In Luxembourg: These megaprojects cost several million euros

The Luxembourg government has again invested massively in the country’s infrastructure in 2024. As indicated in a parliamentary response from the Minister of Mobility and Public Works, Yuriko Backes (DP), many major projects are being planned in the areas of mobility and public buildings, which should improve the quality of life of citizens, but also entail high costs.

According to available data, spending on public construction projects has steadily increased in recent years. While in 2018 just under 94 million euros were spent on smaller orders, this amount increased to almost 135 million euros in 2023. From January to the end of November 2024, 137 million euros were liquidated for smaller construction projects (less than 79,000 euros) and 486 million euros for larger projects (more than 79,000 euros).

This development is explained in particular by the adaptation of public procurement law by a Grand-Ducal regulation of May 2024. The threshold for awarding contracts according to a simplified procedure has been raised from 60,000 to 79,000 euros, which should accelerate the completion of smaller projects and reduce bureaucratic obstacles.

Among the current and future projects, some particularly stand out. The construction of the new Bonnevoie Technical High School, the cost of which is estimated at approximately 303.3 million euros, is a prestigious project. The construction of the new Lycée Michel-Lucius in Kirchberg, whose budget amounts to nearly 213.4 million euros, is just as ambitious.

Another highlight: the expansion of the Jean Monnet 2 European building in Luxembourg-Kirchberg. With an additional budget of 351 million euros, this project tops the list of the most expensive of the year. Since the start of work in 2016, a total amount of 877.3 million euros has already been approved. Considerable sums are also spent on transport infrastructure. The extension of the tram network, for an investment of 90 million euros, and the construction of a new tram depot in the Cloche d’Or district, for an amount of 153.6 million euros, should improve mobility in the capital.

A total of 45 major projects were debated in the relevant parliamentary committees in 2024. In addition to the educational establishments and transport projects already mentioned, these include measures to secure and modernize the Lac de la Haute-Sûre, for an amount of 98 million euros. The renovation of the old National Library is also planned, for a budget of 55.6 million euros.

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