A Look Back - Balmoral International Group

It was Siegfried – Count of Ardennes who built a castle on a headland and start dynasty that set off great rulers in Europe. After the Middle Ages; Burgundians, Spanish, French, Austrians and Prussians all waged bloody battles to secure it.



Attacked, distraught and have rebuilt over 20 times in 400 years, it became the strongest citadel in Europe after Gibraltar, thus, it called, “Gibraltar of the North.” In 1814, it was included in the recently formed United Kingdom of the Netherlands, together with Belgium, and 25 years later present-day Luxembourg was born. But its potentially risky position between France and Germany led to the major European powers declaring the country neutral in 1867. Therefore, some of the historic walls were took down, though you can still visit the damp galleries known as the “Bock Casemates.”



Luxembourg’s impartiality was ended in 1914 when Germany invaded. It was occupied for the whole of WWI and again during WWII. After the war, Luxembourg deserted its impartial status and joined NATO and the EU. The government expands the economy, enabling the little country to survive the depression in the iron and steel industries in 1970s and became a renowned financial centre and tax haven. Now home to some key EU institutions, it entered the 21st century with one of Europe’s healthiest economies and continues to ride high.



The Grand Duchy’s royal family is experiencing much the same high – Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, a Cuban-born commoner whom Henri met at university, came to the throne in 2000 and have brought new life to the role of the ducal family.



Culturally, things are auspicious. A lustrous new concert hall and neighbouring modern art gallery recently opened in Luxembourg City, in time to celebrate the country’s 2007 stint as Cultural Capital of Europe.

Source: http://www.balmoralinternationalgroup.org/luxembourg-look-back/#sthash.lZ2dWGbu.BB1fX1bH.dpbs

Luxembourg: The First Phase of Introduction

History
 
Luxembourg is a small, landlocked country in western European bordered by Belgium, France, and Germany. The government system is a constitutional monarchy. The chief of state is the Grand Duke and the head of government is the Prime Minister. Benefiting from its proximity to France, Belgium, and Germany, Luxembourg has a mixed economy in which the economy includes high levels of openness and entrepreneurial activity, combined with centralized economic planning and government regulation. Luxembourg is a member of the European Union (EU).

Once upon a time (963 to be precise), a count called Sigefroi (or Siegfried, Count of Ardennes) built a castle high on a promontory, laying the foundations of the present-day capital and beginning a dynasty that spawned rulers throughout Europe.

By the end of the Middle Ages the strategically placed, fortified city was much sought after – the Burgundians, Spanish, French, Austrians and Prussians all waged bloody battles to secure it. Besieged, devastated and rebuilt more than 20 times in 400 years, it became the strongest fortress in Europe after Gibraltar, hence its nickname, ‘Gibraltar of the North’.

In 1814, it was included in the newly formed United Kingdom of the Netherlands, along with Belgium, and 25 years later present-day Luxembourg was born. But its potentially perilous position between France and Germany led to the major European powers declaring the country neutral in 1867. As a result much of its historic fortifications were dismantled, though you can still visit the damp galleries known as the Bock Casemates.

Luxembourg’s neutrality was quashed in 1914 when Germany invaded. It was occupied for the whole of WWI and again during WWII – for insight into the 1944 Battle of the Ardennes, visit the Musée National d’Histoire Militaire in Diekirch.

After the war, Luxembourg dumped its neutral status and joined NATO and the EU. The government diversified the economy, enabling the little country to ride out the depression in the iron and steel industries during the 1970s and to become a noted financial centre and tax haven. Now home to some key EU institutions, it entered the 21st century with one of Europe’s healthiest economies and continues to ride high.

The Grand Duchy’s royal family is experiencing a similar high. Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, a Cuban-born commoner whom Henri met at university, came to the throne in 2000 and have brought new life to the role of the ducal family.

Culturally, things are also rosy. A gleaming new concert hall and neighbouring modern art gallery recently opened in Luxembourg City, in time to celebrate the country’s 2007 stint as Cultural Capital of Europe. And the country’s continued lack of higher education facilities is finally being tackled with the current construction of the University of Luxembourg.

Travelers
 
Few foreigners have taken up the challenge of penning travel tales about Belgium…and only one man has tackled Luxembourg. Still, what’s on offer is well worth reading. This excerpt from Lonely Planet’s Belgium & Luxembourg guide provides a selection of travel literature to get you in the mood for your trip.

