PENSION REFORM – More details on the planned pension reform will be outlined in a press conference this morning by the Minister of Health and Social Security Martine Deprez. Prime Minister Luc Frieden used his State of the Nation address to outline the government’s long-anticipated pension reform, which centres on a gradual extension of required contribution years by three months annually, while keeping the legal retirement age at 65.
UNEMPLOYMENT RISE – Luxembourg’s unemployment rate rose to 6% in April 2025, marking its first increase after six months of stability, according to data released by the National Employment Agency (ADEM). The slight uptick comes despite a marginal decline in new jobseeker registrations during the month of April. Sector-wise, accounting and road transport professions experienced particularly high unemployment rates.
CATERPILLAR WARNING – Luxembourg authorities have issued health warnings about the oak processionary moth, which is found in both urban and rural areas. The public are reminded not to touch either the moth or its nest as its toxic caterpillar hairs can cause serious health problems for both humans and animals.
ING MARATHON – The 2025 ING Night Marathon is set to take place on 31 May and will welcome a record 17,000 runners from 117 countries. The event has become an important highlight in the sporting and community calendar for the City of Luxembourg. According to organisers, registrations among runners aged 20 to 30 have seen a significant rise.
EU ISRAEL – The European Union has decided to review its ties with Israel because of the war in Gaza. Earlier, Britain paused free trade negotiations and imposed sanctions on settlers in the occupied West Bank. Israel has condemned the EU’s decision.
GAZA AID – The United Nations says no humanitarian aid has been distributed in Gaza, despite the easing of Israel’s total blockade. A UN spokesman said trucks had crossed into the strip but had not yet reached warehouses or delivery points.
EU RUSSIA SANCTIONS – The EU has formally adopted a new round of sanctions on Russia and threatened more punishment for Moscow for not agreeing a Ukraine truce. The 17th package includes blacklisting nearly 200 more tankers in Russia’s “shadow fleet” in a bid to curtail Moscow’s ability to export oil. It also includes imposing asset freezes and visa bans on dozens more Russian officials.
TRUMP DEFENCE – President Trump has set out plans for a futuristic defence system that will shield the entire United States. Trump said the “Golden Dome” will cost $175 billion.
RIP GEORGE WENDT – George Wendt, beloved for his role as Norm Peterson on the hit sitcom Cheers, has died at age 76, prompting an outpouring of tributes from cast mates who remembered him as both a comedic talent and a cherished friend. Wendt was nominated for six successive Emmy awards for his role as the perennial barfly opposite Ted Danson in one of television’s most successful ever sitcoms.
FOOTBALL – In football, Tottenham face Manchester United tonight in the Europa League final in Bilbao with a chance to win their first trophy for 17 years, which would mean qualification for next season’s Champions League. Kick off is at 9pm.
CYCLING – Dutch time trial specialist Daan Hoole won a 28.6km individual run to Pisa on stage 10 of the Giro d’Italia yesterday, as Mexican rider Isaac Del Toro held on to the overall lead. Today’s stage 11 is a hilly race in the Apennines.
CHESS – Chess legend Magnus Carlsen, considered one of the best players in history, has been held to a draw by a team of 143,000 opponents in an online match. Organised by the match site chess.com, the duel -- dubbed ‘Magnus Carlsen vs The World’ -- pitted the 34-year-old Norwegian against amateurs from around the planet who decided their moves by popular vote.
In stark contrast to yesterday morning, don’t expect to see the sun this morning. It should, however, make an appearance this afternoon. It’s not all doom and gloom – temperatures remain nice and warm! This morning we can expect temperatures of 11–14°C, rising to a maximum of 21°C in the afternoon.
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