Luxembourg’s 4th Europe Direct Centre to Bring EU Closer to Community

On Friday 28 February 2025, the opening of Luxembourg’s fourth Europe Direct centre took place in Luxembourg-Bonnevoie (8 Rue de Bonnevoie).

The opening of the centre in Luxembourg-Bonnevoie is described as completing the geographical coverage of Luxembourg. The other three centres are based in Munshausen, Schengen and on the University of Luxembourg’s Belval Campus.

There are over 400 Europe Direct centres in the EU and they aim to keep citizens informed of EU matters.

Speaking to Chronicle.lu, Rocío Vázquez Lamela, Information and Communication Officer at the Representation of the European Commission in Luxembourg, explained that the centre also hosts the first European Documentation Centre in Luxembourg City. It is a point of contact for all citizens and will provide information and assistance, as well as answering questions and queries on EU issues. The centre will also be involved in raising awareness of EU issues, especially among younger people. It will be staffed by members of Wecitizens asbl, who can also guide citizens in an appropriate direction if required. 

Anne Calteux, Head of Representation at the European Commission to Luxembourg, welcomed the attendees. She described the location, close to the Gare district, as being very suitable and accessible, especially to young people. She spoke of the importance of keeping all citizens, especially younger members, informed and up to date on EU matters. 

Christoph Schroeder, Head of the Luxembourg Office of the European Parliament, thanked all those involved in the creation of the centre and explained that it will complement the work of the EU institution in Luxembourg-Kirchberg. By bringing the EU to the community, it makes the EU accessible to all.

Luxembourg MEP, Tilly Metz, stated that, as she lives in the Gare district, it gave her particular pleasure to be present at the event. She spoke of the rise of disinformation and extremism within Europe and beyond and emphasised the importance of keeping all citizens, especially the younger members of society, informed of European issues, to combat this rise. She spoke of how the EU can be very administrative, but rules are there to protect citizens. She stated that simplification of rules is important and explained that the EU does this by creating one rule in all EU states, which is much simpler than 27 different rules. Rules are there to protect and harmonise the member states.

Maurice Bauer, Chief Alderman of the City of Luxembourg, described the location of the centre, in the heart of a multicultural area, as “perfect”.  He stated that this popular initiative can sow a passion for Europe which will be advantageous to all citizens. He thanked all of those involved, on behalf of the City of Luxembourg.

Caroline Reviriot, Director of Wecitizens, thanked MEP Tilly Metz for all her work on behalf of Luxembourg. She spoke of the various projects that aim to bring Europe to the people, including podcasts and the “MEP for a Day” Simulation Game at the Europa Experience at the European Parliament in Luxembourg-Kirchberg.  A mobile van, present outside the centre for the event, will help promote the EU at festivals and events around the country. All of these initiatives make the EU more accessible to the community, by informing and responding to questions. Ms Reviriot stated that the future of Europe will be influenced by young people’s interest and participation in EU matters.

The Europe Direct centre in Luxembourg-Bonnevoie is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00

Europe Direct centre opening in  Luxembourg-Bonnevoie, credit: Helen O'Mahony, Chronicle.lu

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