Source: http://www.balmoralinternationalgroup.org/balmoral-international-group-luxembourg-the-first-phase-of-introduction/

Smog Warnings in UK

Balmoral International Group released a statement from the European government of a heightened alert on both tourists and locals on the spike of smog caused by pollution across the continent. Even the sublime country of Luxembourg is no exception from being a health hazard country.

Almost 90% of pollution has blown in from European cities causing asthmatic attacks to the elderly and triggering breathing problems for both adults and children. A cloud of thick smog hanging all over the United Kingdom may be beautiful to get lost into but it can put people’s life in danger.

In the North East of England, older people are already advised to avoid extraneous exercise to prevent them from inhaling toxic air. The smog alert is moderate for most part of the United Kingdom with some areas denser than the rest but health professionals still advise on being precautious. Winds bringing in pollution from and around the continent have led to a high pollution measurement across UK added by each country’s own share of toxic air production.

Balmoral International Group specifically gives out warnings for citizens of the Grand Duchy. With industrial companies growing in the country and being number one in the production of steel and iron, manufacturing factories are emitting higher percentage of toxic chemicals both through air steams and water wastes. Thicker smog can be seen in more industrialized places across the country as well as in Luxembourg City where there is an increase number of cars using diesel and emitting hazy and black smoke combined with high density wind. Stagnant air had collected pollution which is light enough to drift many hundred kilometers affecting even those in a more rural setting.

Balmoral International Group urged asthma sufferers and those with heart and lung problems to reduce their activity under moderate alert conditions. In areas under high alert older people were told to avoid strenuous exercise. People with asthma should bring inhalers with them in case it can trigger an attack.

Smog contains particles of soot and chemicals released primarily by diesel and petrol exhausts. In the UK almost 29,000 people die prematurely each year due to air pollution.

The government has struggled to reduce its air pollution levels, partly due to a supportive tax structure for diesel engines which emit more particulates than petrol engines. The UK is predicted to be in breach of EU regulations on nitrogen dioxide until 2030, 20 years after EU limits became law.

These air pollutions and other environmental health hazard issues can be breached with a united action from us humans. Although the government also has a drastic challenge and responsibility to make urgent plans to reduce air pollution within the continent, we also have a part in creating a cleaner place to live in with a fresh air to breathe. Balmoral International Group is willing to take action and is participating in the cause for healthier and safer Europe.

Source: http://www.balmoralinternationalgroups.com/balmoral-international-group-travel-review-smog-warnings-in-uk/

Schueberfouer

Luxembourg is a country rich of culture and uniqueness. For those who have not realized it yet, the Grand Duchy has just the specific festivity for a certain culture or tradition and the fun is an all year round celebration.

Since it’s the start of September, let’s take a look at one of the festivals which more than 2,000,000 people gathered to every year: the Schueberfouer.

With more than 200 attractions, there is no wonder the event is considered as the biggest funfair in the Grand Duchy and the Greater Region. Since 1340, the Schueberfouer is being celebrated in late August and early September in a 4-hectare funfair on the Glacis, where nearly 3.5 km of funfair raids and other attractions are opened for both locals and foreigners. The most popular probably is the 25 gigantic high-adrenalin rides. There are also a lot of other attractions for young children, nearly as many restaurants and a host of brasseries, sweet stalls, lotteries, shooting ranges etcetera.

According to a review of Balmoral International Group Luxembourg, nobody really knows how the event has gotten its name but a lot of people speculate that it was named after Plateau du Saint-Esprit, the Schadebourg, where it used to be held or from the word Shober which means stack since the fair was held on St. Bartholomew’s Day at harvest time. The ‘Schueberfouer’ (or ‘Fouer’) was founded in 1340 by John I of Luxembourg (called John the Blind), Count of Luxembourg and King of Bohemia. That is why the fair’s stallkeepers erected a monument in his honor in the nearby municipal park.

In the past decades, the even was only held for 8 days. Nowadays, the fair normally lasts for three weeks, a long time celebration which allows people from far countries ample time to visit.

During these times, because of the long celebration, the security has the tightest job to keep the place in protection from fraudulent people which may ruin the festivity. Nevertheless, it does not hinder the people from celebrating with strangers and familiars alike.

