WAGE INCREASES – Civil servants and public employees in Luxembourg are set to receive a salary increase following an agreement between the Ministry of the Civil Service and the General Confederation of the Civil Service (CGFP). Details of the new agreement were revealed in a press conference yesterday afternoon and include an index point value raise of 2% this year, followed by an additional 0.5% increase in 2026.
CAUSES OF DEATH – According to recent statistics, an average of twelve people die every day in Luxembourg, with tumours being the primary cause of mortality in 2023. Among men, lung cancer is the most common cause of death, followed by prostate, pancreatic, and liver cancers. For women, breast cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
CAR BREAKDOWNS – Car breakdowns are a common frustration for drivers, and the Luxembourg Motoring Association (ACL) is reporting a rise in incidents, particularly due to battery issues and mechanical failures. According to the ACL, the main factors contributing to car breakdowns are an increase in the number of vehicles on the road and the ageing of the car fleet, with motorists holding onto their vehicles longer.
PLANE CRASH – An American airlines passenger plane has collided with a US army helicopter in Washington. It is understood the plane was coming in to land when the collision happened and then plunged into the Potomac river. CBS is reporting that three soldiers were on the helicopter. The airline is confirming that 60 passengers and four crew members were scheduled to be on the flight. President Trump says he is monitoring the situation.
US DEPORTATIONS – Donald Trump has announced plans to detain up to 30,000 illegal immigrants at the US high security Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba. Cuba’s President has called the decision “an act of brutality”. The prison has been used to indefinitely detain terrorism suspects after the 11 September attacks in 2001. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News is it was the perfect place for what he called “criminal illegals”.
GAZA CEASEFIRE – Israel and Hamas are set to carry out their third hostage-prisoner exchange today, with three Israelis and five Thai captives slated for release as part of a ceasefire deal aimed at ending the Gaza war. A fourth exchange is scheduled for the weekend, but Hamas has accused Israel of jeopardising the deal by holding up aid deliveries, an allegation Israel dismissed as “fake news”.
ECB INTEREST RATES – The European Central Bank (ECB) is set to press on with interest rate cuts today. ECB policymakers are expected to cut their benchmark deposit rate by a further quarter point to 2.75%, its fifth reduction since June last year.
FOOTBALL – Manchester City came from behind against Club Brugge to reach the Champions League knockout phase, where they were safely joined by Paris Saint-Germain as Arsenal qualified directly for the last 16 in the final round of league-phase matches. Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille, and Aston Villa also followed Liverpool and Barcelona in securing top-eight finishes to skip the new play-off round. Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City will face either holders Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in a blockbuster play-off tie next month.
And Former Bayern Munich coach Niko Kovac will take over as Borussia Dortmund boss until 2026. Known for his disciplinarian style and focus on fitness, Kovac will take over a Dortmund side who have struggled since reaching last season’s Champions League final.
SKIING – Norwegian skier Timon Haugan has claimed the fourth World Cup win of his career with victory in the slalom. The 28-year-old posted a time of 1min 48.05sec over his two runs, 0.20sec faster than hometown favourite Manuel Feller.
RUGBY – Fabien Galthie’s in-form France start this year’s Six Nations by hosting Wales tomorrow with the head coach fully aware of the challenge of winning the title. After welcoming Warren Gatland’s Wales to Paris, France face three away trips including a visit to two-time defending champions Ireland before a home game against Scotland to finish the tournament on March 15.
It is a typical day in the Grand-Duchy, starting off with some relatively heavy cloud coverage that could bring along some rain. As the day goes on, expect a shift towards a dryer atmosphere, with occasional periods of sunlight. We will see a slight drop in temperature as we get ready to welcome another sub-zero period. Temperatures start at around 4–5°C , rising a little to 7–8°C by the afternoon.
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