TRAM EXTENSIONS - Two new tram routes were approved in the Chamber of Deputies yesterday. The extensions will be in Kirchberg along Boulevard Konrad Adenauer, and the second will link the train station to Hollerich. The project will cost €135 million. The extension of the tram to Cloche d’Or is also on track to open in the summer.
FOOD SHORTAGES - Shoppers have been left without certain products over the last couple of days after farmers’ protests led to blockades on roads entering Luxembourg, causing supermarket supply issues. Luxembourg’s budget supermarkets have been hit the hardest by the blockades, as Lidl spokesperson Julien Wathieu told RTL they had experienced major shortages of fresh food. The food wholesaler Provençale and supermarket Cactus have also been struggling with deliveries.
BEGGING BAN - Minister of Justice Elisabeth Margue says planned reforms for Luxembourg’s Criminal Code should put an end to the legal quagmire surrounding the capital’s controversial begging ban. Margue said the reforms would not ban begging at a national level; however, municipal authorities would be given more margin for manoeuvre. Until then, the Luxembourg City municipal regulations on begging will continue to apply.
LIICHTMESSDAG - And it’s ‘Liichtmëssdag’ (Candlemas) here in Luxembourg today – a day centered around children. In small groups, and all dressed up, they roam the streets during the afternoon or evening, holding a lighted lantern, singing the traditional song ‘Léiwer Härgottsblieschen’ and promising health and joy. In exchange for the music, they hope to receive a reward in the form of sweets or loose change.
EU-UKRAINE - President Volodymr Zelensky has welcomed the approval of a 50 billion euro aid package for Ukraine. European Union leaders overcame months of opposition from Hungarian leader Viktor Orban to agree on a new funding promise, in a move they hailed as a strong message to Russia. There had been fears Hungary’s PM would again block the package as he did at a European summit in December.
EU-ASIA - Today, the EU is discussing increased cooperation with Asian countries. EU foreign ministers and representatives from countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines are taking part in the third EU Indo-Pacific Forum in Brussels. Ministers are hoping for more cooperation in issues such as trade, climate protection and energy policy. Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel is representing Luxembourg.
US IRAN - American officials say plans have been approved for a series of strikes against Iranian personnel and facilities in Iraq and Syria. They told CBS news that the action would be carried out over a number of days in response to a drone strike, which killed three US troops in Jordan.
KENYA EXPLOSION - The Kenyan Red Cross says that more than 240 people have been injured in an explosion at a gas plant in the Kenyan capital Nairobi. Local media say that at least 2 people have died. The blast reportedly happened after a fire broke out, when a lorry loaded with gas exploded.
FOOTBALL - FIFA will announce which city will host the final of the 2026 World Cup when they unveil schedule details for the first ever 48-team tournament on Sunday.The tournament is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and FIFA will also announce which venue will host the opening game of the tournament.
It’s the start of the 20th matchday tonight in the German Bundesliga, as Heidenheim play Borussia Dortmund. In France, Strasbourg face Paris St Germain.
And in the African Cup of Nations, the first two quarter-finals take place tonight: Nigeria-Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo against Guinea.
FORMULA 1 - Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will make a surprise switch to Ferrari next year, after Mercedes announced yesterday he would leave the team at the end of the 2024 season. Ferrari subsequently confirmed the arrival of the 39-year-old Briton, who is due to partner their current driver Charles Leclerc.
RUGBY - The Six nations is set to kick off for another year with an opening match between France and Ireland tonight. Reigning champions Ireland start their title defence against 2022 champions France in a duel between the two pre-tournament favourites. England, Italy, Scotland and Wales must wait until Saturday for their first taste of the competition.
Get ready for some more morning mist. As the day advances and the fog dissipates, clouds will take over the sky with the occasional glimpse of the sun. Late in the afternoon / early evening we could get a few scattered showers. Minimum temperatures will hover around 0 °C, rising to circa 7 °C in the afternoon.
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