GDP growth is projected to slow to 0.8% in 2023 from 1.6% in 2022 before picking up to 2% in 2024. Measured activity in the key financial and insurance services sector is weakening, and tightening financial conditions are slowing private investment. Domestic consumption will sustain activity in 2023 and 2024, and a partial recovery in net exports and investment will boost growth in 2024.
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Read full country noteLuxembourg recovered quickly from the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to extensive policy support. However, the impact of the war in Ukraine is exacerbating inflationary pressures, alongside labour market shortages. This highlights the importance of boosting the resilience of the Luxembourgish economy. Longer-term fiscal sustainability challenges should be addressed by improving the efficiency of public spending through regular spending reviews, limiting early exit from the labour market and undertaking much-needed pension reform. Removing disincentives to work and strengthening the effectiveness of active labour market policies, in particular for older workers and disadvantaged youth, would boost employment and lower skill mismatches. Digital skills need to improve and life-long learning should be strengthened. Increasing private R&D spending, improving diffusion of digitalisation, especially for small firms, and reducing the regulatory burden would support productivity growth and economic diversification. Reaching the climate objective of net zero emissions by 2050 will require bold policy action, requiring a clear carbon pricing path and adjustments to urbanisation and transport policies.
The recovery after the COVID-19 crisis requires a prompt labour market rebound and addressing skill shortages that weighed on firm growth and innovation prior to the crisis. Sustainable public infrastructure investment can improve environmental outcomes. Improving housing affordability and labour market participation of women will render the recovery more inclusive.
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Read full country note2021 Structural Reform Priorities