Here are five things you should know at the end of this week:
Schueberfouer stall owners face significant challenges due to rising wholesale product costs, particularly cooking oil and increased staff expenses, though they strive to minimise price hikes for consumers.
Rising costs – As the Schueberfouer prepares to open, stall owners are grappling with significantly higher costs for wholesale products, with some prices doubling and others increasing by 10–20%. Cooking oil, essential for preparing popular fair foods like battered fish, chips, and churros, has become notably more expensive, adding to the financial strain.
Additionally, staff expenses have surged due to three wage indexations last year, making it one of the largest costs for operators. Despite these challenges, many stall owners are making efforts to avoid passing these costs on to consumers, with some maintaining their prices and others only making slight adjustments.
Uncertainty dominates – The municipality has been considerate in maintaining stable rental costs for exhibitors at the Schueberfouer, even absorbing millions of euros in costs to support them. However, there is growing concern about the potential impact of increased electricity, water, and gas prices, as each stand, game, and restaurant is individually metered. The uncertainty is heightened by the fact that last year’s invoices have not yet been delivered, leaving stall owners unsure about what to expect in terms of utility costs for this year’s event.
Inconsistent rules – A regulation in the Labour Code that prohibits minors from working at the Schueberfouer has sparked criticism from some restaurant operators. They argue that the fair offers young people valuable opportunities to earn significant money quickly through honest work, which they often save for major life milestones like a driving license or a first car.
Critics of the regulation, including Democratic Party MP Barbara Agostino, also point out the inconsistency that minors are allowed to consume alcohol at the event from age 16 while being barred from working there until they are 18. This restriction, they argue, deprives young people of important professional and social experiences.
A dog kennel in southern Luxembourg is under investigation by the Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) following the deaths of five dogs under suspicious circumstances.
ALVA has confirmed that the kennel lacked the required ministerial authorisation to operate, and autopsies are being conducted to determine the exact causes of the dogs’ deaths.
The Agriculture Ministry advises pet owners to verify the authorisation of any kennel before using their services, as operating without a permit can lead to severe legal penalties, including imprisonment and fines up to €200,000.
Investigation launched – Authorities in Luxembourg are investigating a dog kennel in the southern part of the country after five dogs died in suspicious circumstances. The Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) launched the investigation to determine whether the kennel was operating without the necessary legal authorisation. The deaths, which occurred within a short period, have raised significant concerns about the facility’s compliance with animal care regulations, prompting further scrutiny by officials.
First insights – ALVA has confirmed that the kennel did not have the required permit to operate, a serious violation of Luxembourg’s regulations for pet boarding establishments. As part of the ongoing investigation, a team from ALVA has been despatched to the facility to conduct a thorough inspection. Additionally, autopsies have been ordered for the deceased dogs to determine the precise causes of their deaths, which reportedly occurred under varied circumstances.
Safety advice – In response to this incident, the Agriculture Ministry is urging pet owners to ensure that any kennel they consider using is properly licensed. This advisory is crucial, as operating without a permit can result in severe legal consequences, including imprisonment for up to three years and fines that can reach €200,000. The Ministry recommends that customers not only ask for proof of authorisation from the kennel operators, but also personally inspect the facilities to ensure the safety and well-being of their pets.
The Luxembourg Consumer Protection Association (ULC) has criticised a 60% increase in waste collection fees by SIDEC, calling the hike disproportionate and demanding transparency.
SIDEC responded by explaining that current waste collection taxes no longer cover operational costs, leading to the fee increase, which was approved in a meeting in April 2024.
The new rates, effective retroactively from July 2024, will significantly raise the annual cost for residents, with the price of collecting a 60-litre bin increasing from €86 to €137.60.
Strong disapproval – The Luxembourg Consumer Protection Association (ULC) has expressed strong disapproval of the recent 60% increase in waste collection fees imposed by SIDEC, the inter-communal syndicate responsible for waste management in northern Luxembourg. The ULC described the increase as “totally disproportionate and unacceptable”, accusing SIDEC of profiteering and lacking transparency in its decision-making process.
ULC President Nico Hoffmann highlighted concerns over SIDEC’s financial management, pointing out that the syndicate had not published an annual report since 2021 and questioning the justification for the substantial fee hike. The ULC has called for an independent audit to scrutinise SIDEC’s rate structure and ensure that any necessary increases are implemented gradually.
Counterclaims – In response to the ULC’s criticism, SIDEC defended its decision to raise waste collection fees, explaining that the existing taxes no longer cover the costs associated with their services. According to SIDEC, the financial shortfall has been exacerbated by a significant rise in operating expenses, particularly for the mechanical-biological pre-treatment of household waste, which saw costs jump from €300,000 to €1.3 million within a year.
SIDEC revealed that despite careful financial planning, their revenue of €3.245 million fell short of the €4.138 million in expenditures, necessitating the fee increase. The syndicate emphasised that the new rates were approved and communicated to member municipalities after thorough deliberation.
Price increase overdue – The newly adjusted waste collection rates, which retroactively took effect from 1 July 2024, represent a significant cost increase for residents in northern Luxembourg. The price for collecting a standard 60-litre bin has risen from €86 to €137.60 annually, marking a 59.3% hike. This new rate replaces the previous fee, which had been unchanged since 2015.
