Here are five things you should know at the end of this week:
Luxembourg excels in life expectancy and healthcare coverage but faces growing challenges with youth smoking, vaping, binge drinking, and poor dietary habits.
OECD study – Luxembourg’s life expectancy averages 83 years, ranking among the highest in Europe, and its healthcare system is widely praised for its comprehensive coverage and affordability in a new OECD study. However, concerning trends are emerging among the younger population, with smoking and vaping rates notably rising despite a Europe-wide decline in tobacco use. The country now ranks third in vaping product consumption and fourth in cannabis use among youth, highlighting a growing public health challenge that contrasts sharply with its otherwise positive health indicators.
Child protection measures – The Ombudsman for Children’s Rights has raised alarm over rising mental health issues among Luxembourg’s youth, with depression, anxiety, and eating disorders increasingly prevalent. Poverty, family instability, societal pressures, and online risks like cyber harassment contribute to these challenges. The Ombudsman has called for more robust child protection systems, such as systematic mental health evaluations for vulnerable groups and clearer legal standards to tackle internet-related dangers, including age verification and smartphone usage regulations.
Systemic challenges – Despite the push for inclusive education in Luxembourg, systemic barriers remain, including underfunded programmes and logistical challenges in implementing inclusive practices. The Ombudsman for Children’s Rights insists that inclusion should not be questioned or limited due to these obstacles, arguing that the focus must shift from blaming children with specific needs to addressing failures in the education system.
A former local project manager in Cape Verde misappropriated €74,000 from an OGBL aid organisation, prompting a Luxembourg judiciary investigation and leading to the termination of the “Cenfos” project.
The embezzled funds, co-financed by Luxembourg’s Ministry of Cooperation, will be fully reimbursed by the OGBL’s ‘Solidarité Syndicale’ branch.
The scandal raises uncertainty about the renewal of the OGBL’s development aid agreement with the ministry, amid broader scrutiny following the recent €60 million embezzlement scandal at Caritas.
Funds misappropriated – A former local project manager in Cape Verde is accused of embezzling €74,000 from an OGBL aid organisation managing international trade union projects. The individual, who reportedly worked as a fitness instructor in Luxembourg and now operates a real estate agency in Praia, is currently under investigation by the Luxembourg judiciary. These financial irregularities led to the termination of the ‘Cenfos’ project in Praia last year, highlighting significant discrepancies in its accounts and raising questions about oversight within the programme.
Reimbursement – The stolen funds were part of a project co-financed by Luxembourg’s Ministry of Cooperation, which contributed 80% of the funding. To address the misuse, the OGBL’s ‘Solidarité Syndicale’ branch has committed to fully reimbursing the embezzled amount.
Projects in doubt – The embezzlement scandal casts doubt on the future of OGBL’s development aid initiatives, with its agreement with Luxembourg’s Cooperation and Development Ministry set to expire this year. Given the significant role of OGBL in supporting trade unions in developing countries since 1997, this situation could affect aid projects in other nations such as Bolivia and Ghana. Furthermore, the timing of this scandal, shortly after a €60 million embezzlement was uncovered at Caritas, adds to the scrutiny of aid organisations in Luxembourg.
The municipality of Luxembourg City has appealed an administrative court ruling requiring them to publish pedestrian safety documents requested by the Centre for Urban Justice (ZUG), citing concerns over municipal document protection and public safety.
ZUG alleges that 475 crosswalks violate traffic regulations, while the city claims only 37 are non-compliant, leading to a three-year legal battle over access to safety analysis documents.
Opposition parties criticise the prolonged legal conflict as a waste of public funds, while ZUG maintains that the city’s offered document reviews are insufficient and pledges to continue pursuing transparency.
Formal appeal – The municipality of Luxembourg City has formally objected to a recent administrative court ruling that mandated the publication of pedestrian safety documents requested by the Centre for Urban Justice (ZUG). Mayor Lydie Polfer emphasised that the appeal is not just about pedestrian safety but concerns a broader principle of protecting municipal documents as outlined in the law. The city argues that unrestricted access to internal documents could disrupt the effective functioning of the administration and that the safety-related nature of the requested documents prevents their disclosure to the public.
Background – The dispute between ZUG and VDL centres on the safety compliance of pedestrian crosswalks in Luxembourg City. ZUG contends that 475 crosswalks fail to meet the standards of the Road Traffic Act, while the city counters that only 37 are non-compliant. To substantiate their claim, ZUG requested access to safety documents, which the city has refused to provide in full. The conflict has spanned three years, underscoring the challenges of balancing public safety concerns with administrative transparency. Despite some access being granted, ZUG maintains that the information provided is inadequate to address the larger issue of pedestrian safety.
Opposition dismayed – Opposition parties, including Déi Gréng (The Greens), the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP), Déi Lénk (The Left), and the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR), have voiced frustration with the drawn-out legal proceedings, accusing the city of wasting taxpayer money. François Benoy of The Greens criticised the financial and temporal costs of the dispute, pointing out the irony that the arguments are ultimately funded by the pedestrians whose safety is in question. Meanwhile, ZUG issued a statement reiterating that the city’s invitations to review certain documents fall short of their needs, particularly regarding access to a comprehensive analysis of all crosswalks. They refute claims of non-cooperation and pledge to continue advocating for transparency and accountability in urban planning.
