Luxembourg

Benfica midfielder Leandro Barreiro has returned to the team's final training session before the second leg match against St. Gallen, having recovered from a respiratory infection that caused him to miss the first leg in Switzerland. The Luxembourg international is now available for selection. The article also reports that young Benfica player Jaden Umeh underwent successful surgery on his right thigh after being injured in a friendly against Flamengo, with Emerson Royal apologizing for the incident. Additionally, Benfica is moving forward with a contract renewal for center-back Tomás Araújo, increasing his salary. In transfer news, Czech international Chaloupek, a target for Benfica as a potential successor to António Silva, is reportedly prioritizing a move to the Premier League, meaning Benfica will need to convince him to join.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 10:39 AM UTC

Saudi club Al-Ittihad is close to signing Luxembourg international midfielder Leonardo Barreiro from Benfica for a €15 million fee with flexible payment terms, according to Saudi Sports TV. The 26-year-old, considered one of Luxembourg's top players, began his career at Racing Union before moving to Mainz's youth system in 2016. He made 141 Bundesliga appearances for Mainz, scoring 11 goals, before joining Benfica on a free transfer in 2024. At Benfica, he made 58 appearances across all competitions, scoring 6 goals and providing 6 assists, winning the league title and playing in the Champions League and Club World Cup. Barreiro has 73 caps for Luxembourg since 2018, scoring 2 goals. The transfer is expected to be finalized in the coming days, with a four-year contract awaiting him.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 12:59 AM UTC

Sofiane Ikene (21), a young professional for FC Rot-Weiß Erfurt, was fined after making his debut as team captain on the first matchday of the Regionalliga Nordost. According to the team's fine catalog, any player serving as captain for the first time must pay a fee, which goes into the team fund for a future team evening. Ikene, who returned from a long-term cruciate ligament injury, expressed honor at receiving the captain's trust. The regular captain, Maxime Awoudja, and vice-captain Til Linus Schwarz were not in the starting lineup, allowing Ikene to lead the team. Separately, the club announced the termination of defender Nathan Fuakala's contract by mutual agreement.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 02:06 PM UTC

Sofiane Ikene, a 21-year-old Luxembourgish midfielder for FC Rot-Weiß Erfurt, was fined by his team after making his debut as captain on the first matchday of the Regionalliga Nordost. According to the team's internal fine catalog, any player wearing the captain's armband for the first time must pay a penalty. Ikene joked that the bonus from the team's first win did not fully cover the fine. The money goes into the team fund, which will be used for a team evening. Ikene, who was out since November 2025 with a cruciate ligament tear, expressed honor at being trusted with the role. The team's official captain, Maxime Awoudja, and vice-captain Til Linus Schwarz were not in the starting lineup, allowing Ikene to lead the team. He described the moment as emotional and adrenaline-filled.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 12:16 PM UTC

The Luxembourg Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) hosted the first ICAI International Conference 2026 – Europe at GRIDX in Wickrange, Luxembourg. The event attracted chartered accountants, finance professionals, business leaders, entrepreneurs, academicians, and members of the Indian diaspora from across Europe and beyond. The program featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, felicitation segments, and networking sessions, focusing on cross-border business collaboration, emerging global opportunities, finance, innovation, leadership, technology, and the evolving role of CAs in the global economy. ICAI leadership stated the conference aimed to strengthen professional networks across Europe and foster collaboration among finance professionals, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. The conference also included the Achievers' World Excellence Awards 2026, honoring leaders from the US, India, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the UAE for socio-economic contributions. Separately, ICAI launched its 65th Campus Placement Programme for newly qualified CAs, with over 6,300 candidates registered, connecting them with employers in analytics, audit, banking, consulting, finance, IT, risk management, and taxation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 03:30 PM UTC

