ALJP Celebrations Mark 100 Years of Journalism in Luxembourg

On the evening of Saturday 2 May 2026, the Luxembourg Association of Professional Journalists (ALJP) hosted an event at the Chouchou venue in Luxembourg-Hollerich in celebration of its 100 year anniversary.

The evening, which welcomed Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden, and Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister for Media and Connectivity, Elisabeth Margue, saw around 120 of Luxembourg’s journalists and photographers come together to recognise the work and achievements of the ALJP since its inception.

The event began with opening remarks from Sidney Wiltgen, President of the ALJP, who welcomed the guests and talked of the challenges affecting journalists today, particularly in relation to the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), which is designed to safeguard editorial independence, protect sources and ensure media pluralism.

Veteran journalist Roger Infalt, who will chair the Luxembourg Press Council for the next two years, then gave an overview of the history of the journalism in Luxembourg, in which he detailed the work of the ALJP, how journalism has developed and changed in the Grand Duchy and highlighted the role of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) in establishing and upholding the rights of journalists.

A video message from the Secretary General of the International Federation of Journalists, Anthony Bellanger, was then played to the attendees in which he noted the current pressures and dangers facing journalists worldwide, the ongoing issues of misinformation and the need to strengthen the protection of journalists. He said: “As we celebrate our respective centenary it is not just a question of looking back. It is a question of preparing the future. A future where journalism remains free, protected and recognised for what it is.”

President of the Press Council (CdP), Misch Pautsch, then gave a speech in which he talked of the role of the “noble profession” of journalism in the modern world and how it differs from other means of reporting. He remarked: “Journalism is a form of work. It takes time, it takes effort, it takes a lot of energy and for an international journalist, it takes a lot of love. You have to do it, because if you can do it, if you can really do it, then you are a journalist who brings the society the facts it needs to function.”

A second video message was then played, which featured a message from Secretary General of the European Federation of Journalists, Ricardo Gutierrez, who congratulated the ALJP on reaching its 100 year anniversary and talked of his visits to Luxembourg as part of France’s Syndicat National des Journalistes (SNJ). He also spoke of the journalists who have lost their lives to targeted violence around the world and the ongoing fight to protect citizens’ access to information.

Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden then gave a speech in which he congratulated the ALJP for its work and highlighted the time he had spent with journalists across the Grand Duchy throughout his career. The Prime Minister also remarked on the pressures of legal changes and the need to maintain freedom of expression to ensure the press can work freely, despite “different perspectives and different opinions”. 

Minister Frieden said: “Many people see a link between what is happening in the world and what is happening abroad. For this reason, it is not only a big task but also a big responsibility. We need in our democracy a strong, independent press.”

Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister for Media and Connectivity, Elisabeth Margue, added: “I would like to thank all the representatives of the press, the journalists, all of you for being here today to celebrate this historic moment that is not just a story of a representative association, but also a strong expression of the freedom of the press in Luxembourg, a strong expression of the press and of the will of the democracy.”

The speeches were followed by the official opening of the photo exhibition “Press Pictures and Sounds” celebrating the ALJP’s 100 year anniversary.

Guests were then invited to enjoy food and refreshments provided by the hosts.