TRIPARTITE AGREEMENT – The tripartite agreement has been signed. Prime Minister Luc Frieden, union leaders, and employer representatives put their names to the 10-page document yesterday evening. Around 20 measures aim to curb inflation and support households and businesses. A new follow-up committee will meet quarterly to monitor progress. The Chamber hears a formal presentation this afternoon at 2pm, followed by a press conference.
ASYLUM & MIGRATION PACT – The Chamber votes this afternoon on implementing the EU’s asylum and migration directive into national law. The relevant committee approved the legislation with the support of the CSV, DP, and ADR parties but many opposition MPs have called for the vote to be postponed, saying they have not had enough time to consider the bills.
NATIONAL DAY – This year's National Day ceremony marks a first. Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie will take centre stage at the Philharmonie in Luxembourg City. And for the first time, members of the public are invited to attend. You can register online from 9am today via the government website, but places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The ceremony takes place on the 23rd of June.
IRAN WAR – Iran and Israel say they are observing a ceasefire following yesterday's exchange of attacks, but both sides are warning of a severe response if hostilities resume. Negotiations for a lasting ceasefire are continuing.
PHILIPPINES EARTHQUAKE – The death toll from yesterday's earthquake off the coast of the Philippines has risen to 37. Many people remain missing. Authorities are warning residents in affected areas not to return home due to the risk of buildings collapsing.
CHINA–NORTH KOREA – Chinese President Xi Jinping has met Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, with both sides pledging to deepen cooperation across politics, economics, culture, science, and above all, the military. Kim Jong Un also publicly backed China's position on Taiwan.
OCEAN REPORT – A new UN ocean report paints a bleak picture of the world's seas. Ecosystems are approaching or have already crossed tipping points, beyond which changes to marine life and ocean currents become irreversible. More than 52 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans every year, while overfishing continues to deplete regional waters.
OPENAI IPO – OpenAI has filed formally to list on the stock exchange. Reuters estimates the company's valuation at around $1 trillion. SpaceX is also expected to go public on Friday, with a projected valuation of $1.7 trillion dollars, making it the largest IPO ever.
FOOTBALL – Luxembourg's women's national team plays their final World Cup qualifier this evening,a 7pm home fixture against Belgium.The team has yet to pick up a point this campaign and faces relegation from League B. It will also be the last international appearance for Amy Thompson and Andreia Machado.
A Somali referee nominated for the World Cup has been denied a US visa, ruling him out of the tournament entirely. Omar Artan cannot be deployed in Mexico or Canada either, as all referees are based together in Miami. The African confederation has condemned the decision. FIFA says its hands are tied. Somalia is classified as a terror state under the Trump administration.
BASKETBALL – Victor Wembanyama scored 32 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 115-111 victory over the New York Knicks in game three of the NBA Finals, cutting the Knicks' series lead to 2-1. The win snapped New York's 13-game winning streak. President Trump, the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game, was booed by the Madison Square Garden crowd. Game four is in New York on Wednesday.
The weather is taking a slight turn for the better today, with clearer skies in the morning and clouds gathering as we head into the afternoon. Although most areas will stay dry, there is a possibility that some parts of northern Luxembourg will experience rain showers. Temperatures will start at 8-10°C in the morning, warming up to highs of 17°C in the afternoon.
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