About this Episode
Ukraine’s embassy in Luxembourg has urged the Philharmonie to cancel an upcoming concert by Russian-Austrian opera singer Anna Netrebko, citing her historical ties with the Kremlin and support for Vladimir Putin as problematic amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. They argued that promoting figures associated with Russia’s cultural establishment risks normalizing the state’s aggressive policies. Despite this, the Philharmonie defended the concert as a “place of dialogue,” asserting that selecting artists does not reflect political views. Netrebko, who has condemned the invasion of Ukraine in the past, has stated that she does not align with any political party or leader in Russia and emphasized her commitment to peace through her art.
Luxembourg is among five European governments proposing restrictions on granting full voting rights to new EU member states, aiming to uphold the rule of law and democratic values amid concerns over backsliding from these principles. This position comes as the EU faces skepticism regarding enlargement, particularly in light of tensions with Hungary and Poland. The proposal suggests a temporary limitation on voting rights in key areas such as budgetary policy and foreign affairs, reflecting a cautious approach to membership expansion. Prime Minister Luc Frieden’s previous advocacy for rapid enlargement appears at odds with the current stance, leading to political discord within the Luxembourg government. Critics, including opposition lawmakers, argue that such measures could undermine the integrity and equality of EU membership for candidate countries like Montenegro and Ukraine, which have made significant reforms.
Starting July 1, Luxembourg will implement a flat customs fee of €3 per type of item on small online orders valued under €150, aligning with a broader EU initiative to manage the influx of e-commerce imports, particularly from Chinese merchants. This change means that the previous duty exemption for such shipments will be eliminated. For instance, a package containing a €5 T-shirt, a €10 pair of jeans, and a €10 pair of shoes will incur a total customs tariff of €9, as all three items are subject to the fee. In addition to the customs duty, standard VAT will apply to goods released for consumption in Luxembourg. The measure aims to regulate e-commerce and protect local markets from the surge in imports.