Ukraine reportedly used UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles against Russian targets for the first time, prompting Moscow to accuse the West of direct involvement in the conflict and retaliate with intercontinental ballistic missiles.
The United States, NATO allies, and other countries raised concerns about heightened aggression, including missile attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, while fears of a wider conflict and nuclear threats loom.
Russia claims advances near Donetsk and accuses Ukraine of intensified long-range strikes, as both sides seek an advantage before Donald Trump reenters the White House, potentially altering Western support for Kyiv.
Missile exchange – The ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia has escalated significantly with reports that Ukraine fired UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles into Russian territory, marking a critical turning point in the conflict. This use of long-range missiles, reportedly sanctioned by London, has fuelled accusations from Moscow that NATO and Western allies are directly involved in the war. Russia has retaliated with its own missile strikes, including the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which Ukraine claims targeted the city of Dnipro. This marked the first time such a weapon has been used in the conflict.
Heightened tensions – The missile exchanges have drawn strong international reactions, with NATO allies expressing concern over the potential for broader conflict. Russia’s actions, including the testing of advanced missile systems and continued attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure in Ukraine, have been condemned as reckless and destabilising. Meanwhile, Moscow has accused outgoing US President Joe Biden of prolonging the war by stepping up military aid to Kyiv, including the supply of ATACMS missiles. Amid these developments, Western embassies in Kyiv temporarily closed over warnings of large-scale Russian airstrikes, reflecting heightened fears of a potential escalation.
Geopolitical shake-up – On the ground, Russia claims to have made advances in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, seizing additional territory near the strategic town of Kurakhove after months of steady offensives. Both Ukraine and Russia appear to be racing to secure military gains before the political landscape shifts with Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January, raising concerns in Kyiv about a possible reduction in US support. As the conflict intensifies, both sides are increasingly relying on long-range weaponry, with Russia accusing the UK and NATO of facilitating Ukrainian strikes deep into its territory, adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, former defence minister Gallant, and Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif for alleged war crimes, prompting mixed reactions globally.
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have killed dozens, including victims near Kamal Adwan hospital, amid continued conflict since Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel.
Israel also faces ongoing cross-border hostilities with Hezbollah in Lebanon as US envoy Amos Hochstein seeks a truce to prevent further escalation.
New ICC warrants – The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former defence minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the Gaza conflict. The warrants accuse Netanyahu and Gallant of using starvation as a weapon and committing inhumane acts, while Deif faces charges related to crimes against humanity. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from the Israeli government, which has labelled it anti-Semitic and politically motivated, while Palestinians and human rights groups have welcomed the move as a step towards justice. However, enforcement of these warrants remains uncertain, particularly given the geopolitical complexities and the lack of universal ICC membership.
Casualties in Gaza – Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have caused significant loss of life, with dozens of casualties reported, including from a strike near Kamal Adwan hospital in the north of the territory. Local officials describe a grim scene, highlighting the intense and destructive nature of the conflict. In another strike in Gaza City, 22 people were killed, adding to the mounting death toll since the war began over a year ago following Hamas’ attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened dramatically, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence amid calls from the international community for de-escalation and accountability.
Broader destabilisation – The conflict has expanded beyond Gaza, with Israel simultaneously engaged in hostilities with Hezbollah along the Lebanon border. Hezbollah, supported by Iran, has intensified its attacks, including a strike on southern Israel’s Ashdod and threats to target Tel Aviv, while Israel has responded with airstrikes in Lebanon and Syria, the latter being a key weapons conduit for Hezbollah. Efforts to mediate a truce are underway, with US envoy Amos Hochstein meeting officials in both Lebanon and Israel to prevent further escalation. Meanwhile, civilian casualties continue to rise, with over 3,500 people killed in Lebanon, including more than 200 children, as the regional conflict threatens broader destabilisation.
Business & Tech – The US government late Wednesday asked a judge to order the dismantling of Google by selling its widely used Chrome browser in a major antitrust crackdown on the internet giant.
Science & Environment – India’s capital New Delhi switched schools to online classes Monday until further notice as worsening toxic smog surged past 60 times the World Health Organization’s recommended daily maximum.
Entertainment – A painting by Rene Magritte shattered an auction record for the surrealist artist on Tuesday, selling for more than $121 million at Christie’s in New York.
Lux–US ties – The Luxembourg government has formally invited US President Joe Biden to participate in celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.
Gastronomy – Ma Langue Sourit chef Théo Kopp secured the Western European title at the San Pellegrino Young Chef Academy competition, earning a spot in the world final in Milan in 2025.
Healthcare – A temporary PET scanner installed at CHL is helping ease the strain on Luxembourg’s sole permanent machine, reducing breakdowns and accommodating more patients for critical cancer diagnostics.
Your Weekly Recap is published every Friday at noon. Read earlier versions.
