BETTEL EU – Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel is calling for a re-evaluation of the EU’s leadership model, including the possibility of directly electing a president to represent the bloc. During an interview with RTL Radio, Bettel highlighted what he views as a leadership issue within the EU. He expanded on these remarks during other media interviews in Brussels yesterday, emphasising the need for clearer decision-making processes
RAPE FIGURES – Luxembourg’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Justice have disclosed that 816 cases of rape were reported over the past five years. In a joint response, Ministers Elisabeth Margue, Yuriko Backes, and Léon Gloden acknowledged that many victims still hesitate to come forward, leading to a significant number of unreported cases. Regarding date-rape drugs, the ministers stated that no cases have been confirmed in which the use of such substances could be proven. Over the past five years, only 32 people filed complaints alleging that something had been added to their drinks.
FRIEDEN GERMANY – Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden has described the results of the recent German elections as a positive development for both Germany and Europe. Speaking on the formation of a new German government, Frieden emphasised his preference for a two-party coalition over a three-party alliance, arguing that stability is best achieved through collaboration between major centrist parties. He also welcomed the decision to exclude the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) from coalition talks.
SCHOOL SPORT – Luxembourg schools are set to see a boost in sports activities as the Ministry of Education introduces new measures to encourage physical activity and reduce screen time among students. As part of the new measures, students in classical and general secondary education will receive an additional hour of physical education per week. At the primary education level, the number of physical education hours will not be increased.
US RUSSIA – The US envoy to the UN has repeatedly voted alongside Russia, including at the Security Council, in a resolution calling for an end to the war in Ukraine, which contained no criticism of Moscow’s aggression. France and Britain abstained after their attempts to amend the wording were vetoed.
Delegations from the US and Russia are also meeting in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia today to further negotiate peace in Ukraine. The meeting comes one week after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met his US counterpart Marco Rubio.
MACRON US – Emmanuel Macron on Monday said a truce between Ukraine and Russia could be agreed in the coming weeks. The French president made the announcement after his visit to the White House in what appeared to be an attempt of keeping US President Donald Trump on his side. Meeting on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, the two leaders said there was progress on the idea of sending peacekeepers to Ukraine, although Macron insisted on US security guarantees for Kyiv.
POPE HEALTH – In an update yesterday evening, the Vatican said the Pope’s health had slightly improved. He had no further asthma attacks and his blood tests show a slight improvement. The pope is in hospital for double pneumonia.
COP 16 – The UN conference on biodiversity, COP 16, continues in Rome today. Representatives from around 200 countries are meeting to tackle unfinished business such as the financing and implementation of various agreements for more biodiversity on the planet.
ROBERTA FLACK – American R&B singer Roberta Flack died on on Monday, 24 February, at the age of 88. She is best known for her hit Killing Me Softly With His Song. In 2016, Roberta Flack suffered a stroke but continued to perform until 2018.
FOOTBALL – It’s the second day in the Women’s Nations League. Four days after the 2-2 draw against Kazakhstan, the Luxembourg national team is playing against Liechtenstein today. Kick-off is at 7.30pm at Stade Emile Mayrisch.
Virgil van Dijk has urged Liverpool’s players and fans to make Anfield a “horrible” place for opponents during their Premier League title run-in. Liverpool are 11 points clear of second-placed Arsenal at the top of the table with 11 games remaining after Sunday’s 2-0 win at the home of champions Manchester City.
Galatasaray have accused Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho of making “racist statements” following a 0-0 draw between the bitter Istanbul rivals. It was not immediately clear what comments Galatasaray were referring to and former Real Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Spurs coach Mourinho has not responded publicly to the allegation. He also reportedly repeated his criticism of Turkish referees, though the derby was officiated by an international one.
FORMULA 1 – Mercedes have unveiled their 2025 F1 car ahead of this week’s pre-season testing in Bahrain as they adjust to life without Lewis Hamilton. It marks the beginning of a new era for Mercedes following Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari, with rookie Kimi Antonelli stepping up to replace the seven-time world champion as teammate to George Russell.
GOLF – Sweden’s three-time major winner Anna Nordqvist will be Europe’s Solheim Cup captain as they bid to regain the trophy in next year’s edition. The 2026 renewal takes place at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands from 11–13 September.
Today looks set to bring more of the same cloudy and rainy weather with showers expected in the afternoon. Morning low temperatures are between 5 and 7°C and a forecast afternoon high of 9°C.
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