FRIEDEN UKRAINE – Prime Minister Luc Frieden set the stage for a critical parliamentary debate yesterday afternoon, warning that the United States’ changing stance on Ukraine demands decisive action to ensure peace and security in Europe. Frieden emphasised that Ukraine was attacked without provocation and said Luxembourg remains committed to supporting Ukraine both financially and militarily.
GARE DRUGS – Minister Léon Gloden has announced plans for targeted measures to address drug-related problems in Luxembourg’s Gare district, developed in coordination with multiple ministries and the municipality. While Gloden did not disclose specifics, he stated that the strategy would blend preventive and repressive measures, which come amid municipal efforts to improve safety through increased surveillance.
COVID REPORT – The Court of Auditors has claimed in its Covid-19 pandemic report to the parliamentary budget control commission that the three phases of the large-scale testing programme were oversized. Criticism has been levelled against the public tender process and the calculation of costs by private companies. The three phases of the programme cost a total of €134 million – excluding VAT.
TRUMP CONGRESS – President Trump has just told a session of the US Congress that he has received a letter from President Zelensky, saying he is ready to take part in talks about bringing peace to Ukraine. Trump also said he had received strong signals from Russia that it was ready for peace. During a wide-ranging speech, the President has been touting his record in office so far and said tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada might bring a little disruption domestically.
GERMANY DEFENCE – The parties hoping to form Germany’s next government have agreed an unprecedented package of hundreds of billions of euros in extra spending on defence and infrastructure. Proposals will be brought to parliament next week to exempt increased defence spending from Germany’s constitutional limit on government debt. Chancellor-to-be Friedrich Merz said Europe needs to grow up and defend itself.
GAZA PLAN – Arab leaders have approved an Egyptian plan to rebuild the Gaza Strip under the future administration of the Palestinian Authority. It counters President Trump’s suggestion of taking over Gaza and evicting its Palestinian inhabitants. Speaking in Cairo, President Sisi said the plan would ensure Palestinians remain on their land with no displacement.
ARIANE ROCKET LAUNCH – The first commercial mission of Europe’s new heavy-lift rocket Ariane 6 has been rescheduled for Thursday after a last-minute postponement on Monday due to the discovery of a dysfunctional valve. The high-profile mission aims to carry a French military satellite into orbit, as well as more broadly to establish independent European access to space, without reliance on either the United States or Russia.
FOOTBALL – Starting with some results from the first round of 16 in the football Champions League: Real Madrid won 2-1 at home against Atletico, Dortmund and Lille drew 1-1, Arsenal beat Eindhoven 7-1, and Aston Villa beat Bruges 3-1. Tonight is the all-German top duel between Bayern Munich and Leverkusen as well as Paris St Germain against Liverpool. The other two matches are Benfica facing up to Barcelona and Feyenoord against Inter.
BASKETBALL – LeBron James has become the first player in NBA history to score 50,000 career points, extending his lead as the league’s all-time record scorer by reaching a milestone tally that may never be surpassed. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar reached the record number in a match against against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday.
CRICKET – Virat Kohli has been hailed as the “chase master” after his latest trademark innings takes India into a third successive Champions Trophy final. Kohli stroked a controlled 84 to put India within sight of their victory target of 265 in the semi-final against Australia in Dubai. India will face South Africa or New Zealand in Sunday’s final in Dubai. New Zealand are playing against South Africa in Lahore today.
Today starts off with a cold morning of -3 to 0°C. It gets way warmer by the afternoon, specifically between 12 to 16°C. Not only do we have 11 hours of sunshine, but it’s generally the warmest day we’ve had in a while!
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