The first national event on philanthopy in Luxembourg was held this week. The symposium, Seizing the Opportunity for Philanthropy in Luxembourg, the first of its kind in the country, explored the most effective conditions to encourage the private sector’s support for projects of social interest.

Held on April 23rd the symposium provided a forum for discussion on ways of boosting individual and corporate engagement in Luxembourg at a time when philanthropy is seeing an unprecedented rise in interest in Europe.

Initiated by Banque de Luxembourg and under the patronage of Her Royal Highness the Grand Duchess, the event attracted over 20 European and U.S. experts and 350 participants including representatives of the Luxembourg Government, philanthropy experts, company directors, charitable associations, and professionals in the charitable sector.

In his opening speech, Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker said: “It is time for Luxembourg to develop a real philanthropic policy.”

He also announced the government’s intention to head up an initiative to provide Luxembourg with an umbrella structure for the philanthropy sector that will take the form of a new public utility foundation. He also confirmed that a complete review of the legal and tax framework for charitable donations will be undertaken to provide the country with the tools to develop philanthropic engagement.

For more information, visit the newly launched website www.philanthropie.lu.