators are available. The Grand Ducal Police employs a well- trained and well-equipped modern police force, placing a great emphasis on customer service. Police are highly professional and reliable. Many speak English. Arrested or detained U.S. nationals should request immediate notification to the U.S. Embassy. For U.S. citizen services, refer to the Embassy’s Emergency Assistance page. Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Police/Security Agencies

The Grand Ducal Police is the primary law enforcement agency in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and falls under the authority of the Ministry of Interior. It is organized very similarly to local law enforcement in the U.S., with local police responsible for the day-to-day enforcement of criminal law, traffic regulations, incident response, and crime prevention. It is also responsible for internal security as well as airport and border security. Specialized units are responsible for investigations and crisis response.

Medical Emergencies

Medical care is comparable to that found in the U.S. Professionally-trained health care providers work in modern and well-equipped facilities. There are four general hospitals in Luxembourg City; emergency rooms operate on a 24-hour rotational basis. Reach the on-call emergency room or ambulance service by dialing 112. Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website.

If traveling with prescription medication, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription, or be prepared to show that it is required for your personal use. As there are very limited flights coming to Luxembourg from outside the Schengen area, follow the guidelines for medications allowed into the Schengen area. Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.

The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Departments webpage on insurance overseas.

Review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, I’m Drinking What in My Water?, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad. The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Luxembourg.

OSAC Country Council Information

There is no active Country Council in Luxembourg. Contact OSAC’s Europe team for more information.

U.S. Embassy Contact Information

22 Blvd. Emmanuel Servais, L-2535 Luxembourg Regular business hours: 0830 – 1730, Monday – Friday Main switchboard: (+352) 46 01 23 00; Duty Officer: (+352) 621 547 133; Post One: (+352) 46 01 23 23 Website: https://lu.usembassy.gov/

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

 OSAC Risk Matrix  OSAC Travelers Toolkit  State Department Traveler’s Checklist  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)