As at every 1 January, the change of year brings its train of changes in the regulations in Luxembourg or elsewhere. So what should we keep in mind for the 2020 vintage?
Triggering the Purchasing Power Index
First of all, the most noteworthy and best news of the year is the triggering of the purchasing power index. Last triggered in July 2018, it will be activated again on 1 January 2020. The annual inflation rate of the national consumer price index (NCPI) reached 1.7% in December 2019. As a result, all wages, salaries and pensions are automatically increased by 2.5%!
Teleworking and cross-border workers
The situation of French cross-border commuters should also improve as they can now benefit from 29 days of telework per year since July 2019. This will help to alleviate recurring problems linked to transport difficulties.
Shared Healthcare Record
From 1 January 2020, all health care beneficiaries in Luxembourg will have a shared healthcare file (Dossier de Soin Partagé).
Made accessible by the e-Health Agency, it will enable better care and monitoring of treatment from the various health care providers. All the patient’s essential health information is now centralized in an electronic file, under the control of each patient. As the owner of the patient’s file, it is the beneficiary who gives access to the health personnel. When it is created, the file is empty and is progressively completed.
Smoke detectors in residential buildings
From 1 January 2020, homes must be progressively equipped with a smoke detector. In 2018, 150,000 smoke detectors were distributed free of charge by the municipalities. Already in place in neighbouring countries, this measure will reduce the risk of domestic fires and fire-related accidents by at least 50%.
Progressively implemented, this law now requires all new homes to be equipped with an autonomous detector installed on each floor, and near the front door and bedrooms. Gradually, all dwellings will have to be equipped within the next 3 years.
Transportation
Committed to a policy of sustainable development, the Grand Duchy wishes to reduce CO2 emissions by 1 million tonnes in 2020. As a result, several measures have already been taken.
Free public transport
Announced at the creation of the current government, free public transport for all will be introduced on 1 March 2020, except first class.
Increase in taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel
Taxes on diesel should increase by 3 to 5 cents and gasoline by 1 to 3 cents per litre.
Electric vehicle premiums
As a further step, it should be noted that the incentives paid for the purchase of an electric vehicle with CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km are extended in 2020. The vehicle must be first registered before December 31, 2020.
