Here are five things you should know at the end of this week:
Luxembourg’s unemployment rate fell to 5.8% in January 2025, despite a 6.1% year-on-year rise in registered jobseekers, particularly affecting those unemployed for over seven months and highly educated individuals.
Mismatch – New data from the National Employment Agency (ADEM) suggests that while overall unemployment figures have improved, certain groups continue to struggle in securing work. Long-term unemployment remains a concern, and those over 30 or with higher education qualifications appear to face specific challenges in the job market. The rise in jobseekers could indicate a mismatch between available jobs and applicant profiles, requiring targeted policies to support affected individuals.
Evolving hiring trends – The increase in new vacancies signals ongoing hiring demand, but the overall decline in available positions suggests potential challenges in job retention or recruitment difficulties in key sectors. While some industries, such as road transportation and culinary production, have seen an influx of jobseekers, there remains a need for alignment between employer needs and jobseeker qualifications. This could indicate structural shifts in the labour market or evolving hiring trends in Luxembourg.
Challenges and opportunities ahead – The rise in benefit recipients suggests that, despite increased hiring activity, many individuals remain unable to find work quickly. However, stable participation in employment support measures implies that efforts to assist jobseekers are ongoing. The overall picture points to a labour market that is still adjusting to economic conditions, with both challenges and opportunities for workers in the months ahead.
The ADR issued MP Tom Weidig a written warning after he liked a Facebook comment calling for the “extermination of the LGBTQ”, sparking widespread condemnation and legal action from Rosa Lëtzebuerg.
The ADR defended its decision, stating that Weidig apologised and did not intend to advocate violence, but cited his “continual” social media behaviour as a reason for the warning while considering further measures.
The LSAP has demanded the resignation of ADR President Alexandra Schoos, accusing the party of tolerating far-right positions and warning that the ADR risks becoming an extremist party.
Written warning – The Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR) issued MP Tom Weidig a written warning after he liked a Facebook comment that called for the “extermination of LGBTQ”, triggering outrage from other parliamentary parties and the public. The incident led to six political parties urging the ADR to take disciplinary action, and Rosa Lëtzebuerg, an LGBTQIA+ advocacy group, has since launched legal proceedings against both Weidig and the author of the comment.
Case closed – The ADR defended its decision, stating that Weidig had apologised and acknowledged his mistake but had not intended to advocate for violence. Despite this, the party cited his “continual” behaviour on social media as a key reason for the written warning, hinting at a pattern of controversial online activity. The ADR also mentioned that other, unspecified measures were being considered, though it declared the matter closed and refused to disclose further details.
Call for resignation – The Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP) has demanded the resignation of ADR President Alexandra Schoos, arguing that the party’s lenient response to Weidig’s actions reflects a broader tolerance for far-right positions. Ben Streff, speaking for the LSAP, stated that the ADR’s failure to expel Weidig crossed red lines on issues of homophobia and racism, warning that inaction risks pushing the party further toward extremism.
Streff called on Schoos to take responsibility by stepping down if she does not personally support the way her party handled the controversy. Meanwhile, the ADR has largely avoided further public comment, and both Weidig and party representatives declined to respond to media inquiries.
Luxair and trade unions have signed a new collective agreement, introducing pay rises, enhanced rest policies, and other benefits for employees as the airline recovers from pandemic-related challenges.
Salary adjustments include pay scale improvements for pilots, ground staff, and cabin crew, with annual salary increases, bonuses for in-charge flight attendants, and a special crisis exit allowance for most employees.
The agreement also allows employees to convert part of their 13th-month salary into leave and paves the way for a remote work policy, remaining in effect until 31 December 2027.
Pandemic rebound – The deal, reached with the Luxembourg Confederation of Christian Trade Unions (LCGB) and the Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL), follows earlier failed negotiations. As Luxair rebounds from a difficult period during the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw a significant decline in operations, the airline has acknowledged employees’ past efforts while aiming to create a stable and prosperous future. The agreement marks an important step in improving working conditions as Luxair continues its growth, having transported a record 2.5 million passengers in 2023.
Guaranteed raises – The reintroduced salary progression scale, effective from 1 January 2025, ensures that pilots are now divided into two categories – co-pilots and captains – while ground staff and cabin crew benefit from transitional pay grids that guarantee yearly pay rises. Additionally, flight attendants in charge will receive higher bonuses, and employees under contract as of 31 December 2024 will receive a special crisis exit allowance, though pilots are excluded from this provision.
Additional benefits – Flight crews will benefit from increased rest days, an option to bank working hours into an account, and an additional leave day for employees aged 55 and older. Staff will also have greater flexibility, as they can exchange part of their 13th-month salary for additional days off.
The agreement includes plans to develop a structured remote working policy and establish a joint commission to oversee its implementation. Furthermore, Luxair has committed to recruiting more personnel to enhance flight schedule reliability and operational efficiency, ensuring better working conditions and service quality.
US President Donald Trump has branded Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator without elections”, questioned his legitimacy, accused him of mishandling US aid, and aligning with key Russian positions.
Trump’s administration has initiated direct negotiations with Moscow, sidelining both Ukraine and Europe, which has raised concerns that the US may push for a peace deal unfavourable to Kyiv.
