Students advised against studying in US, thousands storm Gaza aid centre, and dozens injured in Liverpool car ramming

Here are five things you should know at the end of this week:

• MEP Kartheiser faces expulsion from ECR after Moscow trip
• Luxembourg student union warns against studying in the US
• Walferdange blocks move-ins over safety concerns at delayed housing project
• Thousands storm Gaza aid warehouse amid deepening hunger crisis
• Dozens injured as car rams into Liverpool Premier League parade

1. MEP Kartheiser faces expulsion from ECR after Moscow trip

• Luxembourg MEP Fernand Kartheiser faces expulsion from the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group after visiting Moscow and meeting with Russian officials, a move condemned by both his group and Luxembourg's foreign minister.

• Kartheiser defended his trip, claiming productive dialogue with Russian counterparts and rejecting calls for his resignation, while remaining undecided about his political future in the EU Parliament.

• The ECR has scheduled a vote for 4 June to decide on Kartheiser's expulsion, with potential consequences extending to his party, the ADR, whose leadership has supported his actions.

Controversial trip – Luxembourg MEP Fernand Kartheiser has come under intense political fire following his recent trip to Moscow, where he met with Russian government and parliamentary officials. His visit, which occurred despite the EU's strong stance against Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine, was swiftly condemned by his European Parliament group, the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR).

The group's leadership stated that Kartheiser had crossed a political red line by engaging directly with "Putin's Russia" and announced that they would initiate procedures to expel him. Luxembourg's Foreign Minister also criticised the move, underscoring the political sensitivity and potential diplomatic fallout of such engagements during an ongoing war.

Kartheiser defiant – In response to the backlash, Kartheiser defended his trip during a video call with RTL, describing the meetings with Russian officials as surprisingly constructive, and claiming they demonstrated openness to discussing issues like migration, human rights, and Ukraine. He emphasised that the conversations were held in a respectful tone and maintained that Russia showed a genuine willingness to engage.

Kartheiser dismissed calls for his resignation and expressed uncertainty over his next steps, including whether he would remain in the European Parliament as an independent or align with a new political group – though he acknowledged receiving at least one offer. He also called for humanitarian ceasefires in Ukraine and suggested that Russia was interested in peace, citing ongoing peace efforts.

ADR's future uncertain – The ECR has scheduled a vote for 4 June to decide Kartheiser's fate within the group, requiring an absolute majority of the 80-member faction to expel him. If Kartheiser is present at the meeting, he will be allowed to defend his actions, and other members can share their views before the vote.

The controversy has also cast a shadow over his national party, the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR), which could face expulsion from the ECR as well. Key member parties like Fratelli d'Italia and Poland's ruling PiS have reportedly pushed for ADR’s removal, especially after party leader Alexandra Schoos voiced support for Kartheiser's Moscow visit, further straining relations within the group.

2. Luxembourg student union warns against studying in the US

• Luxembourg's student organisation ACEL has advised against studying in the US due to the Trump administration's suspension of student visas and increased scrutiny of international students.

• The crackdown follows escalating tensions between the White House and Harvard University, including visa revocations and surveillance of students involved in pro-Palestinian protests.

• ACEL warns that even minor infractions or online activity could now lead to deportation, prompting many Luxembourg students to reconsider or delay studying in the US.

Unprecedented warning – The Association of Luxembourg Student Unions (ACEL) has issued a rare and strongly worded warning to students considering higher education in the United States. The advisory comes in response to the Trump administration's recent suspension of student visa processing and a broader clampdown on international students.

ACEL vice-president Laurent Schengen urged Luxembourg students to seek alternatives in Europe or elsewhere, citing the unpredictability of US policy and the serious risks currently associated with studying there. He noted that students already enrolled in American universities are facing high levels of anxiety, as even minor violations could jeopardise their immigration status.

Standoff – This advisory is rooted in a broader political standoff between President Donald Trump and Harvard University, which has become the primary target of federal backlash following pro-Palestinian protests on campus. The US government, under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has revoked hundreds of student visas and ordered embassies to stop issuing new ones, accusing protesters of ties to extremist groups.

