Speaking at a telephone press conference on Wednesday, COO Elmar Heggen confirmed that the restructuring would focus solely on the group’s corporate functions. He said that the Broadcasting Center Europe radio, television and online activities would not be affected.

“We’ve been successfully reducing complexity in the last month. We’ve started to shift part of the portfolio to other countries. After the reduction of that complexity, there’s less work that needs to be performed going forward. We’ve decided to adjust the staffing accordingly,” he said.

The RTL Group board is responsible for reviewing which jobs will be impacted. CEO Thomas Rabe explained that the restructuring was part of the company’s strategy to invest in new activities. He said: “We set very clearly our priorities going forward with video-on-demand, advertising technology, higher reach and monetization, this requires mass investment given the competition we’re facing.

“To be able to fund investments, while maintaining an appropriate level of profitability, a review of costs […] on all levels of the company is required. I think it’s good to start at the top so with corporate.”

According to a press statement published earlier in the day, the group said that it was examining whether some corporate positions could be transferred to its offices in Cologne, Germany.

Media minister Xavier Bettel (DP) responded to the announcement on Wednesday with a statement calling on the group’s managers to find solutions with staff representatives.

Some 10 years ago, RTL Group previously signed an agreement with the Luxembourg government affirming its commitment to remain in Luxembourg in exchange for use of land.

Bettel said he was confident the group would continue to develop its activities in Luxembourg. He said: “RTL Group's attachment to Luxembourg, including as a headquarters, is not in question.”

Audio from the 28 August phone conference.