FRIEDEN POLAND – Prime Minister Luc Frieden is in Warsaw today at the invitation of EU Council President Charles Michel for a working lunch where the future strategic agenda of the European Union will be discussed. Frieden will also use the trip to Warsaw for an exchange with his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk.
BODY FOUND – The body of a man was discovered in a stream in southern Luxembourg yesterday. The public prosecutor’s office said an investigation had been opened into the man’s death. The victim is yet to be identified. An autopsy will take place to determine the exact cause of death.
FUEL PRICES – And Diesel and heating oil have both dropped in price from midnight. Diesel has dropped 3.4 cents to €1.565 per litre, while sulphur-free heating oil (10ppm) will cost €1.025/litre – a reduction of 2.7 cents – from today.
WORLD PARKINSON’S DAY – The neuro-degenerative disease is still not curable to this day, but can be treated relatively well with effective drugs. Around one percent of the world’s population over the age of 60 is affected; here in Luxembourg, that would be more than 3,000 people. Research on Parkinson’s is also at a very high level in this country. Since last week, for example, the national research association has been financially supported by the Michael J.Fox Foundation. The American actor is one of the most prominent Parkinson’s patients, and has been working for years to raise awareness.
ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR – Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh has insisted that the death of three of his sons in an Israeli air strike will not influence truce talks. Israel has confirmed the killings, which came as talks in Cairo for a temporary ceasefire and hostage release deal drag on without signs of a breakthrough. Speaking to Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera, Haniyeh suggested that the strike, which also killed four of his grandchildren, was an attempt to shift Hamas’s negotiating stance. Talks mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar have been ongoing since Sunday.
EU MIGRATION LAWS – The European Parliament has adopted a landmark overhaul of the EU’s asylum and migration rules, which hardens border procedures and forces all 27 member countries to take action. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the new rules a “historic, indispensable step” for the EU. Outside the Brussels parliament building, dozens of demonstrators protested against the vote, echoing criticism from more than 160 migrant charities and NGOs who view it as a betrayal of European values.
EU INTEREST RATES – The European Central Bank is expected to freeze its key interest rate at a record high again today but pave the way for a first cut in June as inflation eases. The ECB’s benchmark deposit rate is currently at a record four percent.
SOUTH KOREA ELECTIONS – South Korea’s liberal opposition party has won a majority in the country’s general election. The Democratic Party and smaller opposition parties jointly won 192 of the 300 seats in the National Assembly. The vote is widely seen as a midterm referendum on President Yoon Suk Yeol and will severely limit his ability to pass laws. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo submitted his resignation early this morning.
FOOTBALL – Barcelona secured a good starting position in the quarterfinal match against Paris St Germain last night, winning 3-2. Atletico Madrid beat Dortmund 2-1 at home. The return matches are next week.
Tonight, are the quarter finals in the UEFA Europa League. Leverkusen will face West Ham, Liverpool play Atalanta, AC Milan will face AS Rome, and Benfica will play against Marseille.
GOLF – Thunderstorms are forecast to hit Augusta National this morning, likely bringing some disruption to the opening day of the Masters. The prospect of heavy rainfall and high winds means that players who have enjoyed the firm surfaces and relatively calm winds know they will need to be ready for something very different. Spaniard Sergio Garcia, the 2017 winner, says the high winds could be a significant factor.
ATHLETICS – World Athletics has announced that it will become the first international federation to award prize money at an Olympics, beginning at this year’s Games in Paris. Gold medal winners in each of the 48 athletics events will receive € 46,000 from the federation’s share of IOC revenue. Prize money will be paid to the winners of silver and bronze medals from the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
We start the day off with a cloudy morning interspersed with the odd spot of sun. Low lying clouds continue into the afternoon, with a chance some light rainfall. Temperatures are still somewhat cool, starting off at 2–4°C in the morning, rising to highs of 14–16°C in the afternoon.
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