Local & National Daily News Round-up

FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY

Preparatory works for the second tram line at Kirchberg start this week, Luxtram announced. The 2.3 km extension from Pfaffenthal to Boulevard Konrad Adenauer will serve the future Laangfur district. The tram line is set to be operational by late 2027. Initial work involves road adjustments, sewer upgrades, and tree removals. Luxtram is setting up a mediation team for residents’ concerns. Meanwhile, the extension of the other tram line, to Findel Airport will begin service next week on Sunday, the 2 March, completing a 16 km route.

Four in five Luxembourg internet users shopped online last year, slightly above the EU average of 77%. Ireland led with 96%, while Luxembourg ranked ninth. Luxembourg’s growth has been slow, rising only three percentage points in the past 10 years. In contrast, Ireland’s online shopping rate surged nearly 32 percent in a decade. Bulgaria, Italy, and Romania had the lowest participation. Across the EU, clothing, shoes, and accessories were the most purchased items (45%), followed by fast food and cosmetics, according to the European statistics agency Eurostat.

The national health fund (CNS) uncovered 265 fake sick notes last year. Many were obtained online without medical consultations or from unregistered doctors. Offenders face fines up to €750 and potential legal action. The CNS has filed complaints with prosecutors, and collaborates with neighboring countries. To combat fraud, it plans to introduce a digital verification system using "GouvCheck" QR codes, already used for official documents.

The flu wave remains persistent despite a recent decline in infections. Last week, flu cases dropped 21% but remained more than double last year’s figures. RSV infections also fell by 23%, primarily affecting young children and the elderly. COVID-19 cases declined slightly. The flu season is longer than last year, when infections dropped more rapidly.

 Handicap International Luxembourg has warned on RTL that ongoing funding cuts could undo years of progress, although the situation in Luxembourg is much better than in other countries, the non-profit said. Western aid cuts threaten millions relying on humanitarian support. Budget reductions by the US, France, and Belgium have forced aid organisations to scale back projects.