Press Release
For Immediate Release
Date: November 12, 2024
Zentrum fir Urban Gerechtegkeet (ZUG) Celebrates Legal Win in Fight for Transparency and Pedestrian Safety
In a major win for public accountability and urban justice, the Tribunal administratif has ruled in favor of Zentrum fir Urban Gerechtegkeet (ZUG) asbl, declaring that critical information on pedestrian safety must be accessible to the public. This decision, issued on November 11, 2024, reaffirms the right of all residents to hold their city accountable for safe and equitable urban planning.
ZUG initiated legal action after the Ville de Luxembourg (VdL) repeatedly refused to disclose documents detailing safety assessments of pedestrian crossings. Despite VdL’s resistance, the Tribunal has now ordered the release of these documents, validating ZUG’s claims and supporting a more transparent, democratic approach to public safety.
The court confirmed that the administration does not benefit from an unchecked right to withhold information as it pleases. The court stressed that for any specific request to be refused, the administration must provide explicit justification, grounded in legally defined exemptions—such as national security concerns—that genuinely apply. In ZUG’s case, VdL failed to provide such reasoning, instead broadly resting its case on blanket statements such as “internal documents = no communication.” The court further noted that the requested documents contained no information that might compromise the administration’s functions or public safety. In fact, it recognized the public value in ZUG’s work to enhance pedestrian safety. As a result, the court ordered that these documents be made public, firmly rejecting VdL’s stance across virtually all key points of its argument.
“This decision is a victory for transparency, accountability, and the basic right to public safety,” said Federico Gentile, ZUG. “Today, we are reminded that when we come together, we can reclaim our right to a city that works for everyone.”
The verdict also reveals that there is no trace whatsoever of any (informal) agreement between the MMTP and the VdL, a claim which the city used to justify delayed action in making pedestrian crosswalks compliant with the law – and therefore safer. Years of valuable time have been lost. ZUG demands swift and concrete action from the VdL in order to bring all remaining pedestrian crosswalks up to code. There is no excuse.
ZUG is looking forward to the VdL complying with this ruling and the release of the required documents without delay. Transparency and community empowerment are the cornerstones of a just society. ZUG calls on residents, advocates, and organizations to join in the push for a city that is safe, accessible, and responsive to its people’s needs.
Zentrum fir Urban Gerechtegkeet ASBL will continue to challenge practices that undermine public oversight and perpetuate exclusion. Together, we are forging a Luxembourg that places justice, transparency, and human dignity above all else.
The Ville de Luxembourg has until December 23, 2024, to appeal this decision.
Contact:
Zentrum fir Urban Gerechtegkeet a.s.b.l
info@zug.lu