Your Weekly Recap for 9–13 September.
Here are five things you should know at the end of this week:
- Education Ministry announces smartphone ban in primary schools
- Luxembourg Red Cross worker arrested on human trafficking suspicions
- Luxembourg assures smooth cross-border commutes amid Germany's new checks
- Harris emerges strong from presidential debate as Trump refuses second round
- ECB eases rates while pleading for sweeping economic reforms
1. Education Ministry announces smartphone ban in primary schools
The Education Minister on Thursday announced a smartphone ban in primary schools and state-run drop-in centres from Easter 2025 due to concerns about excessive use among children, while secondary schools will have flexibility in implementing their own policies.
- The SEW teachers' union has previously called for stricter mobile phone restrictions, reduced reliance on digital devices in classrooms, and more support for teachers facing challenging situations.
- Primary school enrolment in Luxembourg has increased by 10% over the past six years, with nearly 62,500 students starting the new school year, supported by a predominantly female teaching workforce.
Surprise announcement – Luxembourg's Education Minister, Claude Meisch, Thursday announced that starting after the Easter holidays in 2025, smartphones will be banned in all primary schools and state-run drop-in centres, known as 'maisons relais'. The decision stems from concerns over the negative impacts of excessive smartphone use among children, including distractions and potential effects on social development.
While the plan's specifics are still under discussion, the government is committed to reducing screen time for young students. For secondary schools, Meisch indicated that smartphone use during classes should be restricted, but individual schools will be allowed to develop their own strategies and may choose to implement a complete ban, as has recently been done by the European school.
A known issue – The Education and Science Union (SEW) has previously been advocating for stricter rules around mobile phone use in classrooms and a broader reduction in the reliance on digital technology, such as tablets and computers. The union argues that these measures will help maintain focus on traditional learning methods and reduce classroom distractions.
Additionally, the SEW is pushing for better support systems for teachers, especially those dealing with crisis situations or challenging students. They emphasise the need for more advanced notice about students with special needs, better integration support for struggling children, and specific training opportunities for part-time teachers and those entering the profession from non-teaching backgrounds.
A growing sector – Luxembourg's primary schools have experienced a 10% increase in enrolment over the past six years, with around 62,500 children enrolled for the current school year. This growth reflects a steady demand for public education, as 90% of these students attend public schools. In contrast, nearly 20% of secondary education students are now enrolled in private institutions.
The teaching workforce in Luxembourg's primary schools comprises mainly women, who make up 81% of the teachers, with a strong civil servant presence. The increasing enrolment rates also led to a rise in available places at state and non-state-affiliated educational facilities, indicating a continuous expansion of Luxembourg's educational infrastructure.
2. Luxembourg Red Cross worker arrested on human trafficking suspicions
A member of the Colombian Red Cross observes the students at the Jose Maria Obando school take part in an emergency drill. / © AFP
A Luxembourg Red Cross employee, a Colombian native living in Arlon, was arrested on suspicion of leading a major human trafficking and sexual exploitation network in Europe and Belgium for the past 20 years.
She allegedly collaborated with her partner and accomplices in Cali, Colombia, to lure people to Europe and force them into prostitution; her arrest was part of an international operation involving multiple countries.
Former colleagues described her as having left a good impression, and she previously worked as a staff delegate for the OGBL trade union at Zeeman until 2018.
Trafficking ring leader – The arrested employee of the Luxembourg Red Cross is a Colombian native residing in Arlon near the Luxembourg border. She has been accused of being the mastermind behind one of the largest human trafficking and sexual exploitation networks operating in Europe and Belgium for the past two decades. Her role allegedly involved organising and overseeing the recruitment of vulnerable individuals who were subsequently trafficked into Europe and coerced into prostitution.
