Bilateral relations between Switzerland and Luxembourg are traditionally strong, based on mutual respect and a well-established shared trust. The two countries share a system of values and have a number of common features: a central location in Europe, French and German as national languages, multilingualism and their important position as international financial centres.
Diplomatic exchanges between Switzerland and Luxembourg focus on several key areas that reflect the strong relations and close cooperation between the two countries. The principal points of contact concern financial regulation, tax issues and economic policy. Both countries are major financial centres in Europe and cooperate closely on issues such as sustainable finance, financial transparency and the fight against financial crime.
Switzerland and Luxembourg have regular high-level contact, including meetings of ministers, heads of government and heads of German-speaking and French-speaking states.
From 2012 to 2016, the two countries co-chaired the European Space Agency (ESA). Switzerland and Luxembourg also cooperate actively within international organisations such as the UN, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe. Diplomatic exchanges include discussions on global issues such as human rights, peace and security, environmental protection and promoting multilateralism.
In international organisations, Switzerland and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg often represent the same or similar positions. The two countries regularly hold ministerial-level meetings on issues relating to financial and fiscal policy. From 2012 to 2016, Switzerland and Luxembourg jointly held the chairmanship of the European Space Agency (ESA).
Switzerland and Luxembourg enjoy close economic ties, particularly in the financial and banking sectors.
Bilateral trade in goods reached CHF 441 million in 2023, marking a slight decline on the previous year. Trade in goods remains relatively limited due to Luxembourg's size, but trade in services, particularly in the financial sector, plays a key role in bilateral relations. In 2023, trade in services between the two countries totalled CHF 3,368 million. Luxembourg is also the third-largest destination for Swiss direct investment abroad, with investments totalling CHF 11.2 billion in 2023.
Swiss Chamber of Commerce for Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Information on countries, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO
Cooperation between Switzerland and Luxembourg in education and research is characterised by close collaboration and mutual support, fostering innovation, academic excellence and scientific research. These exchanges are facilitated by bilateral agreements between the two countries' universities. Both states also attach great importance to lifelong learning and continuing professional development.
Swiss excellence scholarships will not be awarded in the 2025/2026 academic year due to a lack of reciprocity.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
Cultural exchanges between the two countries are dynamic, reflecting a shared desire to promote cultural diversity and strengthen bilateral ties. There are regular collaborative artistic projects such as exhibitions, festivals, concerts, theatre performances and film co-productions, as well as key exchanges in the fields of literature and language.
According to statistics on the Swiss abroad, there were 1,397 Swiss citizens living in Luxemburg at the end of 2023.
In 1309, Emperor Henry VII, Count of Luxembourg, granted imperial immediacy to the three forest cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden. In 1843, Luxembourg joined the German Customs Union and consequently became economically linked to Switzerland. In 1929, Switzerland signed an economic treaty with the Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union, which had been established by Belgium and Luxembourg in 1921.
The 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Luxembourg was celebrated in 2017, marking the opening of a legation by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Switzerland in November 1917. Up until a Swiss embassy was established in Luxembourg in 1970, the Swiss envoy in Brussels was also accredited to Luxembourg.
Luxembourg, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland, Dodis
Last update 13.09.2024
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