POVERTY PLAN – The government is unveiling its national poverty plan today, tackling the so-called “working poor” – people who have a job, but struggle to make ends meet. One in five people faces poverty risk despite the nation’s wealth. The plan includes a €45 increase in child benefit from 2027 and new care home subsidies for pensioners with an income of up to €4200 a month, starting in January. However, increases to minimum pensions and wages are off the table for now.
BETTEL & DELLES USA – Luxembourg’s Foreign Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and Economy Minister Lex Delles are in San Francisco for a two-day working visit. The ministers are meeting technology companies to discuss automated driving, innovation, and artificial intelligence. According to the government statement, Luxembourg is looking to strengthen and find new partnerships in these emerging sectors.
EU ASYLUM – EU interior ministers are meeting in Brussels today to finalise how the bloc’s asylum pact will work in practice. Léon Gloden and his counterparts are focusing on the solidarity mechanism for distributing asylum seekers fairly across member states, as well as establishing faster return procedures for rejected applicants. The measures aim particularly to ease pressure on southern countries like Greece, Italy, Spain and Cyprus, where most refugees arrive.
On the sidelines, the three Benelux interior ministers will unveil a commemorative plaque marking 40 years since the Schengen Agreement.
LYCEE VAUBAN – Luxembourg’s Lycée Vauban has been ranked the 10th best French school worldwide and 6th in Europe. The school achieved a 100% baccalauréat pass rate, with over 93% of students earning honours.
UKRAINE WAR – Peace talks on Ukraine continue in London today, where leaders from Britain, France, Germany, and Ukraine are discussing the US peace plan. President Trump claims Russia supports his proposal, though Moscow has yet to comment officially. Territorial issues and security guarantees remain the main obstacles.
BENIN COUP – In Benin, authorities say they have foiled a coup attempt. President Patrice Talon says 14 military personnel have been arrested after briefly seizing state TV and radio stations yesterday. The African Union has condemned the attempt and is sending observers.
TENERIFE DEATHS – In Tenerife, three people have died after being swept into the sea by large waves at Los Gigantes. Several people ignored warnings and climbed onto the cliffs there. Three others were injured, and the search continues for one missing woman.
FORMULA 1– Lando Norris is Formula One world champion. Norris finished third in Abu Dhabi yesterday to claim his maiden title by just two points, ending Max Verstappen’s four-year reign. It’s Britain’s first drivers’ championship since Lewis Hamilton in 2020.
RUGBY – Luxembourg’s Red Lions dominated Estonia 93-0 in Rugby Europe Conference action. Captain Hugo Bertani opened the scoring after just five minutes, with fly-half Fintan Lawlor and winger William Verrinder among the try scorers in a commanding performance from start to finish.
FOOTBALL – Some international football results from the weekend: In the Bundesliga, Dortmund won 2-0 against Hoffenheim. Hamburger SV beat Bremen 3-2.
In Spain, Real Madrid lost 2-0 at home to Celta Vigo last night.
And in Italy, Napoli won the top match against Juventus 2-1.
Unseasonably mild, wet and windy weather is on the way as low pressure arrives in most of western Europe. Expect temperatures between 7-12 °C today, with cloudy skies, rain, and stronger-than-usual winds over the coming days.
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