Local & National Daily News Round-up

TUESDAY 25 MARCH

Luxembourg’s first national centre for violence victims will open in April, offering psychological, medical, and social support. Gender Equality Minister Yuricko Backes presented the plan in parliament yesterday. The centre will involve police, prosecutors, and healthcare professionals to assist victims. Located in Val St Croix, it ensures easy access and proximity to hospitals. With over 1,000 domestic violence cases reported annually, opposition MPs stress the need to integrate existing expertise. The government allocated €1 million, aiming for 24-hour service next year. The project seeks to improve victim support and legal action against offenders.

The government announced an action plan to boost start-ups, focusing on innovation, funding, and talent attraction. Economy Minister Lex Delles and Finance Minister Gilles Roth presented the 10-point plan yesterday. The plan includes €300 million in funding over five years for sectors like cybersecurity and fintech. New initiatives will offer tax credits for private investments and co-financing aid for spin-offs. A talent desk will help international professionals join the start-up scene. The plan also introduces tax benefits for stock options and a program for growing companies, aiming to foster innovation and create high-quality jobs in Luxembourg.

Authorities destroyed a record 500 kilograms of cocaine seized at the Cargo Center of Findel Airport in February. The prosecutor’s office confirmed the seizure was worth over 100 million euros. The Customs and Excise Administration, along with the judicial police and Special Police Unit, found the illegal substances in a shipment from Brazil. It is the largest air freight confiscation in Luxembourg’s history.

Over the weekend, Luxembourg's Patrizia van der Weken made history by winning the country's first-ever medal in the 60m event at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China. Van der Weken, who also won bronze at this year’s European championship, finished second in her heat before clocking the fastest semi-final time of 7.12 seconds. In the final, she secured bronze with a time of 7.07 seconds. Switzerland’s Mujinga Kambundji won gold, while Italy’s Zaynab Dosso took silver.