Stacey Feinberg (U.S. Embassy Luxembourg): Luxembourg’s Strategic Role in the Transatlantic Economy
Stacey Feinberg, United States Ambassador to Luxembourg, reflects on deep historical ties, expanding economic cooperation and the growing role of space, technology and finance in transatlantic collaboration.
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How would you describe the relationship between Luxembourg and the United States?
I see an extraordinary relationship rooted in shared values and reinforced by history, economics and mutual respect. During recent meetings in Washington, from the Pentagon to the White House, I emphasised that Luxembourg represents one of America’s most reliable partners. Both countries champion democracy, support open markets and encourage entrepreneurial initiative. Such alignment naturally creates strong cooperation. Historical memory also plays a major role. Visiting the American cemetery in Hamm deeply moved me. Walking among those graves made the sacrifice of American soldiers tangible. Luxembourg’s gratitude remains remarkable. Eight decades after liberation, people continue to honour those soldiers with sincerity and emotion. Few nations show that level of remembrance. That shared history built lasting trust, which now supports modern cooperation in defence, finance and innovation. NATO membership strengthened the strategic bond while American companies such as Goodyear and DuPont contributed to Luxembourg’s industrial development. Later, the creation of SES illustrated technological collaboration between both sides of the Atlantic. Today SES operates across both markets and even acquired Intelsat in the United States, reinforcing a truly transatlantic footprint. Such examples illustrate how closely both economies interact. My mission focuses on reinforcing that connection and acting as a bridge linking opportunity, innovation and talent across continents.
"Luxembourg and the United States share complementary strengths across several strategic industries."
How do you see Luxembourg’s economic future evolving?
I believe Luxembourg stands at one of the most consequential moments in its modern history. Finance created prosperity and a quality of life that is exceptional, yet technological transformation demands adaptation. Artificial intelligence will gradually replace many back-office functions within financial services. That shift makes the development of front-office expertise increasingly important. Recent legislative changes enabling carried interest to represent an important step because they attract asset managers, hedge funds and investment leadership. These activities depend on human judgment and strategic thinking rather than automation. Luxembourg also benefits from political stability and a strongly pro-business environment, qualities that increasingly attract international companies searching for a European base. Each week new firms explore relocation or expansion opportunities. Beyond finance, the space industry opens particularly promising perspectives. Luxembourg already invested early in satellite infrastructure and space resources policy. The new space campus illustrates that ambition and positions the country as a potential European hub for orbital technologies. Cooperation with American institutions and private companies will accelerate this trajectory. Meanwhile, technology ecosystems emerging around research campuses demonstrate impressive entrepreneurial energy reminiscent of early Silicon Valley. Start-ups, data specialists and cybersecurity innovators contribute to a dynamic environment capable of generating global champions.
Where do you see the greatest opportunities for transatlantic cooperation?
My perspective focuses overwhelmingly on opportunity. Luxembourg and the United States share complementary strengths across several strategic industries. Space technology represents a central pillar because satellites, communications networks and defence infrastructure increasingly depend on integrated capabilities. Meetings in Washington with leaders from the Space Force, the Air Force and the Navy confirmed growing interest in deeper collaboration. Telecommunications, fintech, crypto technologies and cybersecurity also present fertile ground for partnership. Luxembourg excels at nurturing young companies and financing innovation during early development phases. My objective involves helping those firms scale globally once they move beyond the initial stage. Access to American capital markets, technological ecosystems and venture expertise allows promising European start-ups to expand rapidly. Expansion to the United States strengthens both of our economies. Luxembourg’s ecosystem produces ambitious innovators capable of transforming entire industries. Supporting their global growth through transatlantic cooperation amplifies that impact.
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