Since then, the grand duchy has participated in 386 inter-regional initiatives, involving 2,400 organisations (which include national, regional and local governments, research institutions, NGOs, trade unions, business federations and private firms).

Examples have included a Luxembourg water treatment plant located on the Belgian side of the border and cross-border commuter rail improvements.

These Interreg projects had a cumulative budget of €193m, including €81 in EU cohesion funds.

Claude Turmes, Luxembourg’s energy and regional planning minister (Green party), said: “In areas where a country does not have a lot of experience, the Interreg programme makes it possible to take great steps forward thanks to the contribution of external expertise.”