TERROR THREAT – Luxembourg is maintaining its terror threat level at 2, meaning a genuine but non-specific threat, following a review yesterday by the GCT, the national counter-terrorism coordination body. Authorities say there is no concrete danger at present, but vigilance remains high given the regional situation.
REPATRIATION FLIGHTS – Two repatriation flights are currently making their way back to Luxembourg from Oman. The first Luxair flight, carrying 104 passengers including seven infants, is making a technical stopover in Hurghada, Egypt, before arriving in Luxembourg this afternoon. A second government-chartered flight with 97 passengers on board is expected to land at Findel at around 1.30pm. Further options are being explored, including a military MRTT aircraft and a second Luxair plane, both currently positioned in Egypt and due to continue to Muscat today. Families with young children and passengers with medical conditions have been given boarding priority. The government says the safety of Luxembourg nationals remains its absolute top priority.A second flight was also being organised last night. Around 500 Luxembourgers remain stranded across the Middle East.
ASSELBORN IRAN – Former Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn has rejected the US justification for strikes on Iran, telling RTL last night that Trump’s claim of an imminent Iranian nuclear threat was an outright lie. Asselborn said Iran had in fact been signalling willingness to negotiate on the nuclear issue, and dismissed the idea that military force could bring about regime change. His comments came after Trump gave himself “15 out of 10" for the operation.
FUEL PRICES – The ongoing conflict involving Iran is now having a huge impact on fuel prices in Luxembourg. 98 petrol has risen 3 cents to €1.65 per litre, Diesel is up by close to 21 cents, to €1.70 per litre, and heating oil will become 22.3 cents more expensive and will therefore cost €1.15 per litre.
TRAIN ACCIDENT – Emergency services were called to Kayl yesterday evening after a person was struck by a train on the tracks. There is no further information at present.
GRAND DUKE MADRID – The Grand Ducal couple departs today for an official two-day visit to Madrid, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and Ministers Lex Delles and Gilles Roth. Grand Duke Guillaume will address the IE University on European affairs, alongside talks with the Spanish government.
FILM FESTIVAL – The Luxembourg City Film Festival opens its 16th edition today, running through to 15 March. Nine films are in competition for the Grand Prix, with Spanish filmmaker Rodrigo Sorogoyen heading a jury that also includes British musician Pete Doherty.
MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT – In the latest developments in the Middle East conflict:
FOOTBALL – There were eight ties in the Luxembourg Cup last night, with a couple of matches going to extra time. Differdange came through the most dramatic encounter of the evening, edging out Strassen 4-3 after extra time. Racing Luxembourg also needed the additional period to see off Canach, winning 3-2.
Elsewhere, Bissen beat Mondorf 2-1, Rosport won 3-2 away at Mamer, Niederkorn edged Wiltz 1-0, Fola beat Hoscheid 3-1, Rodange won 2-0 at FC Luxembourg City, and Feulen beat Steinsel 1-0. The quarter-final draw takes place on 16 March, with the ties themselves scheduled for Wednesday 22 April.
In the Bundesliga, Bayer Leverkusen kept the pressure on with a 1-0 win away at Hamburg. In the Premier League, leaders Arsenal moved further clear with a 1-0 victory at Brighton. Newcastle beat Manchester United 2-1, while Manchester City and Nottingham Forest drew 2-2.
In the French Cup, both semi-final spots were decided on penalties. Toulouse beat Marseille in a shootout to reach the last four, and Nice did the same away at Lorient. Strasbourg had already booked their place with a 2-1 win over Reims. Lyon face Lens tonight for the final semi-final spot.
PARALYMPICS – The Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics open on Friday, but Ukraine and several European nations will boycott the opening ceremony, in protest at the IPC’s decision to allow six Russian and four Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags. Over 600 athletes will compete across six sports until 15 March.
This morning will feel considerably colder than yesterday, with the possibility of ice on higher ground; however, temperatures will rise to bring a beautiful spring-like day. A chilly start with 1–3°C in the morning, warming up to a maximum of 17°C in the afternoon, and cooling down to around 8°C in the evening.
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