TERROR ALERT - After the terrorist attack in Brussels, Luxembourg has left its threat level unchanged at two. The danger of a terrorist threat continues to be real, but hypothetical. The coordination group in the fight against terrorism have evaluated the situation and are continuing to monitor. This was announced by the High Commission for National Protection last night.
EU ELECTRICITY - Consumers should be better protected from excessively expensive electricity prices. EU ministers met in Luxembourg yesterday and agreed to reform its electricity market, aiming to cut households and businesses’ bills with long-term contracts to smooth out the impact of gas price volatility. The deal still needs to be negotiated with European Parliament lawmakers before it becomes law.
COVID VACCINATION - Luxembourg’s National Health Director has advised vulnerable people, which includes the over 65s, individuals with chronic health conditions and pregnant women to get vaccinated against Covid-19 again. The number of Covid-19 infections is on the rise, with approximately 360 new cases reported weekly. Dr Jean-Claude Schmit said that while the majority of people experience mild symptoms, specific groups should remain cautious. He stressed that no one will be denied the vaccine and that people have the option to receive both the Covid-19 vaccine and the flu shot at the same time.
ISRAEL HAMAS WAR - At least 200 people are confirmed dead. This is the result of an explosion in a hospital in the Gaza Strip. A missile is said to have hit the building. Hamas blames Israel. Israel blames Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
The situation in the Middle East could now escalate further. Hezbollah in Lebanon has called for a day of rage against Israel, Palestinian President Abbas has spoken of a red line that has been crossed. The UN Secretary General Guterres is horrified by the death of hundreds of Palestinian civilians. He said no matter who was to blame, basic people’s rights had been abused.
In response, Jordan has cancelled a meeting with US President Biden, who is on his way to Israel. King Abdullah and the Egyptian President al-Sisi were also supposed to attend.
Anti-Israel demonstrations have taken place in a number of countries. Among others in Germany and France. In Amman, protesters tried to storm the Israeli embassy. In Istanbul, demonstrators with Palestinian flags demanded the downfall of Israel. Israel has called on all Israelis to leave Muslim countries, especially Turkey, as soon as possible. Security measures have been strengthened in Israeli embassies.
At the request of Russia and the United Arab Emirates, the Security Council of the United Nations will meet today in New York for an emergency meeting.
UKRAINE MISSILES - Ukraine has now deployed new short-range missiles for the first time, which it received from the United States. According to Ukrainian President Zelensky, Russian positions in the east of Ukraine were hit. The Russian ambassador to the United States called the delivery a serious mistake, and announced consequences for Washington. Meanwhile, the EU Parliament accepted an aid package of 50 billion euros for the reconstruction of Ukraine yesterday.
FOOTBALL - There were more qualifying matches for the European Football Championship last night. England has secured the ticket with a 3-1 victory over Italy. Ukraine beat Malta 3-1, Slovenia won against Northern Ireland 1-0, Denmark won against San Marino 2-1, Serbia beat Montenegro 3-1 and Kazakhstan beat Finland 2-1.
CRICKET - The Netherlands defeated South Africa by 38 runs at the Cricket World Cup yesterday, as the European outsiders humiliated one of the tournament’s favourites for the second time in a year. In November last year, the Dutch sent South Africa crashing of the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia. The victory is the World Cup’s second major shock in three days after Afghanistan defeated defending champions England on Sunday.
Expect dry and calm weather in the morning, which will gradually develop into cloudy skies and rainfall come evening. We are still seeing cool Autumn-like temperatures, with 4-6°C in the morning and highs of 13°C in the afternoon. Skies will be cloudy throughout, but the rain should only start in the early evening.
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