LABOUR REPORT – Ahead of Labour Day tomorrow, new figures show nearly half a million people are now working in Luxembourg, but just one in four holds Luxembourgish nationality, with 47% being cross-border workers. Statistics agency STATEC says the traditional working week is fading: two in three employees now work evenings, weekends, or part-time. More than a third work past 6pm, and 36% work from home regularly.
POLICE TRIAL – An ongoing trial into a series of violence reports at the former C3R Luxembourg City police station, dating back to May 2023, has heard that officers were operating under extreme pressure, partly due to understaffing. A 22-year-old recruit, just three weeks into the job, told the court he had been instructed on what to write in his incident report on the night one of the victims was attacked. The trial is set to continue this morning, with statements from the four accused police officers. Two face assault charges, the others are alleged to have been involved in a cover-up.
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS – Luxembourg has secured a seven-year transitional period before new EU rules on cross-border worker unemployment benefits take full effect, giving the country time to adapt to a reform that could cost around €200 million annually.
FUEL PRICES – Fuel prices have once again risen in Luxembourg. The price per litre of SP95 petrol goes up to €1.80, while SP98 will reach €1.89. There will be no change to the price of diesel, which remains the most expensive fuel at €1.91 per litre.
BUS ROUTES – Several bus routes in Luxembourg's Kirchberg district will be diverted from Sunday, as tram construction enters a new phase. Lines serving Boulevard Adenauer, including numbers 6, 16, 18, and 21, will follow alternative routes, with several stops removed and replaced. The changes are expected to remain in place until spring 2027.
RTL TODAY RADIO FM – RTL Today Radio will very soon be available on FM in Luxembourg and the Greater Region. From next Tuesday, 5th May, you will be able to find us at 93.3 FM as well as the usual DAB+, online and via the RTL Today, RTL Play, and Radioplayer apps.
IRAN WAR – The US-Iran war has cost America around $25 billion in just two months, according to a senior Pentagon official, with 11 billion spent in the first week alone. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has defended the campaign before Congress, dismissing talk of an unpopular war or a conflict with no way out. Oil prices have surged to nearly $120 a barrel, their highest since 2022.
US UK ROYALS VISIT – King Charles and Queen Camilla are concluding their US state visit today, bidding farewell to President Trump at the White House before heading to Virginia, where they will lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery and join celebrations marking 250 years of American independence. The royal couple depart for Bermuda later today.
EUROPE INTEREST RATES – The European Central Bank is expected to keep interest rates on hold today, as it weighs rising inflation against the threat of slowing growth. Energy costs have spiked since fighting in the Middle East disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Eurozone inflation stands at 2.6%, above the ECB's target, but with consumer confidence falling and business activity contracting, policymakers appear in no hurry to act. The Fed held rates steady yesterday for the third time in a row.
FOOTBALL – Atletico Madrid and Arsenal drew 1-1 in the first leg of their Champions League sem-final last night. The return leg is next Tuesday in London. On Wednesday, Bayern Munich host PSG.
Former Luxembourg international Stefano Bensi is set to return to US Rumelange as manager from next season, the club where he previously played between 2006 and 2009.
CYCLING – World champion Tadej Pogacar stamped his authority on the Tour de Romandie by sprinting to victory in yesterday’s opening full stage. Today’s second stage is a 173.1km run from Rue to Vucherens which should suit breakaway specialists.
The great weather continues, with sunshine and blue skies from daybreak for the entire day. Be prepared for some 50 km/h wind gusts, but temperatures are still warm… starting at 6–8°C in the morning, with the maximum hitting 18–19°C.
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