The Luxembourg Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) hosted the first ICAI International Conference 2026 – Europe at GRIDX in Wickrange, Luxembourg. The event brought together chartered accountants, finance professionals, business leaders, entrepreneurs, academicians, and members of the Indian diaspora from across Europe and beyond. The program featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, felicitation segments, and networking sessions, focusing on cross-border business collaboration, emerging global opportunities, finance, innovation, leadership, technology, and the evolving role of CAs in the global economy. ICAI leadership stated the conference aimed to strengthen professional networks across Europe and foster collaboration among finance professionals, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. The conference also included the Achievers' World Excellence Awards 2026, honoring global leaders from the US, India, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the UAE for socio-economic contributions. Separately, ICAI launched its 65th Campus Placement Programme for newly qualified CAs, with over 6,300 candidates registered, primarily for those who passed the CA Final exam in May 2026.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 03:30 PM UTC

Portuguese second-division football club Penafiel has announced the signing of 23-year-old winger Nuno Martins. The player, who was previously in Luxembourg, participated in a friendly match against Leganés on Friday, July 24, 2026. The article also mentions other recent Penafiel news, including the signing of goalkeeper Alexei Rojas from Arsenal and a 5-0 pre-season defeat to V. Guimarães. The report originates from Record Portugal, a sports news outlet.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 02:32 PM UTC

Portuguese club V. Guimarães is set to present 16-year-old Luxembourg winger Antenory as a new reinforcement. The young player has already faced Saudi club Al Ahli in a previous match. The article also includes brief updates on other V. Guimarães news: midfielder Santiago Verdi impressing and competing for a spot while deciding on a renewal; a friendly match against U. Leiria ending early due to incidents; and goalkeeper Andrea Neves returning to the club after a previous stint in 2024/25.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 12:13 PM UTC

The European Commission's EU4Health work programme for 2026 faced a significant setback as seven member states voted against it, ten abstained, and ten supported it, failing to secure the required majority. The main point of contention was the Commission's decision to remove core funding for civil-society health organisations, including operating grants for patient and health advocacy groups. Countries opposing included Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and likely Slovenia. Even some supporting states shared concerns about the NGO cuts. The vote occurs amid broader restructuring, with the €4.4 billion EU4Health programme being folded into the new European Competitiveness Fund. The Commission may either refer the matter to an appeal committee or amend the programme for a new vote. Health NGOs welcomed the outcome as a positive signal for independent civil society.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:42 PM UTC

The European Commission's EU4Health work programme for 2026 faced a divided vote among EU member states, with seven countries voting against, ten abstaining, and ten supporting. The main point of contention was the Commission's proposed cuts to operating grants for civil-society health organizations, which several member states and NGOs argued would weaken health advocacy. Among the opposing countries were Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and likely Slovenia. The Commission failed to secure the required majority for approval. The vote occurs amid broader restructuring, including the planned merger of EU4Health into the European Competitiveness Fund and a nearly 20% budget cut from €5.3 billion to €4.1 billion. Possible next steps include referring the matter to an appeal committee or amending the programme for a new vote. NGOs such as the European Patient Forum and EURORDIS welcomed the outcome as a positive signal for independent health advocacy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:42 PM UTC

Bregal Sagemount, a private equity firm, has agreed to acquire a majority stake in ATOZ Services, a Luxembourg-based administration and governance provider. ATOZ Services serves over 800 clients in the private equity, private credit, and real estate sectors. The transaction highlights continued consolidation in the fund administration space, with Bregal Sagemount seeking to expand its presence in the European alternative asset servicing market. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The announcement was first reported by PE Hub.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:25 PM UTC

The European Commission has initiated a detailed investigation into the proposed merger between offshore engineering firms Saipem and Subsea 7, announced in July 2025. The probe, formally notified on June 16, 2026, focuses on potential anti-competitive effects in the subsea umbilicals, risers and flowlines (SURF) services market within the European Economic Area. The EC preliminarily fears the merger, which would create a combined entity named Saipem7 with nearly €21 billion in revenue, could reduce competition, leading to higher prices and less innovation for oil and gas and carbon capture projects. The investigation will also examine adjacent markets like trunkline services and decommissioning, as well as potential vertical or conglomerate effects. The Commission has until November 26, 2026, to issue a final decision.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 08:28 AM UTC

