Luxembourg - April 2025

On 2 April, Parliament passed legislation extending full adoption rights—which legally severs ties with the child’s biological family—to people in civil partnerships, cohabiting couples, and single people. Previously, full adoption was only available to married couples. The reform also requires minors to consent to their adoption, provided they are capable of making an informed decision. Previously, only children aged 15 and over needed to be consulted prior to adoption. The legislation, introduced by the Justice Ministry in 2023, was approved with 55 votes in favour and 5 abstentions. In a press release, the government stated that the reform aims to strengthen children’s rights, while promoting equality of the treatment for adults wishing to adopt, irrespective of marital status. The parliamentary Justice Committee underscored the law’s steps towards ensuring anyone capable of providing a stable family can adopt. The law entered into force on 20 April. 

Sources: RTL, Luxembourg Times, Virgule, Chamber of Deputies, The Luxembourg Government