Here are five things you should know at the end of this week:
Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden’s inaugural State of the Nation address focused on housing, tax reforms, climate policies, and the importance of Luxembourg’s role within the EU, with commitments to streamline procedures and increase defence spending.
Key policies outlined – In his first State of the Nation address, Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden outlined his government’s priorities, emphasising the need to adapt to new geopolitical realities, simplify housing procedures, implement social policies to tackle poverty, and promote climate and energy policies towards a carbon-neutral future.
He further reaffirmed Luxembourg’s commitment to the European Union for economic prosperity and security, while also highlighting ongoing support for Ukraine and a commitment to NATO’s defence spending target.
Mixed reactions – The address elicited varied reactions from lawmakers. Supporters, particularly from the ruling parties, praised the speech for its comprehensive approach to housing issues and its continuity with previous government policies.
Critics, however, found the speech lacking in new initiatives and clarity on funding sources, with specific concerns about the absence of detailed plans to tackle poverty, address migration, and enhance environmental protection efforts. The opposition parties were vocal about their dissatisfaction with the perceived lack of innovation and direction in the government’s plans.
Concerns raised – Opposition parties raised significant concerns about the feasibility of Frieden’s proposed measures, particularly in terms of financing them amid an expected budget deficit. They also criticised the government’s communication strategies, suggesting a need for more transparent and effective engagement with the public.
The opposition highlighted the importance of addressing crime, migration, and family policies, and stressed that the government would be judged on its ability to deliver tangible improvements in these areas over the legislative term.
Meanwhile, ruling party members defended the speech, stressing that detailed budget assessments would clarify financing plans in the near future.
The CHL’s PET scanner has broken down eight times in 2024, causing nearly 100 appointments to be rescheduled and increased patient wait times.
Minister of Health and Social Security Martine Deprez announced that a second PET scanner has been authorised and should be operational by the end of the year to address the high demand and frequent breakdowns.
To mitigate delays, additional appointments are being scheduled daily, and the scanner will operate on three Saturdays in the upcoming month.
Repeat breakdowns – The Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg’s (CHL) PET scanner, crucial for cancer diagnosis and treatment, has experienced eight breakdowns in 2024, disrupting nearly 100 patient appointments. These frequent malfunctions have significantly impacted patients, causing delays in receiving crucial diagnostic results and increasing stress for those affected.
Growing demand – Minister of Health and Social Security Martine Deprez responded to a parliamentary inquiry by Max Hengel of the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV), revealing that a second PET scanner has been authorised and is expected to be operational by the end of the year. This new scanner aims to alleviate the strain on the current machine, which is struggling to meet the growing demand of approximately 35 patients daily, far exceeding its intended capacity of 20.
Extra appointments needed – To address the current backlog caused by the latest breakdown, CHL has extended its appointment schedule, adding extra slots each day and planning to operate the scanner on three additional Saturdays in the next month. These measures are temporary solutions to manage the high volume of patients and reduce the waiting time until the new PET scanner is available.
A kangaroo named Sammy has been on the loose in eastern Luxembourg since Tuesday, leading to multiple sightings and social media posts urging people not to chase the frightened animal.
Sammy’s owner, who recently moved from Germany to Luxembourg, did not obtain the necessary local authorisation to keep a kangaroo as a pet, which is a requirement under Luxembourg’s Animal Welfare Act.
Authorities are working to safely capture Sammy, with the animal likely to be taken into custody due to improper keeping conditions.
Unusual sight – The kangaroo, named Sammy, was first spotted on Tuesday in a garden in eastern Luxembourg, and the sighting quickly gained attention on social media. The original Facebook post, which included a video of Sammy on the route between Consdorf and Müllerthal, warned the public not to chase the frightened animal. This post led to additional sightings and videos being shared online, further spreading awareness. Local authorities, including Consdorf mayor Marco Bermes, initially thought the reports were fake but confirmed their validity, urging people to be cautious.
No authorisation given – Sammy’s owner, who had authorisation to keep the kangaroo while residing in Germany, failed to apply for a new permit after moving to Luxembourg. According to Dr. Félix Wildschütz, director of the Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA), keeping exotic animals like kangaroos as pets in Luxembourg requires special authorisation under the Animal Welfare Act. Since Sammy’s owner did not seek the necessary permission, she violated local regulations. The ALVA noted that Luxembourg has never issued an authorisation for a kangaroo, highlighting the rarity and regulatory oversight of such cases.
Search underway – In response to Sammy’s escape, local authorities have been mobilised to ensure the animal’s safe recapture. Police issued warnings to motorists in the Echternach area to be vigilant, particularly around the N11 and CR132 roads. The public has been advised against attempting to capture Sammy themselves due to potential risks and the animal’s fearful behaviour. Once caught, Sammy is expected to be taken into custody by the authorities due to the owner’s failure to comply with legal requirements for keeping exotic pets in Luxembourg.
