About this Episode
The Cooperation Circle of Non-Governmental Organisations opposes a proposal that could reduce development aid. The group warns that counting climate spending and refugee reception costs as official aid would shrink the cooperation budget by up to a quarter. The criticism follows remarks by Development Cooperation Minister Xavier Bettel during a parliamentary debate. Bettel later said he only wanted to start a discussion because of public finance pressures. The Policy Forum argues the change would shift funds rather than adjust methodology. It says this would weaken the rule that development aid must remain separate from other public spending.
ArcelorMittal plans to cut about 300 jobs in Luxembourg while investing more than €290 million in its local operations. The agreement “LUX2029” was signed Friday by the government, trade unions and the steel company. The group says no layoffs are planned. Job reductions should happen through early retirement, internal transfers, voluntary departures and natural staff turnover. A redeployment unit will also support affected workers. The company cites pressure on the European steel sector from raw material prices and cheaper imports. In return, ArcelorMittal commits to investing between €290 million and €334 million in Luxembourg sites until 2029.
The Consultative Commission for Human Rights CCDH criticised plans to deploy Romanian police officers in Luxembourg City. Interior Minister Léon Gloden wants the officers to support local police for six months in tackling alleged organised begging. Authorities say their language skills and cultural knowledge could help communication with Romanian nationals. The CCDH warned that joint patrols with foreign police could undermine efforts against human trafficking if they treat vulnerable people as offenders rather than potential victims. Some individuals may be under coercion by criminal networks. Instead, the commission calls for a multidisciplinary response stressing social support, protection for trafficking victims, and cooperation between police and social services.
The Festival of Migrations took place this weekend at Luxexpo, bringing together associations, community groups and institutions from across the country. Organised by the Liaison Committee of Associations of Foreigners Clae, the event featured more than 400 stands presenting food, crafts and information from diverse communities.