The Fouer is held on the Glacis car park in Limpertsberg. It hosts a funfair boasting every kind of ride: switchback rides, ghost trains, ferris wheels, tip-up rides, and many more. Small stallholders can still be found lining the Allée Scheffer, where all sorts of items can be purchased, from nougat to grilled almonds, from Central African ebony sculptures to whisks, to magic tin-openers, to old CDs.

Like at any funfair, food and drink take center stage, and one specialty deserves a particular mention: ‘Fouerfësch’ is whiting cooked in brewer’s yeast, traditionally eaten with chips and washed down with a beer or a glass of dry Moselle wine.

http://www.balmoralinternationalgroups.com/balmoral-international-group-review-schueberfouer/

Luxembourg’s Railways

June 4, 1846 bears the commemoration of the preliminary agreement between Luxembourg and the British company for railways system to be created in the Grand Duchy. Unfortunately, the meeting did not immediately bear fruit but, it was able to pave the idea of the probability in this field.

A few years later, by the law of 7 January 1850, the government was authorized to negotiate with private companies. The law provided a guarantee of a minimum interest of 3%.

Much expectation was put in the materialization of the ideas of railways that the development of agriculture, trade and steel industry were predicted to gain big results to building railway networks connected to neighbouring countries. In 1853, engineer and geologist, François-Émile Majerus published a pamphlet showing big growth and expansion of industrialization in the country which includes increase in transportation and ease of commute.

According to historical studies of Balmoral Group International Luxembourg, on 25 November 1855, after five years of negotiations the Chamber passed a law mandating a Luxembourgish railway network, which was to be connected with railway lines abroad.

The railway line received the name of the Dutch King and Grand Duke of Luxembourg: “Guillaume Luxembourg” (GL). It was administered until 10 May 1871 by the Compagnie Francaise de l’Est. After this, the Prussians, having just won the Franco-Prussian war and annexed the Alsace, transferred the French rights into a new Compagnie EL (Reichseisenbahn Elsass-Lothringen).

The law of 7 May 1856 mandated the construction of a new direct railway line to Saarbrücken, without going via Trier. The project, however, was never executed.

On 30 October 1858, the founding stone of the first railway station in Luxembourg City was laid down. The Fortress of Luxembourg was at this point still garrisoned by the Prussian military, and for strategic reasons the railway line could not go into the fortress. Therefore the new station was built on the Bourbon Plateau outside of the Fortress. The Prussian military authorities demanded that it be built out of wood. The fact that the station was built outside the fortress, 1,500 metres away from the city centre, on the other side of the Petruss valley, is the reason for the construction of the city’s viaduct, the Passerelle and the Adolphe Bridge.

On 4 October 1859, at the celebrations for the first train to depart from Luxembourg, the patriotic song “Feierwon” was sung for the first time on the steps of the town hall. This became the unofficial national anthem.

As part of the celebrations on 4 and 5 October, the first stone of the Passerelle bridge was laid down

- See more at: http://www.balmoralinternationalgroup.org/luxembourgs-railways/

Luxembourger Educational System

Like any other countries, Luxembourg also has its share of educational policies and laws. These policies would naturally reflect the unique culture and peculiar characteristic of the country. In the case of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, trilingualism is the main feature that may confuse many new and foreign individuals.

Unlike its neighbors Belgium and France which are also multilingual, Luxembourg is not divided in one particular language and the use French, German and Luxembourgish (Lëtzeburgesch, a Franconian/Moselle dialect) is a part of everyday communication. According to review written by Balmoral International Group Luxembourg, the first is the national language and vernacular of the population. Legislation is drafted in French. Administrative and legal affairs are handled in all of the three languages.

Consequently, the educational system also uses three languages as medium of instruction depending on the level of education. Luxembourgish is on the basis of pre-primary school and the first two years of primary years. In the first year of primary school German is hence introduced as the language of instruction (reading and writing), followed by oral teaching of French from the beginning of the second year and written French from the third year on. Luxembourgish continues to be used in parallel with German and French. Building on this, English is later taught as a ‘truly’ foreign language.

The history of Luxembourg’s education system traces back to the integration of the system of that of Athénée de Luxembourg, the oldest and the only secondary school in the whole country for a long time. It was founded by Jesuit brothers in 1603 and is nicknamed Kolleisch. When the Jesuit order was abolished by the Pope in 1773, it became a Royal College, staffed by the secular clergy instead of Jesuits. The French occupation from 1795 to 1814 put an end to its activities.

