963 – Luxembourg is founded
In 963, Siegfried acquires land from the Abbey of Saint-Maximin and builds a castle--marking the first mention of the name Luxembourg in history.
1815 – Transition to grand duchy
In 1815, the Congress of Vienna creates the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, assigning it to the Dutch king. It remains the world’s only grand duchy today.
1839 – Treaty of London
The Treaty of London settled the conflict of the Belgian Revolution by dividing Luxembourg into two: the Grand Duchy and Belgian Luxembourg, now a province of Belgium.
1940 – Nazi invasion of Luxembourg
On 10 May 1940, German soldiers cross the border into Luxembourg. The nation had hitherto been neutral, but after this invasion shifts its policy.
1949 – Luxembourg helps found Nato
By signing the North Atlantic Treaty on 4 April 1949 in Washington, Luxembourg’s foreign minister Joseph Bech brings the country into the group of 12 founding members of Nato.
1957 – Luxembourg helps found the EEC
On 25 March 1957, Luxembourg signs the Treaty of Rome, founding the EEC, later to become the European Union. It remains an EU capital, hosting key bodies like the Court of Justice and EIB.
1985 – Schengen Agreement and opening borders
On 14 June 1985, the Schengen Agreement is signed in Luxembourg, allowing free movement between five EC states. Luxembourg is one of the founding signatories.
1999 – The Euro is introduced in Luxembourg
On 1 January 1999, Luxembourg joins ten EU states in adopting the euro digitally. Euro coins and notes follow in 2002, replacing the Luxembourg franc in daily use.
2003 – The university is founded
On 12 August 2003, the University of Luxembourg is created. It’s the country’s first public university, aimed at strengthening research and higher education.
2020 – Public transport for all
On 1 March 2020, Luxembourg becomes the first country in the world to make all public transport free nationwide.
Notable personalities
- Grand Duke Henri
Grand Duke Henri Photo: Photothèque de la Ville de Luxembourg
Born in 1955, Grand Duke Henri succeeded his father in 2000. As head of state, he embodies Luxembourg’s national identity both at home and abroad. While he formally takes part in the executive and legislative powers, his role remains largely representative and symbolic.
- Luc Frieden
Luc Frieden, premier Ministre Photo: Guy Wolff/Archives
Luc Frieden, born in 1963, has been prime minister since 2023. A lawyer by training, he previously held top government roles and led the BIL and Chamber of Commerce.
- Grand Duchess Charlotte:
Grand Duchess Charlotte Photo: Photothèque de la Ville de Luxembourg
Born in 1896, Grand Duchess Charlotte became a symbol of resistance during WWII, notably through BBC broadcasts. She took the throne in 1919 after her sister’s abdication.
- Josy Barthel
Josy Barthel Photo: Théo Mey
Josy Barthel was a 1950s Luxembourgish athlete who won the 1,500m at the 1954 Helsinki Olympics--Luxembourg’s only Olympic gold. A stadium and high school now bear his name.
- Andy Schleck
Andy Schleck Photo: Guy Wolff/Archives
Born in 1985, Andy Schleck is Luxembourg’s Tour de France winner (2010). A former pro cyclist, he now runs Andy Schleck Cycles, a bike shop in Hesperange.
- Guillaume de Luxembourg
Guillaume de Luxembourg Photo: Nader Ghavami
Born in 1981, Guillaume is the heir to the throne. Announced as successor in June 2024, he is set to become Grand Duke on 3 October 2025.
This article was written for the August/September 2025 issue of Paperjam magazine (Expat Guide), published on 10 July. The content is produced exclusively for the magazine. It is published on the site to contribute to the full Paperjam archive. Click this link to subscribe to the magazine.
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