Coordinated operation – The woman reportedly worked in conjunction with her partner and a network of accomplices based in Cali, Colombia. Together, they are accused of deceiving individuals with promises of a better life in Europe, only to exploit them upon arrival. Her arrest was the result of a coordinated international law enforcement effort involving authorities from Colombia, Belgium, Spain, and the United States, highlighting the global scale and complexity of the human trafficking network.
No red flags – Despite the severe allegations, former colleagues have expressed shock, noting that she had always left a positive impression in her professional interactions. Up until 2018, she was also actively involved in labor rights, serving as a staff delegate for the OGBL trade union at a Zeeman retail outlet.
3. Luxembourg assures smooth cross-border commutes amid Germany's new checks
A police officer checks a car at the Kiefersfelden border crossing. / © AFP
Germany will implement temporary border controls at all land borders from 16 September to curb irregular migration, address terrorist threats, and reduce cross-border crime.
Luxembourg's Home Affairs Minister Léon Gloden reassures that these controls will not disrupt cross-border commuters in the Greater Region, especially across the Moselle River.
The extended controls are part of Germany's response to recent Islamist attacks and public pressure, with new measures also including tighter knife controls and expanded options for turning back migrants.
Responding to concerns and pressure – Starting from 16 September, Germany will implement temporary border controls at all its land borders for an initial period of six months. This decision, announced by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, aims to curb irregular migration, tackle Islamist terrorism threats, and combat cross-border crime. The move follows a series of security incidents, including a deadly knife attack in Solingen, and comes amid growing public concern and political pressure on the government to address immigration and security issues.
The extended controls will affect Germany's borders with all nine neighbouring countries, including France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Austria, and have been notified to the European Commission.
In a further response, the Scholz government is also proposing tighter knife regulations and tougher rules for illegal migrants. These measures reflect Germany's attempt to enhance national security while awaiting the implementation of the new EU-wide asylum and migration laws set for 2026.
Limited impacts expected at Luxembourg border – Luxembourg's Minister for Home Affairs has assured that the upcoming German border controls will not significantly affect cross-border commuters in the Greater Region, especially those crossing the Moselle River. After receiving a letter from German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, Gloden explained that the controls would primarily target built-up areas and would not interfere with daily commuters. He emphasised that the measures would be implemented in a way that respects the established cross-border traffic, minimising disruptions to the free movement of people and goods in the region.
4. Harris emerges strong from presidential debate as Trump refuses second round
Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump walks away during a commercial break as US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris take notes during their debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on 10 September. / © AFP
In a heated debate, Kamala Harris managed to put Donald Trump on the defensive, earning praise from commentators and a surprise endorsement from Taylor Swift.
The debate featured contentious exchanges on issues like abortion, immigration, and democracy, with both candidates making several disputed claims that were later fact-checked.
Following the debate, Trump refused to participate in another debate with Harris, while both candidates focused on key swing states ahead of the November election.
Long-awaited showdown – During the first and only scheduled presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, Harris effectively challenged Trump on various contentious issues, causing him to become visibly agitated and defensive. Her assertive performance won her praise from political commentators and viewers, with many snap polls showing her as having had the upper hand. The debate also garnered unexpected support from pop star Taylor Swift, who endorsed Harris on social media, praising her leadership and giving her campaign a significant cultural boost.
Misleading claims all around – The debate was marked by intense clashes on hot-button topics such as abortion, immigration, and the state of American democracy. Trump repeatedly attacked Harris with inflammatory rhetoric, while Harris countered by calling out his "extreme" views and factually incorrect statements.
Both candidates made several debatable claims, including Trump’s false assertion about migrants eating pets in Ohio and his misleading statements on inflation, which were later scrutinised and debunked by fact-checkers. Harris also faced fact-checking, particularly regarding her claim that Trump left the Democrats "the worst unemployment since the Great Depression", which was found to be misleading.