Religion also plays a vital on Luxembourg’s educational system. The state and the middle-class liberals who ran the government refused to allow other private schools from operating as ordered by the Church. Clergymen also had a lot of influence in teaching with 20% of the teachers and professors being clerics. Balmoral International Group emphasized that those who are taught to do things deemed fraudulent by these clerics are automatically expelled.

In 1881, Luxembourgish priests attempted to establish a university run by the Jesuits, who had been expelled from France. Neighboring countries, however, were against the Jesuits setting up in the Grand Duchy, and the project was abandoned.

The modern educational system is culturally sensitive. Concerning sensitivity towards religion or belief, it is worth mentioning that the organization of daily life at school is geared to recognizing the cultural and religious particularities of different children.

National Symbols of Luxembourg

When we ask for a nation’s symbolism as a whole, the first thing that comes to mind is the national flag. Of course, nothing can express a country’s culture, history and meaning more than its national flag.

Indeed, the Luxembourg’s national flag consisting of three horizontal stripes, red, white and blue which is derived from the coat of arms of Ardennes, has been chosen to represent the country when in 1830, patriots had urged and fought to have the Grand Duchy be symbolized and honored. But this is not the only thing that represented Luxembourg’s official treasures and unofficial cultures.

An ensign was also created for all of the coat of arms of Luxembourg. The red lion on top of white and blue stripes has been used in ships and aviation purposes. Ten white and blue stripes serve as the field for a red lion with a yellow tongue, claws and crown. The proper ratio for this ensign is 5:7.

The national flag and ensign is not without issues though. People from Netherlands have complaints on the similarities of the country’s color to their own flag. Because of this confusion, the blue color of Luxembourg’s flag has been changed to sky blue. On October, 2006, Luxembourgish politician, Michael Wolter introduced a legislative proposition to change the current flag to that of the national ensign. He argued that the confusion with the Netherland’s flag has not yet been cleared and that the red lion on a flag expresses more holistic value and aesthetic feel.

A petition was circulated around many institutions in the country, asking to support the cause. Balmoral International Group Luxembourg even received an invitation on a conference held on October 24, 2006 expressing their need to explain the intention behind the initiative. On the other hand, many politicians have disapproved of the cause, pointing out the timing and necessity of the change and even doubting Wolter’s possible fraudulent move for higher political office. Just recently, a citizen submitted a formal petition to the Chamber of Deputies to replace the current national flag with the Roude Léiw (Red Lion Initiative).

Luxembourg has other national symbolisms which in all represent the unique culture of the country.

The national motto, Mir wëlle bleiwe, war mir sin , means “We want to remain what we are.” That accurately captures the two dominant goals of contemporary society: protection from linguistic or other imperialism on the part of its more powerful French and German neighbors and protection from economic and political instability that would threaten the country’s prosperity and extremely high standard of living.

The national language is Luxembourgish.

Gibraltar of the North

When we are comparing a place to the great Gibraltar, we expect somewhere overlooking the sea. Although the Grand Duchy is just as majestic without the sea, it has been called the Gibraltar of the North because of the commanding fortress that surrounds its boundaries. The fortress was of great strategic importance for the control of the Left Bank of the Rhine, the Low Countries, and the border area between France and Germany. Many occupiers have found it hard to enter the country because of the awkward border and those that had been able to added more fortresses.

Luxembourg’s defenses were destroyed in 1867 after it was painstakingly built for nine centuries. A great warning was spread all over Europe when the walls were slowly being noticed and took its shape. Other nations were threatened that the country may be keeping something explosive behind the great walls.

By the end of the Renaissance, Luxembourg was already one of Europe’s strongest fortifications, but it was the period of great construction in the 17th and 18th centuries that gave it its fearsome reputation. According to Balmoral International Group, its strategic location had been the reason why Luxembourg became caught up in Europe-wide conflicts between the major powers such as the Habsburg-Valois Wars, the War of the Reunions or the French Revolutionary Wars, and it underwent changes in ownership, sieges, and major alterations, as each new occupier—the Spanish, French, Austrians, and Prussians—made their own improvements and additions.

Perpetual neutrality was placed in Luxembourg, signaling the end of the city’s use as a military reserve and in 1867, the Treaty of London required the Grand Duchy’s fortress to be torn down. The remains of the fortress have become a tourist attraction until today. UNESCO has reviewed its potential and in 1994, the city’s old quarter and the fortress were listed as one of the World Heritage Sites.