The administration has also revoked Harvard's ability to sponsor foreign students and is intensifying scrutiny of social media activity by international applicants, citing national security concerns and alleged ideological threats.

Climate of uncertainty – According to ACEL, the implications for Luxembourg students are significant and far-reaching. There are growing reports of US authorities monitoring digital communications, with students allegedly being reported for private messages and online posts. Some students fear they could be deported for participating in peaceful protests or for infractions as minor as a parking ticket.

While those currently in the US can still leave the country, many are hesitant to do so, fearing they will not be allowed to return. The climate of uncertainty and surveillance has led to widespread fear, prompting Luxembourg's student body to reconsider the viability of pursuing a degree in the US.

3. Walferdange blocks move-ins over safety concerns at delayed housing project

• The Walferdange municipality has blocked official move-ins to around 60 unfinished housing units due to serious safety concerns, including missing balcony railings and fire safety equipment.

• Some owners, frustrated by three-year delays and ongoing rent costs, have moved in despite the lack of occupancy approval and incomplete communal areas.

• Mayor François Sauber cited municipal regulations allowing him to prohibit unsafe habitation, while the developer has yet to respond and residents face limited legal recourse.

Move-ins blocked – The local council in Walferdange has taken firm action against the premature occupation of an incomplete housing development, citing major safety risks. An inspection revealed hazardous conditions such as the absence of balcony railings, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and limited or blocked access to the underground parking garage.

In a formal letter to the developer, the municipality declared that no further resident registrations would be processed until the site met essential safety standards. Despite national claims that the construction sector is stabilising, this situation highlights the continued challenges at the local level.

Three-year delays – Buyers of the approximately 60 affected units have faced delays of up to three years past their promised handover dates, forcing some into difficult financial positions as they continue paying rent while awaiting completion. Unable to wait any longer, at least two owners have moved into their incomplete apartments and officially registered their addresses with the commune, becoming the only recognised residents.

Limited legal leverage – Although a mayor technically cannot revoke occupancy rights if building permits have been met, Walferdange's Mayor François Sauber invoked a local regulation that permits the prohibition of habitation in buildings deemed dangerous. The regulation also allows for evacuation and orders for restoration or demolition if needed.

Sauber insists that with unresolved hazards and even the water supply still running through an unfiltered construction meter, the municipality cannot condone people living in such conditions. Meanwhile, the developer has delayed issuing a formal response, and according to the property owners' representative, families have little legal leverage under the VEFA (sale in future state of completion) scheme – even as they are asked to pay final instalments despite unfinished shared spaces.

4. Thousands storm Gaza aid warehouse amid deepening hunger crisis

Displaced Palestinians ferry bags of food aid after storming a World Food Programme warehouse in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on 28 May 2025. / © AFP

• Desperate Palestinians stormed a World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse in central Gaza on Wednesday, with WFP reporting two possible deaths amid mounting hunger and gunfire.

• The looting intensified a blame game between Israel and the UN over aid restrictions and rival distribution channels, particularly involving the controversial US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

• A day later, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 44 people across Gaza, further worsening the humanitarian crisis and sparking renewed international criticism.

Chaotic scenes – As food supplies remain scarce after more than two months of blockade, the warehouse incident marked a turning point in the deepening humanitarian emergency. Eyewitnesses and AFP footage showed chaotic scenes as crowds broke into the facility, with gunfire heard and people scrambling to grab emergency food rations.

The WFP said the supplies had been pre-positioned for distribution, and preliminary reports indicated two people may have died in the chaos. The organisation stressed that it was still verifying details, underscoring the volatile environment in which aid is now being distributed.

Two believed dead – At the centre of the dispute is the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a new US-backed aid channel that operates outside the longstanding UN-led framework. Israel has accused the UN of obstructing GHF's work through "threats and intimidation" aimed at NGOs participating in the alternative system, while the UN insists it cannot support operations that fall short of humanitarian principles.

Mounting criticism – Israel the following day carried out new air strikes across Gaza. Among the dead were 23 people killed in a single strike on a home in Al-Bureij and two people shot near a GHF aid centre in the south.

