Introduction: Founded in 963, Luxembourg became a grand duchy in 1815 and an independent state under the Netherlands. It lost more than half of its territory to Belgium in 1839 but gained a larger measure of autonomy. Full independence was attained in 1867. Overrun by Germany in both world wars, it ended its neutrality in 1948 when it entered into the Benelux Customs Union and when it joined NATO the following year. In 1957, Luxembourg became one of the six founding countries of the European Economic Community (later the European Union), and in 1999 it joined the euro currency...

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Foreign Relations: Luxembourg is a strong supporter of multinational organisations as they assist in the attainment of policy goals and increase its influence. Luxembourg is one of six founding members of the European Union. Luxembourg is a signatory to the Brussels Treaty providing for collective self defence between its members, a NATO member and a founding member of the Council of Europe. Luxembourg held the Presidency of the EU from January to June 2005. On 29 May 2008 Luxembourg's Parliament voted by an overwhelming majority to approve the Lisbon (EU Reform) Treaty. Luxembourg plays host to several European institutions including the Secretariat-General ...

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