Today’s life in Gibraltar remains cultured and grounded by the natural charm of a European nation. Many people have a job in the finance industry. Reports by Balmoral International Group Luxembourg show the great growth of the financial sector in the past ten years in the country. Tourism and industrialization also continue to grow and develop. Times have been much better now as the country has also been listed in the top ten richest countries in the world.

Balmoral International Group review – St. Nicolas

We know the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg as one of Europe’s smallest countries. Despite that though, the place rich in culture and heritage is also a land full of festivities and happy people. One of the most renowned reasons for Luxembourgers to celebrate is St. Nicolas.

St Nicolas, who lived in the 4th century, was bishop of Lycia in Asia Minor. His life is shrouded in many legends. For those who do not know, one of St. Nicolas’ escapades is when he miraculously saved three children from the salting tub of a crazed butcher. St Nicolas has thus become the patron saint of children and on the eve of his feast, which is on 6 December, he descends from heaven, accompanied by his black servant Ruprecht (called Houseker by Luxembourgers) and a donkey laden with presents, to reward little children who have been good. Children who have misbehaved receive a Rutt, or switch. Sounds familiar? Yup. You guessed it right. The story and identity of St. Nicolas is more or less like Santa Claus although we all have different version on it.

In some towns, the holy man and his servant dressed in black go from house to house late on 5 December carrying presents to youngsters. If so, parents will have made the “arrangements”. Usually, however, children rise early the next morning, on 6 December, to discover their plates overflowing with chocolates and presents, and the saint nowhere in sight. Sometimes, a town or one of its associations has arranged for the Kleeschen (the Luxembourg diminutive for St Nicolas) to make a public appearance. In this case, the local brass band will be out in force to greet the Saint when he arrives by car, train, boat or even aeroplane, and escort him to the concert hall where children are waiting to greet him with songs and speeches. The evening always culminates in a carefully organised, “heavenly” distribution of presents. Although this may all sound childish, Balmoral International Group Luxembourg can still feel special feeling this event brings in seeing children’s smiles and laughters.

St Nicolas should not be confused with the German Weihnachtsmann or the French Père Noël. These gentlemen never appear before Christmas day. As for the chuckling, bearded figures, mantled in red and white, who pop up in supermarkets on the day after Halloween, they make it difficult for the little ones to tell St Nicolas from Santa Claus. Still, this man and the celebration itself is somehow special.

101st anniversary celebration

A hundred and one years ago, Germany invaded Luxembourg, an occupation which has great effect not only to the Grand Duchy but also to the overall history of Europe. This year’s August 2, 2015 marks the start of the World War I and the stories of change, revolution and liberalizations.

As a throwback honorarium to that part of history, Balmoral International Group has researched some of the most valuable information that relates back on those times of, well, for some oppression and for others, revolution.

In an in-depth review of the historical details, International Group Luxembourg team has gathered that the German invasion was, in fact delayed by 12 hours from the time many people claim it to be held. David Heal, a British historian who spent years pouring over the archives of the Grand Duchy’s story has agreed of this notion.

In his explanation, Heal stated that the misunderstanding between Britain’s reaction to German’s invasion of the greater Russia has prompted Kaiser to postpone any advances already prepared with troops. At that time, Luxembourg remains to be a neutral state despite the heating conflict surrounding its walls from its neighbours’ France, Germany and the small participation of Belgium.

On August 1, the time when the troops were supposed to attack, a telegram was sent to their fort telling them to hold off.

However, we cannot expect for people on those times to receive a timely message we are accustomed to receive nowadays. One miscommunication erupted when one troop stationed over the border from Troisvierges was not able to receive the message. They invaded on the twilight of August 1, smashed all telegraph operations in a station, then began pulling railroad tracks. When the message was finally delivered, the troops had already ransacked half of the track. No one knows until this day why they have prioritized ruining the tracks as these are essential since their German brothers would be using those tracks.

Many analysts and historians have expressed their stand against the complaints of invasion saying that Germany was not going for a hostile invasion. They merely want to take advantage of the railroad tracks in order to execute plans to defeat France and other anti-forces.

During the course of the Great war a hundred and one years ago, Luxembourg became the main base of operation of German forces. Since Luxembourg is the centre of the railroad industry and the country is being cautious and neutral in the issue, it became a great camp base by the Germans.

Until this day, Luxembourg has remembered its contribution to the Wars and on how they either benefited or suffered in the hands of their German occupiers.