The Today Radio News team brings you the latest news headlines for Thursday, 14 December.

Luxembourg

GAZA PROTEST - Due to the war in Gaza, Medecins sans Frontières Luxembourg is calling for a serious debate between EU leaders, with a demonstration in front of the European Parliament here in Kirchberg today. The aid organization says the EU should work towards an immediate and sustainable cease-fire. The Israeli government should be asked to put an end to the siege and enable unhindered access of aid to Gaza.

FRIEDEN ECO - Prime Minister Luc Frieden has announced that subsidies for various eco-friendly initiatives, including photovoltaic systems, heat pumps, electric cars, and bicycles, will be extended until the end of June. The Prime Minister stressed that the government aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of these measures over the next six months, exploring ways to link the subsidies to certain social criteria.

DIESEL PRICE - The cost of diesel has dropped by 4 cents from midnight, although other fuel prices stay the same. From today, diesel costs €1.462/litre, dropping by 4.2 cents - its lowest price since July 2023 in the Grand Duchy. Unleaded 95 remains €1.461/litre and super unleaded (98) will stay at €1.675/litre.

World

EU SUMMIT - The European Council is meeting in Brussels today and tomorrow. Luxembourg is represented by Luc Frieden, his first summit as Prime Minister. Difficult discussions are expected, especially with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, as an invitation to Ukraine to start formal negotiations to join the EU tops the agenda alongside a pledge of 54 billion euros in EU funds for the Ukrainian economy and a further 24 billion euros in military support. EU leaders are also expected to discuss the situation in the Middle East.

ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR - Israel has been bombing Gaza this morning as a rift is growing over US calls for its ally to exercise restraint. The war, now in its third month, has left Gaza in ruins and killed more than 18,600 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The ministry said Israeli air strikes today have killed at least 19 people across the Gaza Strip.

PUTIN PRESSER - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is holding his annual press conference and a question round on TV today. Three months before the presidential elections, he is prepared to answer questions from international journalists and a group of citizens. It is the first time since the beginning of the war in Ukraine that this event has been organised again. Elections in Russia are taking place on 17 March and Putin has revealed his decision to bid for re-election for a fifth time.

GERWIG CANNES - The director of the successful blockbuster "Barbie", Greta Gerwig, will chair the jury of the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in May. This was announced by the organization of the festival this morning. The 40-year-old American is also an actress and screenwriter.

Sport

FOOTBALL - Paris Saint-Germain and Porto have qualified for the Champions League last 16 as Newcastle bowed out of Europe after losing 2-1 at home to AC Milan. PSG drew 1-1 with Borussia Dortmund to go through as runners-up, while Porto made the last 16 at the expense of Shakhtar Donetsk after a 5-3 win over the Ukrainians. And Manchester City became just the second English club to win all six Champions League group stage games with a 3-2 victory at Red Star Belgrade.

RUGBY - Eddie Jones has been named by Japan as their new head coach, six weeks after the Australian quit the Wallabies following their dismal showing at the Rugby World Cup. The Japan Rugby Football Union CEO said Jones had fulfilled their wish to find a coach who both knew Japanese and international rugby.

NFL - NFL team owners have voted to stage a 2024 regular-season game in Brazil and approved boosting the number of international contests from four to eight starting in 2025. The NFL will play five regular-season games next year internationally, including Brazil and three contests in London: two at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the third at Wembley Stadium. The NFL will also play in Germany for a third consecutive season, returning in 2024 to Allianz Arena in Munich.

Weather

Overcast skies await us today, with light rain showers through the morning. There might be a slim chance of some sunshine peeking through the layer of thick grey cloud in the afternoon.Temperatures in the morning start off a little cooler at 2-4 °C, rising to highs of just 3-5 °C in the afternoon.

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