The Today Radio news team brings you the latest headlines for Friday, 11 April.

Luxembourg 

MINIMUM WAGE – In January this year, Luxembourg secured its position at the top of the European Union's minimum wage rankings, with a national minimum wage of €2,638 per month, according to data gathered by Eurostat. Out of the 22 EU countries with national minimum wages, Luxembourg stands as the clear leader, while 10 countries, including Bulgaria and Hungary have minimum wages below €1,000 per month.

RAIFFEISEN INTERVIEW – Raiffeisen director Laurent Zahles has projected stable interest rates through the year in a wide-ranging RTL Radio interview, emphasising that market factors beyond decisions by the European Central Bank (ECB) determine consumer rates. Regarding recent US import tariff announcements, Zahles characterised the situation as "difficult to assess", noting market uncertainty typically harms business activity.

NATO AWACS – A NATO AWACS – short for Airborne Warning and Control System – aircraft carried out a series training flights at Luxembourg Airport yesterday, drawing the attention of onlookers eager to witness the rare sight. The plane, known for the large radar dome mounted on its fuselage, carried out a series of training flights at Findel, performing low passes over the runway before pulling up again, a manoeuvre known as a low approach or touch-and-go.

World

US TARIFFS – There have been more losses on Asian markets as uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs continues. Yesterday he admitted there could be some difficulty adjusting to his trade policy although his trade secretary Scott Bessent appeared to deny there was any turmoil at all. The Nikkei index in Japan fell sharply in early trading.

Meanwhile, the EU has paused plans for retaliatory tariffs on US goods following Trump’s U-turn on a 20% tariff on the bloc. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement that the EU wants to give negotiations a chance.

US HELICOPTER CRASH – Six people have been killed when their helicopter crashed into the Hudson in New York City. The mayor Eric Adams said the aircraft was carrying a family of five tourists from Spain, including three children and a pilot.

UKRAINE MEETING – The UK is sending over 500 million euros of military support to Ukraine for new drones and repairs to armoured vehicles. The pledge was made as Britain and Germany prepare to chair the latest meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in Brussels later today, which until recently had been led by the US.

FRANCE FIRE – Several Luxembourg nationals were among 484 guests evacuated when a ferocious overnight fire gutted a four-star hotel in France's La Plagne ski resort, with four people sustaining minor injuries in the dramatic escape. The municipality has temporarily relocated displaced guests and staff to a nearby sports hall.

Sport

FOOTBALL – Manchester United drew 2-2 with Lyon, Tottenham Hotspur finished 1-1 with Eintracht Frankfurt, and Rangers held Athletic Bilbao to a goalless draw in their Europa League quarter-final first legs last night.

Bayern Munich's home 'Klassiker' clash with Borussia Dortmund takes place on Saturday against the backdrop of potential Champions League elimination for both sides. The clash, which has emerged as the Bundesliga's showpiece rivalry over the past 15 years since Dortmund won back-to-back titles under Jurgen Klopp, comes in the middle of both clubs' Champions League quarter-finals. 

CYCLING – American cycling great Greg LeMond believes Tadej Pogacar can conquer the gruelling Paris-Roubaix classic at his first attempt on Sunday and is shaping up to become the sport's all-time great. The 26-year-old Slovenian will take on the Paris-Roubaix as the reigning Tour de France champion – making him the first rider to do so since LeMond in 1991.

TENNIS – Carlos Alcaraz has cruised into the Monte Carlo Masters quarter-finals for the first time with a straight-sets win over Daniel Altmaier. The 21-year-old, the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion, is the favourite to lift the title this weekend after early exits for top seed Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic.

Weather

Make the most of the weather on this fine Friday, as next week will see the return of Luxembourg's love for cloud and rain...
After a chilly start, it will be sunny all day. We could see some cloud in the afternoon but the temperatures make for some good reading, with that 20°C mark being hit in the afternoon. Temperatures will rise quickly from around 2 degrees to 12 degrees by mid-morning. 

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