The history of Luxembourg, the third capital of the European Union

Despite its modest size, Luxembourg has been the subject of wars of succession and European conflicts for centuries. From its humble beginnings, Luxembourg has become a prosperous and stable country through a rich and fascinating history. Today, it plays a central role in Europe.

From its origins to annexation and independence

Luxembourg's motto reflects its desire to maintain its independence from the countries that have annexed it.

The country thus demonstrates its desire to preserve its national identity. This is regularly celebrated in various traditional events.

The founding of Luxembourg: from fortress to dynasty

Luxembourg's origins date back to the early Middle Ages. A small fortification, Lucilinburhuc, was built on top of a rocky promontory, the Bock rock. Acquired by Count Sigefroi in 963, the small fort gave rise to the County of Luxembourg.

Several count houses then succeeded one another, working for the development of the County of Luxembourg. Over the years, it gained in importance and political power.

Under the reign of the House of Luxembourg, the county extended its territorial influence and gained in importance. In 1308, Count Henry VII became king. Then in 1312, he was crowned Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. His son John the Blind, who founded the Schueberfouer, became King of Bohemia.

In 1354, his descendant Charles IV elevated the County of Luxembourg to the rank of Duchy. Thanks to numerous territorial acquisitions, Luxembourg now occupied a vast territory stretching between the Meuse and Moselle rivers. In 1364, Luxembourg reached an area of more than 10,000 square kilometers. The Luxembourg territory was at its peak.

Luxembourg, a territory at the center of Europe's turbulent history

Due to its strategic location between France, Germany, and Belgium, Luxembourg became a coveted prize for rival powers. The territory changed hands many times. From the Burgundians to the Habsburgs, via the Spanish and the French, Luxembourg's fate was often decided by political alliances and military conflicts.

Annexation of Luxembourg by the Burgundians and the Dutch principality

With no male heir, the Duchy of Luxembourg passed into the hands of the Burgundians in 1443. It was annexed by the Duke of Burgundy, Philip the Good. French became the main administrative language. Luxembourg then belonged to the Netherlands as a relatively autonomous principality. Its destiny would be linked to that kingdom.

The City of Luxembourg, the Gibraltar of the North

Subsequently, as a result of royal marriages, Luxembourg passed into the hands of the Habsburgs of Spain in 1555. Due to its strategic location, Luxembourg was then drawn into numerous wars between France and Spain. It was at this point that the city of Luxembourg was transformed into a renowned fortress. It became"the Gibraltar of the North."

Cession of Luxembourg to France and Vauban fortifications

The Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659 ceded southern Luxembourg to France. The city of Thionville became French. Later, Louis XIV's troops besieged the city of Luxembourg. It also passed to France in 1684. It was at this time that the famous Vauban fortifications were built.

Return of Luxembourg to Spain and annexation by Austria

In 1697, Luxembourg was returned to Spain. The Habsburgs regained the duchy through the Treaty of Ryswick, putting an end to French expansionist ambitions. The War of the Spanish Succession transferred Luxembourg to Austria in 1715.

Pacification of Luxembourg in the 18th century

The Austrian period finally marked a peaceful time for Luxembourg. Numerous social and economic advances, such as freedom of worship and fiscal equality, laid the foundations for modern-day Luxembourg.

Luxembourg, a forest department for France

However, following the blockade by Revolutionary troops in 1795, the fortress once again passed to France. Luxembourg became the Department of Forests under Napoleon's reign.

The War of the Clubs, or "Klëppelkrich," against universal military service took place in 1798. The Napoleonic Code was introduced in 1804. It forms the basis of Luxembourg's civil code.

The fall of Napoleon's empire led to a new division of Europe.

From the Congress of Vienna to Luxembourg's independence

Luxembourg, a neutral territory

After the tumultuous years of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, Luxembourg found itself at the center of negotiations at the Congress of Vienna in 1815. In the 19th century, the major European powers were seeking stability. Luxembourg became a neutral and independent territory under the reign of the House of Orange-Nassau. William I of Orange-Nassau, King of the Netherlands, took personal control of the new state.

Part of Luxembourg's territory was assigned to Prussia, which placed a Prussian garrison in the city of Luxembourg.

With the Treaty of London in 1839, Luxembourg gained its independence and its current form. Part of Luxembourg was given to Belgium (the province of Belgian Luxembourg) following the Belgian Revolution.

Luxembourg adopted a constitution in 1848.

With the new Treaty of London in 1867, Luxembourg acquired the status of a permanently neutral and independent state. The fortress was dismantled. The Prussian garrisons left the territory.

Luxembourg is a parliamentary monarchy, headed by a head of state in the person of the Grand Duke.

History of modern Luxembourg

Industrialization and prosperity in Luxembourg in the 20th century

Luxembourg's neutral status, combined with the rapid development of its steel industry, contributed to its economic growth and prosperity.

At the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, Luxembourg also underwent an industrial revolution with the development of the steel industry. The landscape was transformed, not only in the south of the country in the Minett region, but also in the capital.

Italian and Portuguese workers began to flock to the country. This marked the beginning of a multicultural society. The country became urbanized. This period laid the foundations for modern Luxembourg.

The world wars and the German occupation of Luxembourg

The two world wars took a heavy toll on Luxembourg. Once again, its strategic position made it a target for invading forces. The Nazi occupation during World War II caused considerable human suffering and loss. However, the people of Luxembourg showed resilience and regained their determination once the war was over.

European integration, the path to prosperity for Luxembourg

In the post-war period, Luxembourg embarked on a path of economic diversification and European integration. After the Benelux in 1944, Luxembourg became a founding member of the European Union alongside France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands. It played a leading role in the development of Europe and hosted several key European institutions.

