BUDGET DEBATE - In Luxembourg’s parliament this morning, the budget debate continues. After that, the budget for 2023 will be voted on. The majority parties are in favor of it, the opposition is unanimously against it. The CSV is disturbed by high expenses, the ADR criticizes the debt policy. The Left would have liked more change and ambitions and the Pirate party still sees a lot of room for improvement in social policy. In total, a deficit of 1.8 billion euros has been calculated for 2023.
AVIAN FLU - An outbreak of avian flu has been confirmed in domestic geese in Useldange. The Ministry of Agriculture has put in a series of measures to prevent this outbreak of bird flu from spreading. All poultry shows are prohibited until further notice and all abnormal deaths of poultry must be reported to a vet. The consumption of eggs and poultry meat is safe for public health.
EU SUMMIT - The head of states and governments are meeting in Brussels today, to take part in the last EU Council in 2022. One subject clearly dominates the agenda: aid for Ukraine, both on a military and humanitarian level. In addition, the multibillion-dollar US subsidy plan for car makers will also be a subject. The EU sees this as a competitive problem and continues to negotiate with Washington. Luxembourg is represented by Prime Minister Xavier Bettel.
EU PARLIAMENT SCANDAL - Greek MEP Eva Kaili and three others detained by police, investigating an alleged bribery scandal involving Qatar remain in custody. They were detained last Friday as Belgian investigators found bags containing €1.5m in a flat, a house and a suitcase at a hotel. Kaili missed the hearing and will return to court next week. The court ruled two others should stay in pre-trial detention and a third must wear an electronic tag. A major investigation has been ongoing in Strasbourg and Brussels.
FRANCE CELEBRATIONS - There were jubilant scenes on the Champs-Elysees in central Paris last night as French supporters waved tricolour flags and let off flares to celebrate the win over Morocco that put Les Bleus into the World Cup final. Some 10,000 police were mobilised across France to ensure there was no unrest during and after the match, given the potential of clashes between French supporters and those backing Morocco. But there was little sign of tension as supporters thronged the end of the avenue leading to the Arc de Triomphe in impassioned but largely good-natured scenes with Moroccan supporters accepting defeat.
WORLD CUP - The reigning champions France beat Morocco 2:0 in Qatar, setting up a chance to become the first side to retain the men’s trophy in six decades. They will play Argentina in the final on Sunday.
RUSSIA OLYMPICS - Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Russian athletes should face “complete isolation” and not be welcomed back at the 2024 Olympic Games. Russia and Belarus have been isolated from international sport ever since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine in February. Zelensky said that 184 Ukrainian athletes have died as a result of Russia’s actions”.
DARTS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - And for some it is a fixed appointment around Christmas time. The Darts World Championship starts again today at Alexandra Palace in London. A total of 96 players from 24 countries will compete for the title until the 3rd January. Among the top favorites are the Dutch player Michael van Gerwen, the Scottish champion Peter Wright and the Welshman Gerwyn Price. Three women are also competing. The winner will receive half a million pounds.
It’s no less chilly today, although the cold will be accompanied by fresh, breezy sunshine peeking out from behind the clouds throughout the day. Morning temperatures will start off cold at -5 to -3°C, rising no higher than 0°C in the afternoon, before dropping back to -4 to -2°C in the evening.
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