As close as it gets – Following the clash, Trump announced he would not participate in any further debates with Harris, claiming he won despite polls indicating otherwise. Both candidates have since turned their focus to critical battleground states, where the election is expected to be decided by a narrow margin. Harris, energised by her perceived debate win, has adopted a more aggressive campaign strategy, while Trump continues to double down on his attacks, hoping to rally his base in a tightly contested race.
5. ECB eases rates while pleading for sweeping economic reforms
European Central Bank (ECB) president Christine Lagarde addresses a press conference on the Eurozone's monetary policy, at the ECB headquarters in Frankfurt am Main on 12 September. / © AFP
The European Central Bank (ECB) cut its key interest rate to 3.5% as inflation cools, while President Christine Lagarde emphasised a "data-dependent" approach for future rate decisions.
Lagarde endorsed a report by her predecessor Mario Draghi, calling for significant EU reforms to enhance industrial investment and innovation.
Despite signs of easing inflation, the ECB warned of potential economic risks, including a slowing global economy and geopolitical tensions, impacting the eurozone's growth outlook.
Second successive cut – On Thursday, the ECB cut its key deposit rate by a quarter point to 3.5% amid easing inflation, marking the second rate reduction since June after a period of aggressive rate hikes that started in 2022 to combat high consumer prices. ECB President Christine Lagarde highlighted a "data-dependent" strategy, indicating that future rate decisions would be made based on incoming economic data. She acknowledged progress in reducing inflation but cautioned that the fight is not over, with potential for inflation to rise again due to factors like wage growth.
Ambitious investment plan – Lagarde endorsed a comprehensive report by former ECB President Mario Draghi, which calls for sweeping reforms to boost the European Union's economic competitiveness. The report suggests increasing industrial investment by hundreds of billions of euros annually and enhancing innovation to keep up with major global players like the United States and China. Lagarde urged EU governments to seriously consider these recommendations to strengthen the EU economy in the face of current and future challenges.
Fragility remains – While the ECB's recent actions reflect a more positive outlook on inflation, which has recently dropped to its lowest level in over three years, the central bank remains cautious about the eurozone's economic future. Lagarde pointed out several risks, including a slowing global economy, trade tensions, and geopolitical conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Additionally, signs of economic weakness, such as Germany's unexpected contraction in the second quarter, suggest that the eurozone's recovery may be slower and more fragile than hoped.
The best of... 📚
- Business & Tech – Sony said Tuesday it would launch an upgraded version of its flagship games console with better graphics and AI capabilities on 7 November, calling it the PlayStation 5 Pro.
- Science & Environment – A pioneering private crew made history Thursday by performing the first commercial spacewalk, with NASA hailing it as "a giant leap forward" for the space industry.
- Entertainment – Grammy-winning rock star Jon Bon Jovi became a real-life hero this week when he helped rescue a distressed woman from the edge of a bridge in Nashville, Tennessee.
- Sport – Paris Saint-Germain refused Thursday to pay departed striker Kylian Mbappe a disputed €55 million despite a French league order to do so earlier in the day.
And in case you missed it... ⚠️
- Schueberfouer ends – The 2024 Schueberfouer concluded with a spectacular fireworks display after drawing an impressive two million visitors over 20 days on Wednesday, marking another successful year for Luxembourg's largest funfair despite challenging weather conditions.
- Retirement disparity – Luxembourg has the third-largest gender pension gap in the EU, with women over 65 receiving 38% less pension than men, highlighting persistent inequalities in retirement income influenced by part-time work, caregiving responsibilities, and systemic disparities.
- Near drowning incident – A tense meeting between the parents of a boy who nearly drowned, the lifeguard, and local councillors took place on Tuesday at the Vianden municipality to clarify the circumstances in which little Jayden was saved in the nick of time at the local swimming pool on 30 August.
- Housing dispute – Esch-sur-Alzette will not contest a recent court decision that lifts the city's prohibition on installing 'granny flats' in single-family homes, after a successful challenge by a local homeowner.
Your Weekly Recap is published every Friday at noon. Read earlier versions.
