IRAN WAR – Prime Minister Luc Frieden has called the situation extremely serious and convened an emergency cabinet meeting yesterday. He will deliver an official government statement in parliament this afternoon. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel says Luxembourg faces difficulties repatriating its citizens from the region. Around 480 Luxembourgers are currently in the Middle East, as regional air traffic remains heavily disrupted following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. No update yet on repatriation plans, though Germany says it will charter flights for vulnerable citizens.
ABORTION RIGHTS – Parliament is voting on enshrining the right to abortion in the constitution, a proposal by Marc Baum of Déi Lénk. A two-thirds majority is required, meaning at least 40 MPs must vote in favour.
POLICE RAID – A pregnant woman has been taken to hospital after an armed police raid in Bonnevoie. Officers searching for a suspect linked to a weapons report stormed a home early Monday, detaining several residents. An unregistered gun, drugs, and counterfeit notes were seized, but the main suspect has not been arrested.
WORK STRESS – According to a survey conducted by Luxembourg-based job website Moovijob.com, 40% of workers in Luxembourg say they return home stressed every evening, while only 11% report feeling completely at ease when they get back. The figures highlight how workplace pressure often lingers long after the office door has closed.
IRAN WAR – Israeli and US airstrikes have continued in Iran. Among the targets were facilities belonging to state radio broadcasting, as well as further sites in Tehran. Iran has again launched drones and missiles at countries hosting US bases. Kuwait reported its first fatality this morning. In Saudi Arabia, the US embassy was hit by two drones. In Qatar, two Iranian fighter jets were reportedly shot down, and in the Gulf of Oman 11 Iranian warships were sunk.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News the attack was unavoidable, claiming Iran was expanding missile and nuclear bunkers, though he offered no evidence.
The United States has meanwhile issued an official appeal to all its citizens in the Middle East to leave the region immediately. 12 countries are affected. You can read the latest news in our live ticker on the conflict in the Middle East here.
OIL & GAS PRICES – The European Commission is holding crisis talks as oil and gas prices surge. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is heavily restricted, with Iran threatening tankers. Around 20% of global oil trade passes through that route.
MACRON NUCLEAR – President Emmanuel Macron says France will increase its number of nuclear warheads and deepen cooperation with eight European nations to strengthen continental security. Speaking at the Ile Longue submarine base, he said the move was vital to face growing global threats, but France will no longer publish details of its arsenal.
BASKETBALL – In the European Championship pre-qualification, Luxembourg’s men lost 91–85 in Ireland last night. The FLBB side remains second in the table after four matches with six points. Two home games against North Macedonia and Azerbaijan follow in early July.
FOOTBALL – Luxembourg’s women’s national football team begins World Cup qualification today with a home match against Scotland. Kick-off is at 7.30pm at the Stade Emile Mayrisch in Esch. Scotland, ranked 26th in the current FIFA world rankings, are clear favourites. The return leg at Hampden Park in Glasgow takes place this Saturday. In April, Luxembourg face Israel twice, and Belgium in June.
Real Madrid surprisingly lost 1-0 at home to Getafe. In Portugal, Benfica Lisbon, with Luxembourg international Leandro Barreiro, won 2-1 away at Gil Vicente.
It is another cold morning, but it should be an extremely mild and sunny afternoon – it may even feel a little like spring has arrived. Similar to yesterday, we will start with 2-4°C in the morning, rising to a much toastier 15-17°C in the afternoon.
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