Far-right parties made significant gains in the EU Parliament elections, leading in France, Italy, and Austria, while President Macron of France called for snap legislative elections following his party’s defeat to Marine Le Pen’s National Rally.
Centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) remained the largest group in the European Parliament, but the far-right’s success will influence the political climate, with Ursula von der Leyen seeking a second mandate as European Commission President.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition suffered a heavy loss, while Italy’s Giorgia Meloni emerged strengthened; Luxembourg elected representatives from five different parties, reflecting diverse political opinions.
Snap elections in France – Far-right parties achieved notable victories in the recent EU Parliament elections, securing the top position in countries such as France, Italy, and Austria. In France, the far-right National Rally (RN) led by Marine Le Pen garnered 31.5% of the vote, significantly surpassing President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Renaissance party, which received 15%.
This electoral setback prompted Macron to call for snap legislative elections on 30 June, just ahead of the Paris Olympics, in a bid to address the political turmoil and reassert his authority amid rising populist sentiments.
In Ireland, Prime Minister Simon Harris faced calls for an early general election following a surge in support for his governing coalition and a significant drop in the popularity of the opposition Sinn Fein party.
EPP remains on top – The centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) retained its status as the largest group in the European Parliament, securing 189 seats. Despite this, the far-right’s electoral success will likely shape the political dynamics within the EU, influencing policy discussions and legislative priorities.
Ursula von der Leyen, the incumbent President of the European Commission and lead candidate for the EPP, expressed her intention to pursue a second mandate. EU leaders are set to decide on the commission’s leadership by 17 June, amid challenges such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, global trade tensions, and climate change.
Shake-up – In Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition experienced a significant defeat in the EU Parliament elections, with his Social Democrats (SPD) falling to third place behind the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The AfD’s strong performance, particularly in eastern Germany, has intensified calls for Scholz to consider new elections, although he has indicated plans to continue until the regular election date in 2025.
In contrast, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni saw her party, the Brothers of Italy, achieve a decisive victory with 28.81% of the vote, reinforcing her position and influence in European politics.
In Luxembourg, the election results highlighted a politically diverse representation in the European Parliament, with the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR) securing its first-ever seat, reflecting the country’s varied political landscape.
G7 leaders are meeting in Italy to finalise a $50 billion loan for Ukraine, secured by frozen Russian assets, amid global conflicts and economic tensions.
Ukrainian President Zelensky and leaders from major nations, including the US, UK, France, and Germany, are attending, with Britain and the US announcing additional financial support.
Discussions will also cover global issues such as the Hamas-Israel conflict, climate change, and economic concerns over China’s industrial overcapacity, with several non-G7 leaders also attending.
Ukraine aid – G7 leaders are gathering at the Borgo Egnazia resort in Puglia, Italy, aiming to finalise a substantial $50 billion loan package for Ukraine, which will be secured against the interest profits from $325 billion worth of frozen Russian central bank assets. This financial manoeuvre, spearheaded by the European Union, is designed to provide rapid and significant support to Ukraine for its ongoing conflict with Russia, despite some unresolved technicalities regarding the issuance and risk distribution of the debt.
UK and US step up – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is attending the summit alongside key leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Italy, and Japan. Britain has announced an additional $310 million in bilateral assistance to Ukraine, while the White House has hinted at new measures to leverage frozen Russian assets.
Concerns over China – The summit’s agenda extends beyond Ukraine, addressing other critical global issues, including the Hamas-Israel conflict, climate change, and the economic impact of China’s industrial policies. Notable non-G7 leaders, such as Turkey’s President Erdogan, UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Brazil’s President Lula, are participating in the discussions. These sessions will explore solutions to global economic disruptions caused by China’s subsidisation of green energy and technology sectors, aiming to protect Western industries from a flood of cheap Chinese goods.
Business & Tech – Elon Musk has unexpectedly dropped his lawsuit against OpenAI, the artificial intelligence firm he co-founded, thus no longer alleging it betrayed its original mission by transforming into a for-profit entity dominated by Microsoft.
Science & Environment – The Athens Acropolis, Greece’s most visited tourist attraction, was closed to the public during the hottest hours on Thursday for the second day running, as tourists sweltered under the country’s earliest-ever heatwave.https://today.rtl.lu/news/world/a/2066108.html
Entertainment – R.E.M. performed onstage together for the first time in well over a decade Thursday, reuniting to play their classic “Losing My Religion” as they were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Cross-border traffic – Since the start of the week, German police have been conducting border checks in anticipation of the European Football Cup, slowing down traffic at Luxembourg’s border.
Mobility – A fixed speed camera has been installed near the village of Saeul, as announced last year by the Ministry of Mobility and Public Works.https://today.rtl.lu/news/world/a/2066108.html
Finance – Luxembourg dominated the EU’s financial and insurance activities sector in 2021, leading in both employment share and value added, according to a new Eurostat report.
Your Weekly Recap is published every Friday at noon. Read earlier versions.