Dinamo Bucharest has abandoned its pursuit of Benfica B midfielder Tomás Cruz after head coach Nuno Campos determined the player lacked commitment to the club's project. Club president Andrei Nicolescu confirmed that Campos spoke with the 21-year-old Luxembourg international by phone and found the interaction negative. Although Dinamo had already reached an agreement with Benfica and attempted to improve financial terms to convince Cruz, the player's reservations led the coach to believe he would not arrive with the necessary will to develop. Nicolescu emphasized that even if financial terms were met, the coach no longer trusted Cruz's dedication, fearing frustration for both the player and the team. The decision was made jointly by the coach and club leadership, prioritizing team cohesion over the transfer.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 06:01 PM UTC

Karnataka's Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M.B. Patil, met Luxembourg's Ambassador to India, Christian Biever, to discuss investment opportunities ahead of Luxembourg Deputy PM Xavier Bettel's visit to Bengaluru in September 2026. Patil invited Luxembourg companies, universities, and innovation agencies to partner in the KWIN City industrial township project. He highlighted existing ties, including Luxembourg-based Ceratizit's operations in Karnataka and Infosys and Wipro's presence in Luxembourg. Separately, Patil announced a planned investment outreach program in Fukuoka, Japan, to attract Tier-2 semiconductor companies. The announcement followed his meeting with India's Consul General in Fukuoka, C. Ramkumar, focusing on Karnataka's policy support, semiconductor ecosystem, R&D capabilities, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs) to foster industry-academia collaboration and technology partnerships.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 05:53 PM UTC

In a dramatic Conference League first qualifying round return leg on July 16, 2026, Maltese club Hamrun Spartans conceded a bizarre penalty in stoppage time against Faroe Islands side NSÍ Runavik. With the aggregate score tied at 2-2 and extra time looming, Hamrun defender Emerson Marcelina mistakenly picked up the ball with his hands, believing it had gone out of play for a goal kick. However, the linesman did not signal the ball out, and the Luxembourgish referee awarded a penalty. Runavik's Aron Knudsen converted the spot kick, giving his team a 2-1 win on the night and a 3-2 aggregate victory. The incident was especially notable because VAR was not available in this early qualifying round. The match had been evenly poised after a 1-1 draw in the first leg, making the error particularly costly for the Maltese side.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 12:19 PM UTC

France's National Assembly has given final approval to an assisted dying law, making it the sixth EU country to permit the practice. The law applies to adults with serious, incurable illnesses causing unbearable suffering. The Netherlands was the first in 2001, followed by Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, and Portugal (though Portugal's law is not yet in force). Germany and Austria allow physician-assisted suicide under strict conditions. The article highlights a geographical divide, with Central and Eastern Europe more conservative than Northern and Western Europe. Courts in several countries have ruled in favor of dying with dignity, prompting legislative debates. Ireland remains an exception in Western Europe but is considering legislation. Assisted dying remains a sensitive ethical issue, especially in religious communities.

1 reports · 1 sources

On July 2, 2026, the European Court of Justice dismissed Google’s final appeal, upholding a €4.34 billion (approx. $4.7 billion) antitrust fine originally imposed by the European Commission in 2018. The penalty was for Google forcing Android phone manufacturers to pre-install Google Search and Chrome, abusing its dominant market position. The ruling ends an eight-year legal battle, reinforcing the EU’s crackdown on Big Tech and potentially encouraging further regulatory actions and private damages claims.

