(L-R) Marc Besch, Council of State; Claude Wiseler, Parliament President; Alex Bodry, Council of State; Alain Kinsch, Council of State; Prime Minister Luc Frieden; Marc Thewes, State Council President; Mars di Bartolomeo, Parliament Vice President; Credit: Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu

On Tuesday 13 January 2026, Luxembourg's Council of State (Conseil d'État) held its New Year reception at its premises in Luxembourg City.

Headed by Marc Thewes since 2024, the Council of State is an independent institution tasked with advising both the Luxembourg government and the Chamber of Deputies (parliament). It is also called upon to act in lieu of a second legislative chamber, as no new law or regulation can enter into force without its opinion, with very few exceptions.

The Council of State is composed of 21 members, at least eleven of whom must hold a higher education degree in law. Members are appointed by the Grand Duke, following proposals from the Luxembourg government, the Chamber of Deputies and the Council of State itself.

Speaking in Luxembourgish and French at the reception, Council President Marc Thewes reviewed the institution's work over the past year and highlighted progress in efficiency. In 2025, the Council of State delivered 416 opinions (avis). Of these, 192 were issued within two months, a further 132 within four months and 32 within six months - meaning that a total of 356 opinions were delivered within the six-month timeframe. He described these figures as encouraging, noting that the majority of dossiers were processed within relatively short timeframes.

Around 10% of cases required more than six months, mainly due to their complexity. Marc Thewes cited examples such as legislation related to data protection, the data economy and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as the challenge of reconciling climate protection objectives with housing needs. In such cases, he stressed the importance of dialogue in order to identify workable solutions.

A total of 206 dossiers remained open, representing a significant increase compared to the previous year. Among these were 54 bills, draft laws or draft regulations awaiting an opinion for more than six months, including 31 pending for over a year. A further 152 dossiers had been under examination for less than six months. President Thewes noted that the increase was not due to reduced output, but rather to a higher overall volume of legislative activity.

Marc Thewes reaffirmed the Council of State's determination to further improve its efficiency. He thanked members for their availability and commitment, noting that many hold demanding professional roles alongside their work at the Council of State, and described it as a privilege to serve as their president.

He wished everyone a healthy and successful year ahead.

The reception continued with informal networking over food and drinks.

Among the approximately 70 attendees were Prime Minister Luc Frieden, Chamber of Deputies President Claude Wiseler, Marshal of the Grand Ducal Court Sasha Bailie, as well as government ministers, MPs and ambassadors.