TRIPARTITE MEETING – The government and social partners meet today to follow up on June's Tripartite. That deal set the energy aid now in force and a rise in the minimum wage. But energy prices climbed more in September than expected, so the social partners are watching how inflation develops. Prime Minister Luc Frieden said last week he couldn't yet say whether the aid will continue beyond December. For now, there are reductions on electricity, gas, heating oil, petrol, and diesel.
BELGIUM MOTORWAY TOLL – Mobility Minister Yuriko Backes will check whether Wallonia's planned motorway toll complies with EU law, once the final texts are published. The Walloon government has confirmed the charge starts on 1 May 2027, and says it won't change its plans, despite Luxembourg's request for a Greater Region exemption.
PHILHARMONIE BANK TRANSACTION – The Luxembourg Philharmonie says it has reported suspicious bank transfers worth around €160,000 to the authorities. The transactions were spotted during internal controls. Management says it's working with the authorities to establish responsibility, and an external review of its financial procedures is under way.
ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN – The Luxembourg Police and Road Safety Luxembourg have launched their Winter Season 2026 road safety campaign, targeting vehicle visibility and technical condition during bad weather. Nationwide police checks will run until the end of the year. Drivers caught with faulty lighting by mid-November have five days to fix it or face a fine.
FRANCE PROTESTS – France has imposed partial curfews in Paris, Lille, Lyon, and other cities after the worst street violence in years. Overnight curfews began at 11pm in the capital. More than 2,500 people were arrested over the weekend, and nearly 1,000 police and gendarmes were injured. The prime minister says he is determined to restore order, and more protests are planned for Saturday.
UKRAINE WAR – Ukraine's President Zelensky has accused the United States of deliberately delaying deliveries of interceptor missiles. He told US senators the Pentagon is holding up missiles already paid for by European countries, and that allies are ready to send Patriot missiles but are waiting for Washington's approval. Meanwhile, President Trump said he was ready to meet Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in November, fuelling fears Kyiv could be sidelined.
AUSTRALIA ATTACK – Wangaratta in Australia is in shock after independent MP Helen Haines was critically injured in what authorities describe as a deliberate attack. The 65-year-old was hit by a car on Monday afternoon. A 43-year-old man has been arrested, but police have said little about a motive.
EU ARCTIC – The EU is due to unveil a new Arctic strategy today, as it faces pressure from Russia and the United States in the region. A draft seen by AFP covers critical raw materials, icebreakers, and undersea cables. It also calls for closer cooperation with partners including Canada, Britain, and Norway.
FOOTBALL – Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a 30-day suspension for leaving the Portugal camp last month. He then accused coach Jorge Jesus of going back on a promise of game time. Ronaldo has since apologised and said he would accept any punishment.
England women's coach Sarina Wiegman has signed a two year contract extension, keeping her in the job until the end of the 2029 European Championship. The Dutchwoman has led England to two European titles and the 2023 World Cup final since taking over in 2021.
It's matchday 3 in the Champions League today and tomorrow. PSG host Barcelona at home, while Dortmund play Sabah in Baku. Porto face Eindhoven, Liverpool play Villarreal, Stuttgart meet Atletico Madrid and Manchester City take on AEK Athens. Tomorrow’s highlight match is Bayern playing Arsenal.
While most of the day will be dry and overcast, the clouds will intensify towards the second half of the day, increasing the potential of rain showers as we head into the night. Temperatures will start off chilly at 3–5°C in the morning, rising to highs of 11–13°C in the afternoon.
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