29 reports · 11 sources · Updated Jul 24, 03:16 AM UTC

The European Central Bank (ECB) has selected 36 payment service providers (PSPs) from across the euro area to participate in a digital euro pilot exercise. The pilot, scheduled to start in the second half of 2027 and last 12 months, will test the digital euro's technical functionality, operational processes, and user experience. Over 50 applications were received from banks and non-bank providers, reflecting strong market interest. Selected participants span diverse business models, sizes, and geographical coverage. The pilot will use a beta version of the digital euro without legal tender status. It will involve ECB and 19 national central banks, with staff testing person-to-person and person-to-business payments both online and offline. The initiative supports preparatory work for a potential digital euro issuance, aiming to strengthen the European payments landscape.

1 reports · 1 sources

This article explores the legacy of General George S. Patton, highlighting his famous quote, "You’re Never Beaten Until You Admit It," as a testament to his mental toughness and leadership style. It details his strategic brilliance during World War II, particularly the rapid 90-degree pivot of the Third Army to counter the German Ardennes Offensive at the Battle of the Bulge. The text reviews Patton's extensive military career, from his early days in the Punitive Expedition and World War I to his command in North Africa, Sicily, and Western Europe. Beyond his victories, the article examines significant setbacks, including the disastrous Task Force Baum raid to rescue POWs in Hammelburg, which resulted in heavy casualties. It also addresses the controversies that nearly ended his career, such as his insubordination during the Sicilian Campaign against General Montgomery and the infamous slapping incident involving hospitalized soldiers. The piece portrays Patton as a complex figure—arguably the U.S. Army's best combat commander—whose aggressive tactics and ability to inspire troops were matched by personal flaws and controversial decisions.

1 reports · 1 sources

Trasteel Holding S.A., a global steel trading and industrial group, has announced the establishment of QTrasteel, a new joint venture with UAE-based Al Qalaa International Group. The partnership, structured with equal 50-50 ownership, aims to accelerate growth and market access in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. QTrasteel will focus on steel trading, project development, industrial services, and advisory activities, leveraging Trasteel’s global network and Al Qalaa’s regional institutional relationships. The venture will operate under a four-member Board of Directors with equal representation and a Joint Management Committee for strategic oversight. This move aligns with Trasteel’s broader strategy to expand in high-growth markets and follows its recent announcement of a planned public listing through a business combination with Sizzle Acquisition Corp. II. The joint venture is designed to serve as a local operating platform within the Gulf Cooperation Council, facilitating risk-mitigated trading opportunities and efficient project execution for both parent companies.

1 reports · 1 sources

Trasteel Holding S.A., a global steel trading and industrial group, has announced the establishment of QTrasteel, a new joint venture with Al Qalaa International Group. The partnership aims to accelerate growth and enhance market access in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Owned equally by both parties, QTrasteel will leverage Trasteel’s international trading capabilities and Al Qalaa’s regional institutional relationships to pursue trading, project development, and industrial advisory activities. The venture is designed to originate opportunities for Trasteel’s trading and production segments on a risk-mitigated basis while serving as a local commercial platform in the Gulf Cooperation Council. Governance will involve a four-member Board of Directors with equal representation, including Trasteel’s CFO Federico Guiducci and Head of MENA Amr Magdy. This strategic move aligns with Trasteel’s broader expansion plans, coinciding with its agreed business combination with Sizzle Acquisition Corp. II to go public. Executives from both Trasteel and Sizzle II highlighted the venture as a significant step toward capturing high-growth opportunities in the region through combined expertise and local presence.

1 reports · 1 sources

Koryx Copper S.A. issued a correction to a previous press release regarding its Haib Copper Project in southern Namibia. The company clarified that it does not expect to publish an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment before mid-2026. Instead, an updated mineral resource estimate and enhanced process flow sheet will be included in a Pre-feasibility Study scheduled for release by the end of 2026. The announcement highlights significant assay results from 17 drill holes totaling 5,252 meters, part of the 2026 exploration program. Results showed consistent, wide copper intercepts, with copper equivalent grades exceeding the average mineral resource estimate. Notable intersections included high-grade pockets of gold and molybdenum. CEO Heye Daun emphasized the consistency of mineralization and the potential for increased average grades. The project is described as a large-scale, advanced open-pit sulphide Cu-Mo-Au porphyry with feasible economics, targeting an annual production of 92,000 tonnes of copper concentrate over a 24-year mine life. The company currently operates 14 drill rigs on site.

