Latest news with #Luxembourgish
Euronews
10-07-2025
- Business
- Euronews
What are the best European countries for work-life balance?
Luxembourg, Ireland, and Belgium are all top contenders for the best place to work in Europe, according to the findings of two work-life balance studies out this week. HR Platform Remote and JobLeads, an international job site, crunched publicly available databases to determine where workers are best off. JobLeads ranked European countries using their retirement age, hours worked per year, burnout, remote work rates, and sick days. The results were then standardised and weighted on a scale of 10. Remote evaluated the 60 richest countries worldwide by gross domestic product (GDP) on measures such as safety and LGBTQ+ friendliness, along with traditional work markers like base pay, the average length of a work week, and statutory holidays. Each metric received a weighted score and countries were then given a total score out of 100. Luxembourg, Ireland top of the pack The studies disagreed on which European country landed at the top: for JobLeads, that was Luxembourg and for Remote, it was Ireland. Luxembourg offers work conditions that are 'particularly balanced,' the JobLeads report found, with a 35-hour work week over roughly 35 professional working years. Workplaces also give an average of 14 days of sick leave in Luxembourg, which is much higher than the European average. That means Luxembourgish people spend, on average, 47.8 years of their lives not working, which JobLeads says is the second-highest number in Europe, just behind the Italians with 51 years. However, Luxembourg has a slightly higher-than-average burnout rate at 11.6 per cent of their salaried workers, which the researchers believe could be tied to a high rate of full-time employees working from home. Remote did not include Luxembourg in its study, given it evaluated the world's biggest economies. It gave the No. 1 spot to New Zealand, but Ireland was close behind as the top scorer in Europe, partly because it is among the safest countries to live and work in, the researchers said. In Remote's study, seven European capital cities made it to the top 10 global ranking of best countries to work and live in, including Belgium, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Spain, and Finland. Canada and Australia rounded out the top 10. The United States dropped from 55th to 59th place on the list, just above Nigeria, due to declining public safety and LGBTQ+ friendliness. Belgium ranks high in both studies Belgium, while not the top country in either study, performed well in both – placing third in Remote's study and fourth in JobLeads' analysis. Both studies noted that Belgians worked a 34.1 hour work week – at least an hour less on average per week than their colleagues in Luxembourg, France, and Sweden, which topped the JobLeads report. Belgium scores high on Remote's study as well, notably for statutory holidays, sick and maternity leave. It tied with Sweden for the highest rate of employees who reported some form of hybrid or remote work, at 14.3 per cent. The country lost points for its retirement age, which at 66 is higher than the countries at the top of the chart. Germany performs well internationally, less so in Europe Work-life balance in Germany is often considered strong when compared to the world's biggest economies, rather than its neighbours in Europe. Germany came fourth in the Remote study because of an increase in the country's statutory sick pay in 2025. The criteria for general happiness and LGBTQ+ friendliness had also risen since Remote's 2024 survey. But when compared to its European neighbours, Germans are some of the oldest to retire at 67, have one of the longest work careers at 40 years, and have a relatively high burnout rate at 10.2 per cent. On average, Germans do work fewer hours per week and per year than their European peers. Like Luxembourg, 12 per cent of their workforce is working remotely at least some of the time. Big difference in results for France One country scored fairly differently in the two reports: France. It came second in JobLeads study and 16th in the Remote report. French people work roughly 37 years over their lifetimes, and have the youngest retirement age in the study at 64 despite recent changes, the JobLeads study found. They also work a relatively short week at 35.6 hours, but not 'as little as we might think,' according to the researchers, who noted that Belgium, Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands have shorter work weeks. The French also have lower rates of burnout compared to their peers in Belgium and Sweden, despite still having at least one-sixth of their workforce in hybrid or remote work. But internationally, France barely cracked the top 20 in the Remote study. It was docked points for statutory sick day policies, the relatively low minimum hourly wage at €14.12, and the fact that researchers deemed it less safe than its European counterparts.
Euronews
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Ursula von der Leyen to argue for her survival in EU Parliament
The motion of censure against the European Commission tabled in the European Parliament will be debated later on Monday, when Ursula von der Leyen will argue for her political survival in the hemicycle, before MEPs deliver their judgment on Thursday. The vote must take place at least 48 hours after the start of the debate. All MEPs who signed the motion could in theory still withdraw their support for it, and if the one-tenth threshold is no longer met, the process would be halted. The voting session will be run by roll call, meaning that every MEP will vote in public. At least two-thirds of the votes cast representing a majority of all MEPs would need to back the motion of censure for it to be adopted. Nine attempts in the past, only one resignation There have been nine previous attempts by MEPs to topple the European Commission. In 1990 the Group of the European Right tried to force the Commission's resignation over Agricultural Policy, but decisively failed, gaining only 16 votes in favour with 243 against. The most recent attempt took place in November 2014, against the Commission led by Luxembourgish President Jean-Claude Juncker. It was initiated by the Eurosceptic political group Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy in response to the 'Luxembourg Leaks' financial scandal, which exposed the country's tax regime. Only 101 of 670 MEPs voted in favour, well below the required threshold. Other attempts have centred on issues such as the EU budget, the impact of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in Europe, and the management of Eurostat, the Commission's statistical office. Only once in history has a motion of censure resulted in a Commission's resignation—and that happened without a formal vote in plenary session. In March 1999, the Commission led by Luxembourgish President Jacques Santer resigned amid fraud allegations and transparency concerns, preempting Parliament's formal vote. This came despite that Commission having survived three separate motions on other topics in prior years.
