AMCHAM Looks Forward to Busy 2026 at New Year Reception

On Wednesday 28 January 2026, the American Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg (AMCHAM) held its New Year Reception at the Spuerkeess headquarters in Luxembourg-Gare.

Around 220 members attended the annual networking event in the iconic building.

Simone van Schouwenburg, Head of Expat Services at Spuerkeess, welcomed everyone - Americans, Luxembourgers and members of the international community. She explained that the bank's role is to support entrepreneurs and businesses, and enables meaningful connections.

AMCHAM Chairman, Paul Schonenberg, welcomed everyone to the 6th AMCHAM New Year Reception hosted by Spuerkeess. He encouraged everyone to "do some serious networking" after the formal part of the evening. He talked up tradition, referencing senior government ministers addressing the New Year Reception, and confirmed that this year he had instead invited the head of the legislative branch of government, Luxembourg's Parliament, who has a long history of public service.

Claude Wiseler, President of the Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies, spoke in English and recalled his first trip to America, upon being invited by the US Embassy shortly after being elected to parliament. At Boston College he was asked to deliver a lecture on Luxembourg's success; he explained that Luxembourg was a small country developing quickly, needing to expand its workforce; in the mid 19th century, the country lost a third if its population to emigration.

Luxembourg needed to be attractive and skilled, and an open country with societal cohesion and multicultural. Luxembourg needed to be open to investment and businesses, as well as to people, and still is, he stressed. He praised trade agreement, and the multilingual make-up of the country's population and education.

He touched on foreign powers invading Luxembourg in the past, but stressed Luxembourg's independence as well as the international rule of law. He also recalled that Luxembourg has been heavily involved in the setting up of multilateral and European institutions, mentioning too that the Grand Duchy has had no less than three Presidents of the European Commission.

He talked about the financial and satellite / space sector, and a stable economy and stable political system, with coalition governments for over one hundred years. Being small, Luxembourg can be fast and effective, with decision-makers accessible. He doubted if Luxembourg is still fast enough. He added that stability brings trust.

Quoting the Luxembourg motto, he said "we want to stay what we are". He mentioned war in Europe, with Russia attacking Ukraine, and threats from within. He said that world is changing, but the principles mean that we stay open and adaptable, with stability and unity.

Looking forward to 2026, he talked about reducing regulation to lower administrative burdens, including simplifying personal taxation and raising defence spending, including creating a Belgium-Luxembourg battalion in 2028 and focussing in satellite technology. He also referenced health care, enhancing accessibility. He concluded by stating that, by remaining open, there is no challenge we cannot meet.

Introduced by Paul Schonenberg as strong, even fearless, Stacey Feinberg, US Ambassador to Luxembourg, said she is very proud of representing the United States in Luxembourg, recalling that she is now in Luxembourg three months.

She talked about the enduring close collaboration, with strong historical ties based on business. She said that Luxembourg is the 3rd largest of foreign direct investment by America, and is the 2nd largest manager of investment finds after America.

She wished that there was a direct flight linking Luxembourg and America, saying that she will try to make this happen.

She said that Luxembourg is well trusted and aligns closely with America for collaboration. She said that America wants to listen and learn, and explore new ways of working together, driving prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic. She referenced finance and space and talked up Luxembourg's openness and central location. She concluded by stating "let's make 2026 a record-breaking year".

Paul Schonenberg concluded the formal part of the evening by revealing that 2026 is a milestone for AMCHAM, when it celebrates its 30th anniversary. He confirmed that they are working towards the 5th edition of "Doing Business in Luxembourg", to be ready by Thanksgiving (November). He also mentioned the Amcham Members Benefits Club (MBC) whose card is now accepted digitally in more and more establishments in the retail and hospitality sector, with an app to be developed. A short video was shown, highlighting the benefits of the MBC.

The event continued with a walking dinner.

ED