Bilateral relations

A Shared Way of Thinking

Neither Luxembourg nor Singapore has vast natural resources or large domestic markets. Instead, both countries have invested in what matters most: people, knowledge, and strong institutions.

Luxembourg has been at the heart of European integration since the creation of the European Communities in 1957, while Singapore has played a central role in regional cooperation since becoming a founding member of ASEAN in 1967. Through these regional frameworks, both countries have built outward-looking, resilient economies shaped by trade, innovation, and connectivity.

Strong and Growing Bilateral Relations

Luxembourg and Singapore established diplomatic relations on 17 March 1975. Since then, the partnership has steadily deepened through regular political dialogue, expanding economic cooperation, and growing people-to-people exchanges.

The year 2025 marked an important milestone: the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. This historic moment was celebrated with high-level exchanges, including the State Visit of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam of Singapore to Luxembourg in March 2025, which reaffirmed the strength of the partnership and set the course for future cooperation.

Economic ties between the two countries continue to expand, supported by strong connections in financial services, trade, and investment, as well as emerging fields such as innovation, sustainability, and digital technologies.

A new chapter began on 1 December 2025, when Luxembourg officially established its resident Embassy in Singapore. This step reflects Luxembourg’s long-term commitment to deepening engagement with Singapore and the wider Southeast Asian region, and to supporting the many businesses, professionals, and partners who connect our two countries.

A Dynamic, Service-Driven Economic Relationship

Economic exchanges between Luxembourg and Singapore reflect the highly international and service-oriented nature of both economies. In 2024, bilateral trade totaled more than €9 billion, driven by services such as financial activities, business solutions, and other high-value sectors.

A diversified Partnership

Financial services have long connected Luxembourg and Singapore, but the relationship today is much broader and continues to grow.

Businesses from around the world use Luxembourg as a gateway to Europe and Singapore as a gateway to Asia. This creates natural bridges between companies, entrepreneurs, and investors operating across both regions.

Cooperation is expanding in areas such as digital innovation, logistics, sustainability, and professional services. Universities and research institutions are building partnerships, launching exchanges, and collaborating on projects ranging from smart cities to green technologies.

People themselves form an essential link. Professionals, students, and specialists move between Luxembourg and Singapore, often working in international environments that connect markets and ideas. Tourism adds another human dimension, with both countries known for their quality of life, safety, and cultural richness.

Working Together on the Global Stage

Luxembourg and Singapore frequently share common positions in international affairs. Both support multilateral cooperation, open and rules-based trade, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

They work side by side in the United Nations and other international organizations on issues such as climate action, sustainable development, and digital governance. Both countries were early supporters of the Paris Agreement on climate change adopted in 2015 and remain committed to its implementation.

Luxembourg’s strong voice within the European Union and Singapore’s leadership role within ASEAN further strengthen their partnership. Each country helps the other better understand its regional environment, from European policymaking to Southeast Asia’s dynamic economic landscape.

Part of a Bigger Regional Story

The Luxembourg–Singapore relationship is reinforced by broader ties between the European Union and Singapore. The EU–Singapore Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force on 21 November 2019, complemented by a Digital Trade Agreement which entered into force as recently as 1 February 2026, provides a strong framework for economic cooperation and investment.

At the same time, relations between the European Union and ASEAN have gained strategic depth. In December 2020, the EU and ASEAN elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, reflecting a shared commitment to closer cooperation in areas such as connectivity, digital transformation, sustainable growth, and regional stability.

Within this wider landscape, Luxembourg and Singapore act as practical connectors, helping translate shared regional ambitions into concrete cooperation between Europe and Southeast Asia.