EMPLOYMENT DROP – Luxembourg has recorded the EU’s second-sharpest employment drop in the third quarter of 2025, with the rate for workers aged 20 to 64 falling half (0.5) a percentage point, according to new figures published by Eurostat. The decline coincides with major layoffs at Amazon and Quintet bank. Across the EU, employment remained stable at just over 76%.
AMAZON LAYOFFS – Meanwhile, Amazon Luxembourg’s social plan affecting 370 workers – the largest in the country’s history – has sparked union concerns about foreign employees who relocated to the Grand Duchy. Unions are warning that workers from countries like India and Pakistan may face deportation after building long-term lives here. The company plans to begin talks with affected staff in February.
MUNICIPALITY MERGER – Two Luxembourg municipalities are moving towards a possible merger. Boulaide and Upper Sure Lake municipalities could hold a referendum before 2029, with exploratory discussions already underway since last month. The mayors have confirmed the plans to RTL. If approved, the merged municipality would become Luxembourg’s third-largest by area, covering more than 80 square kilometres with a population of nearly 4,000.
AUSTRALIA SHOOTING – Fifteen people were killed and at least 40 others were injured in a shooting at a Hanukkah Jewish festival celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday. Police have declared it a terrorist incident targeting Jewish Australians. One gunman was killed, the other critically injured after bystanders intervened. According to the police, the shooters were father and son. Minister Anthony Albanese called it an act of evil, antisemitism, and terrorism.
UKRAINE TALKS – Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky continues high-stakes talks in Berlin today with US envoys and European leaders on ending the war with Russia. After more than five hours of discussions yesterday with Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and the US president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, progress was reported. Key questions remain on Ukrainian territorial concessions, future security guarantees for Kyiv, and whether Moscow would agree to any proposal hammered out by the Europeans and Americans.
EU FOREIGN MINISTERS – EU foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels to discuss Russia’s war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and relations with China. Luxembourg is represented by Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel.
ROB REINER RIP – According to US media, director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele have been found dead in their Los Angeles home. Investigators believe they suffered stab wounds and a family member is being questioned by investigators. Reiner directed some of the most memorable movies of the 1980s and 90s, including “This is Spinal Tap”, “A Few Good Men”, and “When Harry Met Sally”.
KARATE – Spain’s Raul Cuerva Mora begins his role as Luxembourg Karate Federation head coach today. The 29-year-old, who previously coached Sweden, takes over after weeks of rumours about the previous coaching staff. National star Jenny Warling criticised the speculation, saying it negatively impacted team morale.
FOOTBALL – In Sunday’s football action: Harry Kane’s late penalty salvaged a 2-2 draw for Bayern Munich against bottom side Mainz. Inter Milan topped Serie A after beating Genoa 2-1, while AC Milan drew with Sassuolo 2-2 and Napoli were beaten 1-0 at Udinese. Real Madrid edged Alaves 2-1 with goals from Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo Goes. And Manchester City closed on Arsenal with Erling Haaland scoring twice in a 3-0 win against Crystal Palace.
After days of wet, foggy, and overcast weather, a brighter side of December is finally in sight, with grey skies gradually clearing as the day goes on.
Temperatures will be higher than yesterday, at least in the afternoon. After a chilly start of 1 to 3°C in the morning, highs of around 9°C are expected later in the day.
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