FRIEDEN AT NATO SUMMIT – As NATO leaders have backed a big increase in defence spending, Prime Minister Luc Frieden has insisted on “smart and adaptable” commitments for the Grand Duchy, diverging from blanket targets. At the NATO summit in The Hague, the alliance’s 32 leaders agreed to commit to a target of 5% of GDP for military expenditure by 2035 as well as restating their commitment to defend each other from attack. Frieden emphasised Luxembourg’s need for flexibility, cautioning that challenges extend beyond financing and highlighted Luxembourg’s expertise in satellite and cybersecurity sectors.
CRIME RING – The police have apprehended members of an organised crime group, suspected of at least 48 residential burglaries across the Grand Duchy since 2023, arresting five suspects in a coordinated cross-border operation this week. Police arrested four people in north-east France under European arrest warrants issued by Luxembourg. A fifth suspect was apprehended in Luxembourg yesterday and will appear before an examining magistrate this morning.
FUEL PRICES – Fuel prices in Luxembourg had been steadily rising recently, but we will see a significant drop starting from this Thursday. A litre of 95 unleaded petrol now costs €1.46 per litre – five cents down. 98 petrol will go down to €1.57 per litre while the diesel price drops 6.2 cents, with the new price being €1.413 per litre. The price of heating oil has also dropped.
DRIVING TEST – New government figures reveal nearly half of Luxembourg’s driving candidates fail their practical test on the first attempt, with theory exams proving significantly easier to pass. In response to a parliamentary question, Mobility Minister Yuriko Backes disclosed that nearly 50% of driving test candidates fail their practical exam on the first attempt. For theory tests, the 2024 results revealed a 74% pass rate.
EU SUMMIT – EU leaders are meeting for a European Council summit today for talks on the Middle East, Ukraine, and migration. The one-day summit comes two days after US President Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, which will allow greater focus on the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip.
UKRAINE WAR TRIBUNAL – Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky has signed an agreement with the Council of Europe’s human rights body to establish a special tribunal to prosecute top Russian officials responsible for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The court would prosecute the “crime of aggression” in the invasion and could, in theory, try senior figures up to President Vladimir Putin.
GAZA WAR – US President Donald Trump has said that that progress is being made to end the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, as a new ceasefire push began after more than 20 months since the start of the conflict. He linked his optimism about imminent “very good news” to a ceasefire agreed on Tuesday between Israel and Hamas backer Iran to end their 12-day war.
GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL – The UK’s iconic Glastonbury Festival has opened its gates amid controversy over the inclusion of Irish rap trio Kneecap on the bill. The group has made headlines with their outspoken pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel stance. One of their members has been charged with a “terror” offence for allegedly supporting Hezbollah. Acts due to perform from Friday include Charli XCX and Olivia Rodrigo as well as veteran stars Neil Young and Rod Stewart. Other big names on the bill include Raye, The Prodigy, Alanis Morissette, and Snow Patrol.
FOOTBALL – Inter Milan have beaten River Plate 2-0 and reached the Club World Cup last 16, while Mexican side Monterrey followed them through from Group E. Borussia Dortmund defeated Ulsan HD 1-0 to claim top spot in Group F and the Germans will face Sergio Ramos’ Monterrey, who thrashed Urawa Red Diamonds 4-0. Today, Manchester City face Juventus, while Spanish giants Real Madrid face RB Salzburg.
TABLE FOOTBALL – A decade after claiming the world title in Turin, Luxembourg’s table football veterans are back on the international stage in Zaragoza, determined to make their mark once more. Competing in this year’s Table Football World Championship, running until 29 June, the team from Dudelange is determined to bring home the world title.
FORMULA 1 – Max Verstappen leads Red Bull into their home Austrian Grand Prix this weekend hoping for a win this season. The four-time world champion, who still needs to avoid any on-track problems that could lead to a mandatory race ban, has won four times at the high-speed Red Bull Ring circuit in the Alps and will be backed by his ‘orange army’ of fans.
Two-time world rally champion Carlos Sainz Sr has announced he will not run for FIA president, clearing the path for Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s likely re-election ahead of December’s vote.
Following several days of clear skies and warm weather, today we’re getting a bit of a shock to the system. It’s a stormy day, with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected, accompanied by intense wind gusts of up to 80 km per hour. Morning temperatures will be between 18 and 20°C, with an expected afternoon high of 23°C.
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