1 reports · 1 sources

Koryx Copper S.A. issued a correction to a press release originally disseminated on May 15, 2026, clarifying its timeline for economic assessments. The company stated it does not anticipate publishing an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Haib Copper Project before mid-2026. Instead, an updated mineral resource estimate and enhanced process flow sheet will be included in a Pre-feasibility Study scheduled for publication by the end of 2026. The corrected release also announced significant assay results from 17 drill holes totaling 5,252 meters as part of the 2026 exploration program in southern Namibia. The drilling revealed consistent, wide copper intercepts, with widths up to 599 meters, and grades exceeding the average mineral resource estimate. The results also highlighted pockets of higher-grade gold and molybdenum byproducts. Koryx Copper’s CEO, Heye Daun, emphasized the consistent nature of the mineralization and the project's potential for increased average grades. Currently operating with 14 drill rigs, the company is advancing the large-scale, open-pit sulphide Cu-Mo-Au porphyry project, which targets an annual production of 92,000 tonnes of copper concentrate over a 24-year mine life.

1 reports · 1 sources

Irish equestrian David Simpson secured victory in the second qualification round for the German Jumping Derby at the tournament in Hamburg. Riding the eleven-year-old stallion Pjotr van de Kruishoeve, Simpson delivered the fastest error-free performance to claim the top spot. The British rider Guy Williams finished second on Crumbgraft, trailing by nearly two and a half seconds, while Luxembourg’s Charles Hubert Chiche placed third on Andain du Thalie, just one-hundredth of a second behind Williams. In total, fifteen horse-and-rider pairs completed the course without faults in this test, which offered a prize fund of 68,000 euros. Additionally, the article highlights success in the Grand Prix category, where eight-time Olympic dressage champion Isabell Werth achieved a double victory. The 56-year-old German rider won first place on her horse Wendy with a score of 81.043 percentage points and took second place on Viva Gold with 75.783 points. The main event, the 95th German Jumping Derby, is scheduled to take place on Sunday at 2:25 p.m., with coverage planned for ZDF.

1 reports · 1 sources

A recent study by the think tank RF Berlin analyzes educational disparities between native populations and immigrants across the European Union, focusing specifically on tertiary education attainment. While overall data indicates that immigrants from both within and outside the EU hold fewer university degrees than natives, significant variations exist based on gender and location. The research highlights that migrant women often possess higher educational qualifications than native men, reflecting a broader trend of widening educational advantages for women. Notably, Austria and Germany remain outliers where men still slightly outnumber women in university graduates, though EU migrants in Austria significantly raise the local tertiary education average. The study identifies Luxembourg and Ireland as unique cases where immigrants from third countries substantially exceed natives in university degree holdings. This anomaly is attributed to the strong presence of multinational corporations and financial institutions in these nations, which attract highly skilled global talent through targeted immigration policies and favorable economic structures. The findings underscore the complex interplay between migration patterns, labor market needs, and educational outcomes in Europe.

1 reports · 1 sources

The second semi-final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, broadcast on ORF 1 from Vienna, attracted significantly higher viewership than the first semi-final held earlier in the week. An average of 680,000 viewers tuned in for the main show block starting at 9:35 p.m., representing an increase of approximately 60,000 viewers compared to the Tuesday broadcast. Audience retention remained strong during the critical voting phase, with 439,000 viewers staying late to watch the announcement of which countries would advance to the final. This figure marks a notable improvement over the 391,000 viewers who watched the corresponding decision segment of the first semi-final. The event took place at the Stadthalle in Vienna, featuring participants from various countries including Denmark, Luxembourg, Austria, and Albania. The increased engagement suggests growing interest in the competition as it progresses toward the final stage, highlighting the strong performance of the broadcast on the Austrian national channel.