Trump’s stance has triggered sharp criticism from European leaders, including Luxembourg PM Luc Frieden and Zelensky himself, while in Ukraine, the controversy has led to both internal political tensions and a surge in national unity against external criticism.
Sharp criticism – US President Donald Trump this week intensified his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him a “dictator without elections” and claiming his approval rating has dropped to four percent. Trump’s remarks mirror Kremlin positions, questioning Zelensky’s legitimacy under martial law and implying Ukraine bears responsibility for the war.
He has also accused Zelensky of treating US officials “rudely” and failing to secure a deal on rare earth minerals, further straining relations between Washington and Kyiv. These attacks mark a sharp departure from the previous US administration’s unwavering support for Ukraine, fuelling uncertainty about continued American backing.
Uncertainty – In a significant shift in policy, Trump’s administration has initiated direct negotiations with Moscow, with US and Russian officials meeting in Saudi Arabia – without Ukrainian or European representatives. Trump has suggested that Russia “has the cards” in peace talks due to its territorial gains, signalling a potential push for a deal that could force Kyiv into painful concessions.
This move has sparked alarm among European allies and Ukrainian officials, who fear that sidelining Kyiv in negotiations could result in an agreement that weakens Ukraine’s sovereignty and emboldens the Kremlin to pursue further aggression.
Rallying effect – Trump’s remarks have been met with strong condemnation from European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and EU officials, who reaffirmed that Ukraine is a democracy while denouncing Trump’s rhetoric as dangerous. In the US, moderate Republicans and Trump’s former vice president, Mike Pence, have publicly pushed back, emphasising that Russia is the aggressor and that supporting Ukraine remains in America’s strategic interest.
Within Ukraine, while Zelensky’s domestic approval has declined from wartime highs, Trump’s attacks have triggered a rallying effect, with Ukrainian officials and citizens rejecting external criticism and emphasising their country’s right to self-determination.
Delta Air Lines Flight 4819 crash-landed at Toronto Pearson Airport, flipping upside down and injuring at least 21 passengers, though no fatalities were reported.
Dramatic video footage showed the Bombardier CRJ-900 hitting the runway hard, bursting into flames as both wings break off, and sliding to a halt on its roof, prompting a rapid emergency response.
Delta Air Lines is offering $30,000 in compensation to each passenger, while Canadian and US aviation authorities continue investigating the cause of the crash.
Dramatic crash – The Endeavor Air-operated flight, carrying 76 passengers and four crew members from Minneapolis, attempted to land at Toronto’s main airport on Monday afternoon. Upon impact, the aircraft flipped over, leaving at least 21 passengers injured, with some initially reported in critical condition.
Emergency responders transported the injured to local hospitals, with most being discharged within a day. Despite the severity of the crash, authorities confirmed that no fatalities occurred. The airport temporarily suspended operations for over two hours, causing widespread delays before flights resumed.
Investigation underway – A video captured from the cockpit of another aircraft waiting on the tarmac revealed the intense moment the Delta plane touched down. The footage showed the aircraft making what initially seemed like a normal landing before slamming into the ground, bouncing, and rolling onto its roof as its wings sheared off.
Flames erupted from the fuselage, with thick plumes of black smoke billowing as the plane skidded to a stop. Fire crews quickly responded, dousing the aircraft with water as passengers exited the overturned jet. Officials noted that the runway was dry and there were no crosswind conditions, but the cause of the accident remains under investigation by Canadian and US aviation authorities.
Compensation – In a statement released Wednesday, Delta Air Lines announced it would provide $30,000 to every passenger onboard the flight as a goodwill gesture, emphasising that the offer comes with “no strings attached” and does not affect passengers’ legal rights. Investigations into the crash are being led by Canada’s Transportation Safety Board, with assistance from the US Federal Aviation Administration and Mitsubishi, the manufacturer of the CRJ-900 aircraft.
Officials are analysing flight data, pilot communications, and runway conditions to determine the cause of the incident. The crash comes amid a series of recent air accidents in North America, including a fatal midair collision in Washington DC and a medical transport plane crash in Philadelphia.
Business & Tech – Argentine President Javier Milei on Monday denied promoting a cryptocurrency that crashed, losing investors billions of dollars and prompting a flood of complaints, as prosecutors reportedly prepare an investigation into the scandal.
Science & Environment – Egypt’s antiquities authority says it has found the ancient tomb of King Thutmose II, the first royal burial to be located since the famed discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922.
Entertainment –Amazon MGM Studios will take creative control of the James Bond franchise following a landmark joint venture agreement with longtime producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, the parties announced Thursday.
Greater Region – France will not implement fixed border controls with Luxembourg, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau confirmed to Luxembourg’s Minister for Home Affairs Léon Gloden on Friday.
Labour – Liberty Steel’s troubled Dudelange plant is poised for a new chapter as a Turkish green steel giant steps in, pledging to keep the full workforce intact, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Healthcare – Blood reserves in Luxembourg are under strain, with authorities calling for more donations as seasonal illnesses and holidays contribute to a decline in donors.
Your Weekly Recap is published every Friday at noon. Read earlier versions.