SIDEC noted that the delay in implementing the new rates was due to the local election process and the subsequent appointment of new syndicate delegates. The rate increase, which was affirmed by a 35-to-1 vote in April 2024, is expected to cover the rising operational costs and address the financial deficits faced by the waste management syndicate.
At the Democratic National Convention, President Joe Biden gave an emotional farewell speech, passing the torch to Kamala Harris, who he urged voters to support against Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
Kamala Harris officially accepted the Democratic presidential nomination, pledging to unify Americans and offering a “new way forward” while strongly criticising Trump and vowing to stand firm on key issues like Ukraine and the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The convention featured high-profile endorsements from figures like Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey, emphasising Harris’ readiness for the presidency and rallying support from the Democratic base.
Passing the torch – At the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, President Joe Biden delivered an emotional farewell speech, marking the end of his five-decade political career. In his address, Biden reflected on his achievements and expressed his deep love for the country, emphasising that stepping aside was the right choice to prevent Donald Trump from returning to office. He strongly endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris, as the party’s nominee, urging voters to support her in the November election. The speech was met with a prolonged ovation as he passed the leadership mantle to Harris.
Ready on day one – Harris officially accepted the Democratic presidential nomination, promising to lead the country with unity and a forward-looking vision. In her acceptance speech, Harris called for Americans to move beyond the divisiveness of the past and embrace a “new way forward”.
She contrasted her approach with that of Donald Trump, whom she criticised for pulling the country backward and serving only his personal interests. Harris also addressed key issues such as economic opportunity, personal freedoms, and foreign policy, positioning herself as a leader ready to take on the challenges of the presidency from day one.
Energy and excitement – The Democratic National Convention was energised by endorsements from prominent figures like former President Barack Obama and media icon Oprah Winfrey, who both passionately support Harris’ candidacy. Obama lauded Harris as a fighter for the people, declaring that she was ready to lead the country, while Winfrey called on voters to choose “joy” and common sense by electing Harris.
The convention, filled with celebrity appearances and enthusiastic support, underscored the party’s unity and optimism as they rallied around Harris, drawing strong parallels to the excitement of Obama’s 2008 campaign.
A luxury super yacht owned by UK tech tycoon Mike Lynch sank off the coast of Sicily during a sudden storm on Monday, with six people, including Lynch and his daughter, initially reported missing, and five bodies recovered so far.
The yacht was struck by a waterspout while anchored, leading to its rapid sinking, and Italian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, with questions about possible errors in the response to the forecasted bad weather.
Lynch, a prominent entrepreneur recently acquitted in a major US fraud case, was on board with several guests celebrating the acquittal, and his body was among those found by rescue divers.
Tragedy strikes – A luxury super yacht owned by UK tech tycoon Mike Lynch sank off the coast of Sicily during a violent storm in the early hours of 19 August. The yacht, named Bayesian, was anchored about 700m from the Porticello port when it was struck by a waterspout, a powerful rotating column of air and water.
The incident resulted in six people, including Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, being reported missing. Over the following days, search teams recovered five bodies from the wreck, bringing the death toll to six, with Lynch’s body among those found.
Protocols under scrutiny – The Bayesian sank quickly after being hit by the waterspout, raising questions about the response to the storm, which had been forecasted. Italian authorities have opened an investigation into the incident, focusing on potential errors that may have contributed to the tragedy.
Reports suggest that the ship may have taken on water rapidly, possibly due to a short circuit or other structural failure, trapping passengers below deck. The investigation is also examining whether standard safety protocols, such as gathering passengers at a pre-arranged assembly point and closing all doors and hatches, were properly followed.
Recovery efforts ongoing – Lynch, a prominent figure in the tech sector, had recently been acquitted in a major US fraud case involving the sale of his software company, Autonomy, to Hewlett-Packard. To celebrate this legal victory, Lynch invited friends and family on board the Bayesian for a cruise along the Sicilian coast.
The guests included several high-profile individuals, some of whom also perished in the disaster. The tragic incident has cast a shadow over what was intended to be a celebratory event, with Lynch’s body among those recovered from the wreckage as rescue efforts continue.
Business & Tech – Microsoft held its biggest video game stand ever at the sector trade show Gamescom in Germany on Wednesday, aiming to win over players after several rocky months of studio closures and rising fees.
Science & Environment – The European Union said Thursday that two water bomber planes were headed for the Atlantic island of Madeira to bolster firefighting efforts following an emergency request from the Portuguese government.
Entertainment – Jennifer Lopez has filed for divorce from Ben Affleck, US media reported Tuesday, two years after the Hollywood power couple officially gave love a second chance by tying the knot.
EU politics – Prime Minister Luc Frieden has confirmed he will nominate the CSV’s Christophe Hansen to serve as the Grand Duchy’s EU commissioner for the upcoming EU parliamentary term.
Pirate Party in turmoil – Pirate Party co-speaker Starsky Flor responded with disappointment to the recent departures of two of their municipal councillors, stressing the need for open dialogue and shared responsibility to steer the party through its current crisis.
Travel – Luxembourg’s residents are avid travellers, ranking first in the EU for the number of touristic nights per year, with a strong preference for European destinations and significant spending on holidays, according to recent STATEC data.
Your Weekly Recap is published every Friday at noon. Read earlier versions.
