Your Weekly Recap for 23–27 September.

Here are five things you should know at the end of this week:

  • Pope Francis captivates Luxembourg during historic visit
  • El Mordjene spread still on shelves in Luxembourg despite EU ban
  • ING denies second wave of account closures amid branch restructuring
  • Diplomatic efforts in vain as Israel vows to continue Lebanon offensive
  • Refugees flee Sudan civil war amid international de-escalation efforts

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Here are the top five news stories in Luxembourg this week! Read the full recap on rtltoday.lu #luxembourgnews #newsinluxembourg #luxembourg #weeklyrecap

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1. Pope Francis captivates Luxembourg during historic visit

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Pope Francis and Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich riding through Luxembourg City in the Popemobile. / © AFP

Historic visit – Thursday marked the first time in nearly four decades that a Pope has visited the Grand Duchy. The event was briefly thought to be in jeopardy after the Pope cancelled all of his Monday appointments due to illness, but by Wednesday it had become clear that preparations were able to move forward as the Vatican confirmed the trip to Luxembourg.

Pope Francis arrived at Findel airport shortly before 10am, where he was greeted by state officials before driving to an audience at the Grand Ducal Palace. This engagement was followed with a speech at Cercle Cité, where the Pope notably called on Luxembourg to increase its birthrate, a suggestion for which he has since been criticised.

Highlights – Despite unfavourable weather conditions, the Pope later took a ride across town in his iconic Popemobile, accompanied by Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, waving to spectators who came to see the Pope with their own eyes. Pope Francis later surprised officials with a spontaneous espresso run to a Luxembourg City café, where he left a lasting impression, as well as a generous tip.

The final engagement was a ceremony with the Catholic community at the Cathedral, where a donation from the Luxembourg Catholic church went back and forth as the Pope gave the check back to support refugees and migrants in the Grand Duchy.

Activists interrupt – Three animal rights activists from PETA disrupted his procession on Pont Adolphe by charging towards the Popemobile. The protesters, wearing T-shirts with anti-bullfighting messages, were quickly apprehended by the Swiss Guard and local police. The activists were detained, but no injuries occurred, and the Pope's journey resumed shortly after. This protest aligns with PETA's campaign against bullfighting and their criticism of the Church's perceived tolerance of the practice.

The Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS) reported nine interventions, resulting in nine minor injuries, with two people hospitalised.

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2. El Mordjene spread still on shelves in Luxembourg despite EU ban

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A photo taken in Algiers, Algeria, shows 'El Mordjene' chocolate and hazelnut spread for sale in a supermarket. / © AFP

Viral spread – Despite a European Union ban on the Algerian hazelnut spread El Mordjene due to its failure to meet food safety standards, the product remains available in several stores across Luxembourg, particularly in Esch-sur-Alzette. The spread went viral on social media, boosting its demand, but the Luxembourg government has emphasised that its sale and import are strictly prohibited under EU regulations.

Defying the ban – The hype surrounding El Mordjene has led to a significant price increase, with jars being sold at exorbitant rates. Consumers are willing to pay high prices, and some even travel to obtain the spread, defying the ban. Shop owners in Luxembourg are capitalising on this demand, although the product is no longer legally available in stores throughout the EU.

No exceptions – Luxembourg authorities have initiated efforts to enforce the ban, conducting inspections in local stores. The government is working with French authorities to understand how the spread entered the market and to determine possible penalties for resellers. Despite these efforts, no fines have been issued yet, but the authorities remain firm that Luxembourg will comply fully with EU food safety rules, with no exceptions.

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3. ING denies second wave of account closures amid branch restructuring

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ING logo. / © AFP

  • ING has denied rumours of a second wave of client account closures, confirming that no additional closures are planned despite earlier reports.

  • The bank is instead focusing on restructuring its physical presence by closing three appointment-only branches in Kirchberg, Cloche d'Or, and Rodange, reallocating staff to larger branches.

  • ING's current strategy is to concentrate on personal, private, and wholesale banking, with a commitment to improving personalised services while ensuring no job losses or further account closures.

Rumours denied – ING has firmly denied recent rumours that it would initiate a second wave of client account closures. Earlier reports had suggested that an additional 15,000 clients might be affected, raising concerns among the public and industry professionals. However, ING clarified in a statement that no further closures are planned, reassuring clients that the situation would not mirror the earlier shutdown of around 30,000 accounts earlier in the year. The bank emphasised that it remains committed to maintaining clear communication with stakeholders.

