EU DEFENCE – Speaking to RTL, Prime Minister Luc Frieden described the European Commission’s €800 billion initiative to strengthen European defence and deterrence as “a step in the right direction.” However, it remains unclear how much Luxembourg will contribute to the plan. Frieden acknowledged that the financial commitments involved are “considerable” but stressed that the initiative is “not just about money,” pointing to the need for improved interoperability among European armed forces.
FLU CASES – According to the National Health Directorate influenza cases in Luxembourg fell by 25% during the most recent reporting week, while Covid-19 and RSV also showed notable declines. Infections remain most prevalent among children.
FUEL PRICES – Filling up your tank in the Grand Duchy will be a little bit cheaper this Friday, as petrol prices are set to decrease for the second time in under two weeks. Diesel will experience the most significant drop: starting today, the price is decreasing by 5 cents, bringing the cost to €1.44 per liter. The price petrol is also decreasing – unleaded 98 now costs €1.56 per liter, while 95 is dropping by 3.6 cents, bringing the cost to €1.47 per liter.
EU UKRAINE SUMMIT – European Union leaders at an emergency summit in Brussels have promised to stand by Ukraine and boost military spending. The President of the European Council, Ursula von der Leyen says they are determined to act with the scale, speed and resolve.
UKRAINE TALKS – Ukraine’s President Volodymr Zelensky says he will travel to Saudi Arabia next week, where Ukrainian and US officials are due to discuss an initial ceasefire with Russia. The Ukrainian leader who won’t attend the discussions says he is hoping for a meaningful meeting, and Kyiv is working for a fast and lasting peace. President Trump says he believes Saudi Arabia is the country best placed to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table.
ROCKET LAUNCHES – A rocket launched into space by Elon Musk’s SpaceX has exploded minutes after take-off, marking the company’s second failure this year. Burning debris from the Starship streaked through the sky near the Bahamas. Meanwhile Europe’s new Ariane 6 rocket has successfully carried out its first commercial mission, placing a French military satellite into orbit to give the continent a new independent access to space.
ROY AYERS RIP – Roy Ayers, the trailblazer of jazz, funk and neo-soul whose “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” proved a hugely popular hip-hop sample, has died. He was 84 years old.
OBESITY GENE – Obesity is on the rise not just in humans but also in dogs. In a new paper published in Science, researchers have identified 16 genes that make labradors more prone to obesity, with the top offender – a gene called DENND1B also playing a role in human weight. The findings reinforce something that many dog owners – and dieters – will already suspect: some of us are wired to be hungrier than others.
CRICKET – India play New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final in Dubai on Sunday in what could be a last hurrah for veteran stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The 36-year-old Kohli and skipper Rohit, 37, came into the tournament with speculation over when they will retire. India go into the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium as favourites and with their confidence sky-high.
FOOTBALL – Manchester United drew 1-1 away to Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday, while Tottenham suffered a 1-0 loss at Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. Rangers recorded an impressive 3-1 win away to Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. Lyon also took a big stride towards the quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory at Romanians FCSB. Meanwhile, Eintracht Frankfurt came from behind to win 2-1 at Ajax, Bodo/Glimt won 3-0 at home to Olympiakos.
RUGBY – France head coach Fabien Galthie has called this weekend’s match against Ireland an “immense challenge” for his team. A victory for France over top-of-the-table, unbeaten Ireland would open up the race for the Championship before the final round of matches. Scotland have recalled Darcy Graham in the only change to their starting side for Saturday’s clash at home to Wales. The Edinburgh wing was concussed during the game against Ireland in February and missed the 16-15 loss away to England a fortnight ago. And England are looking to beat Italy at Twickenham on Sunday.
It’s going to be a mostly sunny and dry and warm Friday. Early temperatures are on the cold side between 3 and 5°C at the lower end, but thermometers are nearly bursting between 15-16°C by lunchtime.
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