Cross-border workers and Luxembourg A study conducted in 2020 provides a positive outlook of what cross-border workers think of Luxembourg and its inhabitants.

Let us announce the good news right away: cross-border workers have close ties to Luxembourg. 'Multicultural', 'friendly', 'welcoming' and 'respectful' are just a few of the observations made in a survey conducted in January 2020 by the Association de Soutien aux Travailleurs Immigrés a.s.b.l. (ASTI) among a sample of 500 cross-border workers from France, Belgium and Germany, about Luxembourgers. Although a small number of participants consider Luxembourgers to be 'slightly cold' or 'distant', most of them have a positive image of the Grand Duchy.

In fact, cross-border workers from the three neighbouring countries have a positive opinion of Luxembourg and, over time, they even feel a certain bond with its inhabitants and its habits and customs. 

Cross-border workers feel good in the Grand Duchy

According to the survey, 88% of cross-border workers say they feel a 'certain attachment to Luxembourg'. This observation was also confirmed by Sylvie, who took part in the survey: 'That's quite right... after 20 years as a cross-border worker, I am very attached to this country, its people, its habits, its shops, its restaurants, its customs, etc.'. The same goes for Jean-Louis: 'I agree with this observation. As time goes by, without knowing it, we get attached to this country, its customs and multicultural mix'.

According to the survey, it's mostly older and more senior people who claim to have fostered a strong connection with Luxembourg. They say that they have made friends, have more contact with residents and feel more connected to the country. The survey shows that 86% of cross-border workers 'feel good in Luxembourg in a non-work context'. Christophe's testimony tells us that 'Luxembourg treats its cross-border workers very well. Working in the Grand Duchy is very pleasant, relationships are easy, frank and sincere...'

The language as the biggest drawback

In this regard, the survey reveals that it is especially young cross-border workers who come for financial reasons: higher wages and more interesting employment prospects. It is an understandable trend given that their network of contacts is not yet as well established. Generally speaking, cross-border workers have a positive view of the Grand Duchy, even if they consider Luxembourgers to be "a little cold at first sight", they say that they are 'very welcoming' and 'open to the world'. Cross-border workers especially appreciate the multiculturalism which is perceived as highly positive. However, the fact that they do not speak Luxembourgish, is highlighted as the main barrier to forging closer ties with the locals.