Luxembourg’s Minister for Culture, Eric Thill;
Credit: © SIP / Claude Piscitelli
On Wednesday 27 November 2024, Luxembourg’s Minister for Culture, Eric Thill, unveiled the 2025 draft budget to the Culture Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, allocating €287.7 million for cultural initiatives, a 12.8% increase from 2024.
The "approved sector," encompassing cultural organisations with State agreements, will benefit from a significant funding boost of 21%. This increase will support new initiatives, strengthen existing programmes, and fund additional agreements to address cultural needs.
"The budget for culture reflects the government's commitment to strengthening cultural institutions, supporting cultural actors and promoting the diversity of our cultural scene. The increase in the budget allocation thus represents an essential investment that fully recognises the value of culture for our society and its fundamental role in social cohesion," said Minister Thill.
Heritage preservation prioritised
To promote national heritage, the State announced it will now fully fund preventive archaeological excavations, doubling its previous contribution from 50% to 100%. This move aims to reduce costs for construction projects, particularly during a challenging period for the real estate sector.
Resources for architectural and cultural heritage will also rise by 20%, enabling the National Institute for Architectural Heritage (INPA) to expand its heritage inventory and enhance restoration efforts. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to preserving heritage and improving public accessibility for future generations.
The budget includes increased funding for key cultural infrastructure projects, such as the Philharmonie’s expansion and the redevelopment of the Rotondes. These investments aim to modernise cultural venues and enrich Luxembourg’s cultural offerings.
