Centre: Luxembourg Minister of Interior Taina Bofferding with representatives from 5 north-centre municipalities; Credit: MINT

Five municipalities have decided to start discussions for a "Nordstad" merger, the most ambitious project of its kind so far in Luxembourg.

On Thursday14 February 2019, the Minister of the Interior Taina Bofferding received the colleges of the five municipalities from north-central Luxembourg (Bettendorf, Diekirch, Erpeldange-sur-Sure, Ettelbruck and Schieren) to discuss the potential merger.

Taina Bofferding commented on the decision: "Mergers can only be successful if the municipalities decide to initiate them on their own initiative and if they involve their citizens in the discussions. The Ministry of the Interior acts as a partner to help and advise you throughout this important process."

During this constructive exchange, a first series of questions concerning mainly the organisational aspect and various legislative and administrative options were discussed. The municipalities will now have to develop further their ideas concerning the development of the "Nordstad".