DEFENCE STRATEGY – Luxembourg has unveiled a new national defence strategy, presented by Defence Minister Yuriko Backes and Economy Minister Lex Delles. The plan focuses on research, new technology and military production, with expansion in space, cyber security, and artificial intelligence. A new defence campus will be established at the Liberty Steel site in Dudelange, backed by a dedicated defence investment fund.
DEADLY ACCIDENT – A man has died following a serious road accident yesterday afternoon on the N12 between Asselborn and Troisvierges. A van left the road and struck a tree head-on. Despite a quick response by emergency services, one passenger could not be saved. The driver was taken to hospital with serious injuries. An investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.
PETROL PRICES – There is good news on the petrol courts today as prices for heating oil have dropped by 11.8 cents, Diesel 11.6 cents, and 95 unleaded petrol drop by 5.9 cents.
IRAN WAR – In the latest developments in the conflict in the Middle East, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards say they carried out missile and drone strikes on Israeli sites and US military facilities in the Gulf on Thursday. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs early this morning. US President Donald Trump has paused his threat to strike Iranian power plants by ten days, saying talks with Tehran are, in his words, “going very well”.
The UN Human Rights Council is holding an urgent debate this morning on the reported aerial strike on a girls’ school in Minab, Iran, described as a potential breach of international humanitarian and human rights law.
SPAIN STRIKES – Ground staff strikes in Spain could affect Easter holiday travellers flying with Luxair. Barcelona, Palma, Las Palmas, and Tenerife are among the affected destinations. Luxair says all flights are currently running as planned, but delays cannot be ruled out. Around 12,000 passengers are due to fly out of Luxembourg with Luxair this first holiday weekend.
FRANCE G7 – G7 foreign ministers wrap up their meeting in France today, with talks focused on Ukraine and Iran. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper are among those attending the final day, hosted by French FM Jean-Noël Barrot.
FOOTBALL – The Red Lions are in a strong position in the Nations League play-offs after beating Malta 2-0 last night, with goals from Sebastien Thill and Mathias Olesen. The return leg takes place next Tuesday at the Stade de Luxembourg.
Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup dream is over after losing to the Czech Republic on penalties, 4-3. Italy are still in the hunt for World Cup qualification after beating Northern Ireland 2-0 in their European play-off semi-final. Bosnia-Herzegovina stand between them and a place at the finals on Tuesday. Also on Tuesday, Turkey face Kosovo, Sweden take on Poland, and Denmark meet the Czech Republic.
FORMULA 1 – Formula 1 returns this weekend with the Japanese Grand Prix. Qualifying is tomorrow morning at 7am, and the race gets underway Sunday at 7am, live as always on RTL 2 and RTL Play.
CYCLING – British sprinter Ethan Vernon won stage four of the Tour of Catalonia on Thursday after a high wind warning in the mountains caused a hasty switch from a summit finish to a flat one. Overall leader Dorian Godon of Ineos was outpaced to second place on the day, while Tom Pidcock was third and climbed to second overall. Luxembourg’s Mathieu Kockelmann finished 7th. Mats Wenzel came 57th, while Bob Jungels crossed the line 136th, over a minute down.
After yesterday’s rollercoaster of sun, clouds and hail, things are a little calmer today, with a classic Luxembourgish mix of sunshine and cloud. It’s still far from spring-like though, with morning lows of -1°C to 2 °C and afternoon highs of just 7°C to 9°C. The weekend is nearly here, but brace yourselves, it looks like it could get even colder.
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