Gaza civil defence officials described the situation as deteriorating rapidly, with civilians risking their lives to obtain basic staples like flour. As the conflict reached its 600th day, criticism intensified from international actors such as the EU and Jordan, accusing Israel of employing "systematic starvation tactics" that violate international law and humanitarian norms.

5. Dozens injured as car rams into Liverpool Premier League parade

Police officers stand at a cordon in Liverpool, north-west England on 27 May after a car ploughed in to crowds gathered on Water Street to watch an open-top bus victory parade for Liverpool's Premier League trophy parade on 26 May 2025. / © AFP

• A 53-year-old man was arrested after driving a car into crowds celebrating Liverpool's Premier League title, injuring 79 people, including four children, though police ruled out terrorism.

• The incident occurred minutes after the team bus passed by, prompting widespread shock, emergency response, and messages of solidarity from across the football world.

• Liverpool FC, city leaders, and football figures including Klopp, Gerrard, and rival clubs expressed condolences, with many praising the bravery and unity shown in the aftermath.

Attack and arrest – During what was meant to be a jubilant celebration of Liverpool's Premier League title win, a car drove into large crowds gathered along Water Street, injuring 79 people, including four children – one seriously. The suspect, a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder and drug use.

Authorities quickly ruled out terrorism, stating the incident appeared isolated and that no other suspects were being sought. The collision happened just minutes after Liverpool's players had passed through the area on an open-top bus, heightening the shock and horror of what unfolded in front of families and fans.

Emergency response – Eyewitnesses described the vehicle swerving through the dense crowd at high speed, with sounds of people being struck and trapped under the car. Emergency services were on the scene within minutes, setting up treatment tents and working to free those pinned beneath the vehicle.

In total, 27 people were hospitalised, with dozens more treated at the site. Images shared online showed angry fans confronting the driver as police tried to contain the situation. The rapid response from emergency personnel and civilians alike was praised for preventing even greater harm, and authorities confirmed 11 people remained in hospital the following day.

Messages of solidarity – The tragedy drew a wave of support and sympathy from across the footballing world and beyond. Liverpool FC, along with players past and present – including Virgil van Dijk, Steven Gerrard, and Jurgen Klopp – issued heartfelt messages to the victims and their families, with Klopp reflecting on how quickly joy turned into sorrow.

Rival clubs such as Everton, Manchester United, and Manchester City also expressed solidarity, underscoring the unity that transcends on-pitch competition.

The best of... 📚

• Business & Tech – US President Donald Trump celebrated a temporary reprieve for his aggressive tariff strategy on Thursday, with an appeals court preserving his sweeping import duties on China and other trading partners – for now.
  
  
• Science & Environment – Swiss authorities said Thursday that rock and ice piles from a collapsed glacier that destroyed a village were preventing emergency services from working, but that they were cautiously optimistic no more homes were at risk.
  
  
• Entertainment – Dior announced Thursday that Italian designer Maria Grazia Chiuri is stepping down as artistic director of the French fashion house's women's collection after almost a decade on the job.
  
  
• Sport –After the first three competition days at the Games of the Small States of Europe, Luxembourg is in third place in the medal table with 15 gold medals, right behind Iceland (16) and Cyprus (20).

And in case you missed it... ⚠️

• Schengen anniversary – Luxembourg's historic vessel, the Princess Marie-Astrid, is set to return home ahead of the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement, which was signed on board the ship in 1985.
  
  
• LUGA – With panoramic views over the Pétrusse valley, the hidden garden of the British Ambassador's residence will open its gates for one day only on 5 June as part of the LUGA exhibition – register now as capacity is limited.
  
  
• Man's best friend – Between 12 and 18 May, the dogs of the CGDIS Cynotechnical Unit trained like true champions, taking on night exercises, waterside search missions, and operations in the casemates to prove they fear neither heights nor depths.
  
  
• Bee Secure – A series of surveys conducted in mid-2024 reveals evolving trends in smartphone ownership and screen time among Luxembourg's youth and their parents, highlighting early digital exposure and significant gaps between parental perceptions and children's actual social media use.

Your Weekly Recap is published every Friday at noon. Read earlier versions.