Restructuring underway – While ruling out further account closures, ING confirmed it will close three of its appointment-only branches located in Kirchberg, Cloche d'Or, and Rodange by the end of November 2024. The bank is reallocating staff from these branches to larger offices in key areas such as Esch-sur-Alzette, Ettelbruck, and Strassen, where client services can be centralised. ING has described the restructuring as a strategy of consolidating its physical banking operations to better serve clients through fewer but more comprehensive locations.

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4. Diplomatic efforts in vain as Israel vows to continue Lebanon offensive

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Lebanese Red Cross teams conducted search and rescue operations in the rubble of collapsed buildings following an Israeli army attack in Nabatieh province of southern Lebanon on 27 September. / © AFP

No pause in sight – Despite efforts by international allies to broker a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon, Israel firmly rejected the proposal, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisting on continuing military operations against Hezbollah until a decisive victory is achieved. The ceasefire plan was presented as a means to prevent further escalation, but Netanyahu has prioritised neutralising Hezbollah, indicating that diplomatic negotiations alone would not halt Israel's military actions.

Fears of regional war confirmed – Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon have led to widespread destruction, with over 700 people killed in recent days and thousands displaced. Hezbollah has retaliated by launching rocket attacks into Israeli territory, increasing fears of a full-scale regional war. As a result of the intensified conflict, humanitarian concerns have surged, with mass displacement and civilian casualties mounting on both sides of the border.

Military aid – The US and France have been leading efforts to mediate peace, proposing a ceasefire to provide humanitarian relief and open space for diplomacy. However, Israel's ongoing military operations, supported by a newly secured $8.7 billion US aid package, underline the country's determination to continue its campaign against Hezbollah. Diplomatic efforts remain critical, but Israel's rejection of the ceasefire proposal and continued military buildup suggest that a peaceful resolution is distant amid ongoing hostilities in both Lebanon and Gaza.

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5. Refugees flee Sudan civil war amid international de-escalation efforts

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Smoke billows during air strikes in central Khartoum as the Sudanese army attacks positions held by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) throughout the Sudanese capital on 26 September. / © AFP

  • Sudan's ongoing civil war, which began in April 2023, has displaced over 10 million people, with 2 million fleeing to neighbouring countries, and sparked fears of a wider refugee crisis reaching Europe.

  • UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi and other leaders have criticised the international community for insufficient aid and attention, warning of severe humanitarian crises, including famine and ethnic violence in Darfur.

  • Global leaders, including US President Biden and UN Secretary-General Guterres, have called for an immediate ceasefire and urged foreign powers to stop arming the rival Sudanese factions to prevent further escalation and regional spillover.

Refugee crisis – Since the civil war erupted in Sudan in April 2023, over 10 million people have been displaced, with 2 million refugees fleeing to neighbouring countries such as Chad, South Sudan, Egypt, and Libya. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has caused widespread destruction, forcing refugees to seek safety, including in regions as far as Uganda and even Europe. The situation has strained neighbouring countries and raised concerns about a potential migrant crisis similar to those seen in the Mediterranean region.

International inaction – UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi has strongly criticised the global community for its lack of attention to Sudan's humanitarian crisis. Despite the war's devastating impact, with widespread famine, ethnic violence, and severe food insecurity affecting millions, international aid has been insufficient. In regions like Darfur, entire populations are suffering under sieges and targeted attacks by militias. Grandi noted that this crisis has largely been overshadowed by other global conflicts, such as in Ukraine and Gaza, despite its significant human cost.

Ironic pleas – Global leaders, including US President Joe Biden and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, have called for an end to foreign interference in Sudan's war. They urged external powers to stop providing weapons to both sides, as these arms have exacerbated the violence and prolonged the conflict. Countries like the UAE have been accused of supporting the RSF, while the Sudanese army has reportedly received backing from other nations. Diplomatic efforts have focused on halting the conflict and addressing the risk of a regional spillover that could destabilise surrounding areas.

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The best of... 📚

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And in case you missed it... ⚠️

  • HousingAfter five consecutive quarters of decline, Luxembourg's real estate market is showing signs of recovery with a 1% rise in activity during the second trimester of 2024, though overall property prices remain significantly lower than pre-crisis levels.

  • Automotive production A new production line for high-tech glass roofs, primarily used in the automotive industry, officially opened in Grevenmacher, making it one of the most modern production lines in the world.

  • EducationThe French literacy pilot programme, now in its third year, is receiving positive feedback from teachers and parents alike, with students at Schifflange's Nelly Stein school gaining confidence and language proficiency ahead of a planned nationwide rollout by 2026.

  • Environment – Xavier Turquin has taken the helm as the new director of Greenpeace Luxembourg, aiming to push for environmental responsibility in Luxembourg's financial sector and drive societal change towards sustainability.

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Your Weekly Recap is published every Friday at noon. Read earlier versions.