Following the recent change in the ownership and upkeep of church buildings throughout the Grand Duchy which is expected to come into force in January 2017, the Luxembourg state has announced special status for the Cathedral in Luxembourg city and the Basilica in Echternach as both buildings are deemed to be of national interest.
Until now the Luxembourg state has paid for the upkeep (conservation and maintenance) of all buildings used by the Roman Catholic Church here; the situation next year will be that local municipalities and parishes themselves will re responsible for financing them. As a direct result, many such church buildings are changing ownership from the state to municipalities and some churches are being closed.
Regarding the Cathedral in Luxembourg city, the Luxembourg State and the Ville de Luxembourg will share such upkeep costs 50-50; the arrangement for the Basilica in Echternach will see the Luxembourg State supporting 50% of the costs, with 25% each by the Ville d'Echternach and the Management of Catholic Religious Heritage.