Today, the country is a shining example of integration. Its capital, Luxembourg City, is a global financial center.

Luxembourg's history bears witness to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of its people. The country has demonstrated a great capacity for adaptation. Its pragmatism has helped it to prosper in a changing world.

The Nassau-Weilburg dynasty on the throne of Luxembourg

The beginnings of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Luxembourg is the only Grand Duchy in the world. Following the collapse of the Napoleonic regime, Luxembourg was annexed to the Netherlands at the Congress of Vienna in 1815 as an independent state. It then acquired its title of Grand Duchy, with William I of Orange Nassau as its head.

His descendants William II and William III continued this line and ruled the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

In 1890, Luxembourg gained its own dynasty upon the death of William III, with the accession to the throne of Grand Duke Adolphe of Nassau-Weilburg.

He was succeeded by his son William IV. His granddaughter, Grand Duchess Marie-Adélaïde, came to power in 1912. She was 17 years old at the time. Her attitude during the invasion of German troops during World War I was heavily criticized. She abdicated at the end of the war in 1919.

Grand Duchess Charlotte, an iconic figure in Luxembourg

Grand Duchess Charlotte then ascended to the throne. During her reign, the country was once again invaded by German troops during World War II. Unwilling to submit, the Grand Duchess and her government went into exile in London. Luxembourg was liberated in June 1944 by American troops. Grand Duchess Charlotte abdicated in 1964. She was much loved by the people of Luxembourg. She died in 1985.

Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duke Henri, her successors

Grand Duke Jean succeeded his mother in 1964. Grand Duke Jean abdicated in favor of his son, Grand Duke Henri, in October 2000. Grand Duke Jean died in April 2019.

His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Henri, succeeded his father Grand Duke Jean in 2000. He will occupy the throne with his wife, Her Royal Highness Grand Duchess Maria-Teresa, originally from Cuba, until October 2025. They have five children.

During the constitutional crisis of 2008, Grand Duke Henri refused to sanction a law on euthanasia for ethical reasons. This led to a constitutional revision to limit the Grand Duke's role in sanctioning laws.

Grand Duchess Maria-Teresa is particularly involved in social, humanitarian, and educational causes, notably asa UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Her areas of action include the fight against poverty, access to education for young girls, and the promotion of microcredit, illustrating an active presence that goes far beyond mere protocol.

His Royal Highness Grand Duke Guillaume and his wife, Grand Duchess Stéphanie

Guillaume, the eldest son of Henri and Maria-Terasa, became Grand Duke after his father's abdication in October 2025, marking a generational transition with a greater focus on major human and societal issues. Married to Belgian Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy (now Grand Duchess), he is the father of two sons, Princes Charles and François.

Before his accession, Guillaume was involved in social and professional integration causes, notably through the Kräizbierg Foundation, which he chairs and which he has championed as a lever for social cohesion.

He is also involved in organizations that support vulnerable people, including Special Olympics Luxembourg and associations that help accident victims.

It was during the 2024 National Day celebrations and his speech at the Philharmonie that Grand Duke Henri announced his intention to pass the lieutenancy to his son, the Hereditary Grand Duke. In October 2024, HRH the Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume was officially appointed Lieutenant-Representative and is now authorized to replace HRH Grand Duke Henri in certain tasks while awaiting to succeed his father on the Luxembourg throne.

Find out more about the political system in Luxembourg.

Luxembourg and its place in the European Union

Luxembourg, a founding member of the European Union

Luxembourg is one of the six founding members of the European Union. Some of its citizens are illustrious figures.

Robert Schuman is one of the "founding fathers" of Europe. Born in Luxembourg in 1886, of Luxembourgish origin on his mother's side, he was notably involved in the creation of the ECSC (European Coal and Steel Community) in 1951.

In 1952, the city of Luxembourg became the first seat of the European institutions.

In 1957, the creation of the European Economic Community by Jean Monnet marked a further step towards a supranational European organization.

Founded by Germany, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy, the EEC gradually expanded to include other countries. Today, the European Union has 27 member states.

Luxembourg, capital of Europe and of the European institutions

The Luxembourg capital, Luxembourg City, became a European capital in 1986. It shares this title with Brussels (Belgium) and Strasbourg (France) following the merger of the European institutions.

The city of Luxembourg is now home to the headquarters of several European institutions and bodies. Many European civil servants work there. These include:

• the Court of Justice,
• the Court of Auditors,
• the European Investment Bank,
• the European Investment Fund
• several departments of the European Commission.

The Kirchberg district is also referred to as the European Quarter.

The legend of Melusine in Luxembourg

Melusine was the wife of Count Sigefroi, founder of the City of Luxembourg.

Legend has it that while hunting bears among the ruins of an old castle, Count Sigefroi was seduced by the voice of a beautiful young girl. He fell in love and asked Melusine to marry him. She accepted, on condition that he never leave the premises. She also made him promise never to spy on her when she wanted to be alone.

Count Sigefroi and his wife settled in the old castle. They lived there very happily. But one day, curious to see what his wife was doing when she was alone, Count Sigefroi spied on her through the keyhole. He saw her lying in her bath, combing her long hair. But instead of legs, she had a large fish tail.

Betrayed, Melusine disappeared forever into the waves of the Alzette.

Legend has it that Melusine reappears every seven years in the form of a snake. She waits for someone to free her from her spell. To do so, they must take a key from her mouth and throw it into the Alzette.

While waiting for her deliverance, she sews a shirt, adding one stitch every seven years. When the shirt is finished, Melusine will be freed from her spell. But in return, all the inhabitants of Luxembourg will disappear with her.

You can see the statue of Melusine on the banks of the Alzette, at the very spot where she is said to have disappeared into its waters.