MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT – The Luxembourg government is working urgently to bring home approximately 600 Luxembourgers and residents currently stranded in the Middle East. Ministers have been coordinating with Luxair and other partners over recent days to identify repatriation options. Luxair has already stationed a non-commercial aircraft in Hurghada, Egypt, on standby. The current plan centres on Muscat, in Oman, as the departure point, with some travellers in Dubai being asked to prepare for a nine-hour bus journey to reach that airport.
Military options are also on the table. The Ministry of Defence is examining the use of Belgian and Luxembourg military aircraft. Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel, speaking in the Chamber on Tuesday, acknowledged the situation remains highly uncertain, but reassured those affected “the government has not forgotten you.” Priority for seats will be given to families with children and those with serious medical conditions. All affected persons will be contacted by Luxembourg’s consular assistance service in the coming hours and days.
ABORTION RIGHTS – The Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies has voted to enshrine the freedom of abortion in the constitution, becoming the second country after France to provide this constitutional protection. Passed with a significant majority, the amendment secures reproductive rights and individual autonomy against future political shifts.
EIB FORUM – European Council President António Costa opens the European Investment Bank Forum in Luxembourg this morning, with Eurogroup President and Greek Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis following with a keynote address at mid-morning.
PETROL PRICES – Drivers face higher costs at the pump from today: 95 unleaded petrol is rising by 3.9 cents to €1.522 a litre.
MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT – Israel has launched a new wave of strikes on Iran, with the US military saying nearly 2000 targets have been hit so far. Explosions have rocked Beirut, and a drone attack has caused a fire near the US consulate in Dubai. Saudi Arabia has intercepted cruise missiles south of Riyadh.
The US has authorised non-emergency staff and their families to leave Saudi Arabia and Oman. France is deploying its aircraft carrier to the eastern Mediterranean. And President Trump has threatened to cut all trade with Spain after Madrid refused to allow US planes to use its bases to strike Iran. You can read the latest news in our live ticker on the conflict in the Middle East here.
SENATE VOTE – The US Senate votes this afternoon on legislation to limit President Trump’s authority to pursue further military strikes against Iran. A separate resolution goes before the House on Thursday. Both measures are widely expected to fail.
FOOTBALL – Luxembourg’s women were beaten 5-0 by Scotland last night in Esch, in the opening round of World Cup qualification. The return match is on Saturday at Hampden Park in Glasgow. Belgium beat Israel 3-0 in the other group game.
In the Luxembourg Cup, today sees the round of 16 with 8 matches, including Differdange against Strassen. All games kick off at 8pm.
In international football - a shock in the Premier League: Liverpool lost 2-1 to Wolverhampton. Tonight sees Aston Villa vs Chelsea and Newcastle vs Manchester United. In Spain, Atlético Madrid are through to the Copa del Rey final on aggregate despite losing 3–0 to Barcelona last night.
Liverpool.
CYCLING – Luxembourg’s Alex Kirsch has been confirmed for this year’s Tour de France with his new team Cofidis. It will be his third start at the Grande Boucle, which opens in Barcelona on July 4.
ATHLETICS – Just one week after registering the third-fastest 60-metre time in the world this season, clocking 7.01 seconds in Poland, Patrizia van der Weken returned to Luxembourg soil on Sunday to set a new national record over 200 metres, with a time of 23.09 seconds
It’s going to be a beautiful sunny spring day. After a slightly chilly start, we are looking at temperature of around 4-6°C in the morning, rising to a very pleasant 16-18°C in the afternoon.
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