Factual exchange between Mouvement Ecologique and Minister for Mobility Yuriko Backes

Key mobility policy issues were discussed in a recent meeting with the Minister for Mobility. The focus was particularly on the National Mobility Plan 2035 and questions regarding its concrete implementation.

Implementation of the PNM2035 national mobility plan

The first item on the agenda was the PNM2035, which was drawn up by the previous Minister for Transport, F. Bausch. The Minister emphasised her intention to continue the work of her predecessor, François Bausch. The priorities are clear: expansion of the tram network in and around Luxembourg City and the express tram to Esch-Alzette, continued high investment in the railways, further development of a coherent cycle path network, and so on.

The Mouvement Ecologique emphasised that the PNM2035 would set clear targets for the “modal split” to be achieved – i.e. the proportion of journeys made by different modes of transport such as car, bicycle, public transport and walking. The question arises as to whether these targets will be achieved by 2035 . The expansion of soft mobility and public transport must ultimately lead to a reduction in car traffic rather than further growth.

The minister stated that work was underway on the continuation of PNM2035 – a PNM2040 – and that surveys were currently being conducted to obtain and publish updated figures on the modal split.

There was agreement on the importance of municipal and regional planning for mobility volumes. Redensification of existing buildings would make it possible to ensure a better and more rationally organised public transport service, in contrast to further urban sprawl on the outskirts of towns.

Integration of mobility aspects into the “national building regulations” – the role of national planning

As part of the government’s “Méi a méi seier bauen” strategy, a national building code is to be drawn up. This code will set out uniform requirements for the whole country in various areas.

The Mouvement Ecologique pointed out that, in addition to harmonising municipal building and design regulations , it is also important to address measures that influence traffic volumes in towns and villages, such as parking space management. In the opinion of the Mouvement Ecologique, the national building regulations should include clear proposals from the Ministry of Transport , e.g. regarding parking space management and the design of “mobilité douce” (soft mobility). According to the Minister of Transport, the Ministry of Mobility is in talks with the Ministry of the Interior on this matter.

Expansion of tram lines

As far as the tram is concerned, work is underway on its expansion, mainly towards the south, but also towards Strassen, according to the minister. At the time of the meeting, it was planned to submit the draft law on the expansion towards Strassen to the Government Council in the near future.

In response to a question from Mouvement Ecologique, the Minister pointed out that the route in “Porte Neuve / Bd Royal” is not currently a priority; this was also confirmed by analyses carried out by Luxtram, among others.

A request from Mouvement Ecologique to present the plans for the fast tram towards the south – – at an event organised by Mouvement Ecologique was responded to positively by the Minister for Transport. However, the plans would first have to be presented to the Chamber of Deputies, which would normally be in January.

Design of the N7

As part of the redesign of the N7 between Walferdingen and Mersch, the issue of the compatibility of cycle paths and greening (in the absence of space on long sections) was addressed.

On a positive note, the Ministry of the Environment is currently working on a technical guide for planting roadside trees, with the involvement of the Mouvement Ecologique.

Establishment of “corridors à haut niveau de service pour bus” in the south of the country

The establishment of fast lanes for buses in the south has been under discussion for years. What is the current status? ” ” This was the question posed by Mouvement Ecologique to the minister. Representatives of the Ministry of Transport pointed out that these would be “corridors”. This means that buses would not always be able to travel in their own lane, but would also be given priority at intersections by means of traffic lights.

Work on this is progressing; constructive discussions are currently being held with the municipalities concerned (including Petingen, Differdange and Esch-Alzette).

Promotion of soft mobility

The Minister emphasised how important the expansion of the cycle path network was to her. Mouvement Ecologique welcomed this and also suggested updating the “Code de la rue” as an in e tool for the safe and considerate shared use of roads and pavements.

Expansion of the airport

Mouvement Ecologique addressed the Minister’s statement regarding the construction of an alternative to the current airport. In times of climate catastrophe, this would be an incomprehensible statement. The minister emphasised that, in her view, this was not up for debate during this legislative period. However, she said it was her job to draw up a development strategy for the current airport, which did not exist and was highly problematic. An airport is of great importance to our country, including in terms of the economy and employment policy.

For the Movuement Ecologique, the minister’s concern is partly understandable, but certain flight activities must be questioned in view of their impact on the climate. For example, as other countries have done, there is the option of cancelling flight connections between cities that are well connected by rail, imposing higher taxes on private jet flights, and so on. In addition, to take an old example, we should start to consider whether it makes sense to fly tulips from Ecuador to Luxembourg and then transport them by truck on the motorway to Amsterdam. The minister repeatedly referred to the economic importance of the airport. There was considerable disagreement as to the extent to which such economic interests – which, in the opinion of the Mouvement Ecologique, are also short-sighted – take precedence over ecological concerns.

Overall, it was a factual, constructive and informative exchange on key mobility policy projects.

Mouvement Ecologique
4. Dezember 2025