NATO airspace talks, minor Covid wave, and Luxembourg's new Kiss & Rail zone

Luxembourg 

SUV THEFT GANG – Police have arrested two suspects linked to an international SUV theft ring following an operation on Monday night. After weeks of investigation, authorities recovered two stolen vehicles – a Porsche Macan and a Toyota RAV4 - in France in coordination with prosecutors and a special police unit.

TODAY IN PARLIAMENT – A long day ahead in the Chamber, as public plenary sessions are scheduled for morning and midday. This morning will address prison conditions, with the LSAP questioning the government. At midday, a current affairs session will focus on digital fraud in the banking sector and how customers can be better protected.

CAR ACCIDENTS – The CGDIS is reporting two injuries on our roads last night. Around 7.20pm, a car crashed in Mersch, and shortly before 8pm, two cars collided in Esch. One person was injured in each incident.

COVID WAVE – Luxembourg's Chief Medical Officer has confirmed a minor Covid wave is underway, with around 300 cases a week, but says there's no cause for concern. Flu numbers are still low at just 20 cases weekly, though that’s expected to jump in winter. Pharmacies are reporting they are seeing more people coming in for vaccines and cold remedies. The advice? Keep up with your vaccines and wash your hands regularly.

KISS & RAIL – A new one-minute drop-off zone, Kiss & Rail, has opened directly in front of Luxembourg City's central station, accommodating up to four vehicles.The spaces are designed exclusively for drivers to drop off passengers and are not for waiting. For those who need to wait for passengers, the short-stay capacity at the P+R has been expanded, with a maximum permitted stay of 30 minutes.

World

NATO DEFENCE MEETING – NATO Defence Ministers meet in Brussels today to assess airspace protection following recent drone incidents and Russian provocations. Luxembourg's Yuriko Backes will then join the Ukraine Contact Group with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal. Meanwhile, President Zelensky is meeting President Trump in Washington on Friday to discuss major new weapons deliveries.

In the Ukraine war itself, Kyiv authorities have ordered the evacuation of several villages near the current front line. The security situation in the Kharkiv region is deteriorating, with increasingly intense Russian air attacks – especially on the strategically important city of Kupyansk.

FRANCE POLITICS – French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has announced he will suspend the unpopular 2023 pension reform that raised the retirement age to 64. The move aims to secure Socialist support and prevent his government's collapse.

BELGIUM PROTESTS – Tens of thousands of people protested in Brussels yesterday against government austerity measures, as a national strike grounded all flights and disrupted transport. Police estimate 80,000 demonstrators opposed plans to raise the retirement age to 67 and cut public spending. Minor clashes erupted between masked protesters and police, who used tear gas and water cannons. About 20 people were detained.

GAZA CEASEFIRE – Hamas has tightened its grip on Gaza, executing eight alleged collaborators and deploying armed police as Israeli forces withdraw. The group handed over four more bodies of deceased hostages to Israel on Tuesday after Israel announced it would cut in half the number of humanitarian aid trucks allowed into Gaza, accusing Hamas of violating the ceasefire agreement. The developments come as President Trump vowed to disarm Hamas under the US-brokered truce.

SPAIN STORM – High storm warnings are in effect for Spain's Mediterranean region for the coming days. Spanish weather services have issued an orange alert for Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands. Flooding and mudslides are being anticipated. The German Foreign Ministry has already issued travel warnings for these popular holiday destinations.

Sport

FOOTBALL – Harry Kane scored twice as England thrashed Latvia 5-0 last night to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup, while Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal were forced to wait to clinch their spot at the finals after being held by Hungary 2-2. Elsewhere, pro-Palestinian demonstrations prefaced Italy's vital win over Israel 3-0 and Spain took another step towards qualification with a big victory against Bulgaria, ending 4-0.

Meanwhile Luxembourg is now officially out of World Cup reckoning after their fourth consecutive loss. The November international window will now feature two dead rubbers – in the Grand Duchy against Germany, and an away day in Belfast. The biggest test awaiting the Red Lions for now remains the March 2026 international break – a double-header against Malta to retain Luxembourg’s UEFA Nations League Division C spot.

Weather

There will be no surprises in store for us today; at least, not where the weather is concerned. Starting off with a cloudy morning, as has been the norm this week, but the sun will break out this afternoon and we should be able to enjoy some sunshine. Temperatures are much the same as yesterday, with 7–10°C in the morning, rising to a high of 15°C in the afternoon. 

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