1 reports · 1 sources

At 71, renowned chef Léa Linster remains an active figure in the Luxembourgish culinary scene despite officially retiring and handing her restaurant empire to her son. She continues to operate a café on the Moselle river and plans further expansions. Linster is celebrated for shaping national cuisine through her commitment to high-quality ingredients and fine dining, blending tradition with sophistication. A recent feature highlights her preparation of simple potato rösti elevated with caviar, exemplifying her 'de luxe' approach. Beyond the kitchen, Linster engages in agricultural pursuits, having recently planted Boskop apple trees in her vineyards near Schengen. These young trees, situated on sunny slopes parallel to her vines, reflect her patience and passion for quality produce. Although the apples are not yet ready for harvest, Linster expresses joy in the process itself, emphasizing that the eventual fruit will be worth the wait. Her enduring influence combines international recognition with a deep respect for local gastronomy, maintaining her status as a pivotal figure in European culinary arts while enjoying the slower rhythms of rural life alongside her professional endeavors.

1 reports · 1 sources

John Jürgens, son of the late Austrian legend Udo Jürgens, discusses the enduring legacy of his father's iconic Eurovision Song Contest winning track, "Merci Chérie." To commemorate the song's historical significance, a luxurious picture disc has been released, featuring both a new disco version and a rare Japanese interpretation by Udo. John, who performs as DJ John Munic, expressed delight at the release and is scheduled to play at the Eurovision Village in Vienna. The article explores the song's origins in a Munich discotheque, where Udo collaborated with lyricist Tommy Hörbiger to create an internationally accessible hit. John shares personal anecdotes, describing his father not as a macho figure but as a sensitive individual whose vocal style and preference for open vowels contributed to the song's global appeal. Additionally, the piece touches on John's own career trajectory from soul and acid jazz DJing to commercial performances, highlighting how his father's music remains a staple in his repertoire. This coverage coincides with the 60th anniversary of Udo Jürgens' victory, celebrating the cultural impact of the chanson across generations and borders.

1 reports · 1 sources

Luxembourgish author Elise Schmit has released a new collection of short stories titled 'General Doubts about the Further Course,' which delves into the existential struggles of its characters. The review highlights Schmit's mastery of concise, impactful narrative, a skill that previously earned her the Luxembourg Prix Servais in 2019. A central story, 'Things in the Deep,' examines the complex dynamics between two cousins, Marisol and Camino, whose friendship is disrupted by Josien, a quiet Dutch woman who moves into their Amsterdam apartment. This arrangement spirals into a tragic, non-sexual love triangle, culminating in a somber scene featuring a dismantled whale on a Belgian beach. Interwoven with these narratives is a recurring motif of a woman isolating herself, feeding a small bird with expensive tangerines bought with rent money, symbolizing growing dependency and societal disconnection. The collection portrays individuals grappling with internal and external pressures, using stark imagery to reflect a world that feels increasingly unstable. Published by Luchterhand, the 304-page hardcover offers a poignant look at human vulnerability and the fragility of relationships in modern life.

1 reports · 1 sources

SES, Société Anonyme, has officially announced an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of shareholders scheduled for Wednesday, 17 June 2026, at 3:00 p.m. CET. The meeting will take place at the company’s registered office in Betzdorf, Luxembourg. The primary agenda items include the cancellation of shares acquired through a buy-back program initiated in November 2023, resulting in a share capital reduction of approximately EUR 44.9 million. Additionally, shareholders will vote on several amendments to the company’s articles of association. These proposed changes involve introducing indemnification provisions for board and executive committee members, granting the board discretion to set the annual general meeting date, and allowing hybrid formats for future shareholder meetings. Other updates concern convening notice requirements, document disclosure obligations, and auditor reporting duties. The Board of Directors recommends voting in favor of all twelve agenda items. Shareholder attendance and voting rights are determined based on registration status as of 3 June 2026. This corporate announcement highlights significant structural and governance adjustments within the satellite operator.

1 reports · 1 sources