GREEN PARTY ENERGY – Luxembourg’s Green Party has used a press conference to call on the government to accelerate the energy transition, framing it as a matter of national security amid the ongoing conflict in Iran. MP Sam Tanson urged immediate action to address the current price spike, alongside a longer-term strategy. Fellow MP Joëlle Welfring called for an energy tax credit for lower and middle-income households, arguing those on lower incomes are disproportionately affected by rising energy costs.
MINIMUM WAGE – Luxembourg’s main trade unions are pushing back against a proposal by the Federation of Craftspeople to abolish the qualified minimum wage. Both the OGBL and LCGB say scrapping it would devalue professional qualifications and send the wrong signal to young people entering skilled trades.
BOOK LOVERS – Good news for book lovers and for Luxembourg. According to Eurostat, 75% of people in Luxembourg read at least one book in the past year, the highest share in the EU. Contrary to popular belief, it’s young people leading the way – those aged 16 to 29 are the most active readers of any age group.
BRETZELSONNDEG – This Sunday is Bretzelsonndeg (Pretzel Sunday), a Luxembourgish tradition falling on the fourth Sunday of Lent. The custom sees men offer a sweet pretzel to the woman they fancy. If she’s keen, she’ll return the gesture with an egg at Easter. The Luxembourgish pretzel, by the way, is nothing like its salty German cousin. Think fondant icing and almonds.
MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT – In the latest developments, Iran has launched fresh attacks on Israel and Gulf states. A building in Dubai said to house American soldiers was struck by a drone, local authorities are reporting no casualties. Tehran says it is prepared for a prolonged conflict, despite President Trump’s earlier insistence the war would soon be over. At least 7 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Beirut targeting Hezbollah positions.
The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution condemning Iranian attacks on Gulf states, by 13 votes to none, with Russia and China abstaining.
American media are reporting that faulty intelligence was behind a US strike on a school in Iran in which more than 170 people were killed. The building had previously been used by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
Oil prices have risen again despite the International Energy Agency announcing the release of member states’ strategic reserves. A barrel of Brent crude was back above $100 this morning. The G7 nations have agreed to jointly escort shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has repeatedly targeted in recent days.
The first six days of the conflict have cost the United States more than $11.3 billion, according to the Pentagon.
LUFTHANSA STRIKE – Lufthansa pilots are striking today and tomorrow in a dispute over pension provisions. Long-haul services are expected to continue.
FOOTBALL – In last night’s Champions League games, Real Madrid won 3-0 against Manchester City, thanks to a hat trick from Federico Valverde, and therefore go into the return match in England next Tuesday with a comfortable lead. In other results, Bodø/Glimt beat Sporting 3–0, PSG won 5–2 over Chelsea, and Leverkusen drew 1–1 with Arsenal.
BASKETBALL – In women’s basketball, Luxembourg have beaten Ireland 85 points to 73 in European Championship qualification, and progress to the next round.
CYCLING – Stage 5 of Paris-Nice is underway today. Two-time Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard took control of the fourth stage marred by lashing rain, cross-winds, and crashes yesterday.
TENNIS – Britain’s Jack Draper has knocked out defending champion Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells, winning 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 in three sets. Draper faces Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals tomorrow. World number one Carlos Alcaraz is also through, and will meet fellow Briton Cameron Norrie.
After a brief spell of rain, dry conditions return, though temperatures will be slightly cooler and skies more overcast than in previous days. Temperatures start with 2–4°C in the morning, warming up to a maximum of 10–12°C in the afternoon.
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