Euronews
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Vote of confidence: How the European Parliament can finish Commission
A motion of censure against the European Commission has been tabled in the European Parliament, and will be discussed and voted next week, as previously reported by Euronews. The debate will take place on Monday 7 July with the vote placed on Thursday 10 July. At least two-thirds of the votes cast in the Parliament, representing a majority of all its members, are needed to adopt a motion of censure, a no-confidence vote that would topple President Ursula von der Leyen - and wash away her entire European Commission with her. A motion of censure can be tabled if one in ten MEPs supports the request. Once their signatures have been verified and validated by the Parliament's services, the President must immediately inform the lawmakers, under the Parliament's rules. A plenary debate on the request for resignation must then be scheduled at least 24 hours after the announcement, and a vote on the matter must take place at least 48 hours after the start of the debate. The debate and the vote must take place, at the latest, during the plenary session following the submission of the motion. All MEPs who have signed the motion could in theory withdraw their support for it afterwards, and if the one-tenth threshold is no longer met, the process would be halted. The voting session is run by roll call, meaning that every MEP will vote in public. At least two-thirds of the votes cast representing a majority of all MEPs would need to back the motion of censure for it to be adopted. Nine attempts in the past, only one resignation There have been nine previous attempts by MEPs to topple the European Commission. In 1990 the Group of the European Right tried to force the Commission's resignation over Agricultural Policy, but decisively failed, gaining only 16 votes in favour with 243 against. The most recent attempt took place in November 2014, against the Commission led by Luxembourgish President Jean-Claude Juncker. It was initiated by the eurosceptic political group Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy in response to the 'Luxembourg Leaks' financial scandal, which exposed the country's tax regime. Only 101 of 670 MEPs voted in favour, well below the required threshold. Other attempts have centred on issues such as the EU budget, the impact of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in Europe, and the management of Eurostat, the Commission's statistical office. Only once in history has a motion of censure resulted in a Commission's resignation—and that happened without a formal vote in plenary session. In March 1999, the Commission led by Luxembourgish President Jacques Santer resigned amid fraud allegations and transparency concerns, preempting Parliament's formal vote. This came despite that Commission having survived three separate motions on other topics in prior years.
Scottish Sun
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Dundee Utd learn Conference League draw fate as Jim Goodwin's men handed opener on Euro return
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JIM GOODWIN'S men only returned to the top flight last season - but their fans are already gearing up for a European invasion. And all Dundee Utd supporters have just learned where they should start booking their tickets and travel for after today's second round Conference League qualifying draw. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The Conference league trophy Credit: AP 2 Jim Goodwin takes his team back into Europe Credit: Andrew Barr The Arabs are heading to Luxembourg to take on UNA Strassen. The tiny Luxembourgish side finished 2nd last season in the league - and have a stadium which accommodates just 1500 people. That's surely a winnable tie - with United are a team with a strong European pedigree, even if some of it is in the distant past. They played in the final of the Uefa Cup against IFK Gothenburg of Sweden in 1987. Their most recent involvement came in 2022-23, when Jack Ross's side beat an AZ Alkmaar side studded with future stars 1-0 in the first leg at Tannadice only to go down 7-0 in the return match. It's a time of change at United, who lost top scorer Sam Dalby, while on loan from Wrexham, to Bolton. In has come Aussie forward Zac Sapsford from Western Sydney Wanderers, while towering Moldovan defender Iurie Iovu joins him, despite spending last season in the fourth tier of the Spanish league. Goodwin has also been linked with Ukrainian goalkeeper Yevhen Kucherenko, currently with LNZ Cherkasy. United start their preparations for the season with pre-season games against Brechin and Arbroath before taking on PEC Zwolle at Sportpark Bovenmolen during their Dutch training camp. Rangers-daft Grado's hilarious wedding speech reveals late mum 'trolled' Dundee Utd from beyond the grave Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
The Irish Sun
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘I'm a Mayo man' – John Joe Patrick opens up on roots and dream of more caps after Republic of Ireland debut
IRELAND fans are still getting to know John Joe Patrick Finn Benoa and even what to call him. Some fans call him Finn, others John Joe, while he is known at French club 2 John Joe Patrick Finn is honoured to play for Ireland as his late father was from Mayo 2 The Stade de Reims ace is excited to create a legacy with Ireland The back of his shirt when he came on for his Ireland debut against Advertisement So what does he prefer to be called? He said: 'I prefer John but there are a lot of Johns in the squad, it's more easy.' The 6ft 4in 21-year-old is a player that naturally excites fans when he bursts onto the international scene given his impressive CV that is like no other in the Ireland squad. Born in Madrid, his mother Odetta is French with Cameroon heritage while his late father - also John - hailed from Galway but had Mayo roots. Advertisement READ MORE ON GAA Spanish is his mother tongue and he told Luxembourgish journalists he did not feel comfortable being interviewed in French yet, but spoke happily to Irish journalists in English. The midfielder said: 'My dad is from Ireland, also my grandfather and when I was young every summer I went to Ballyhaunis. 'So I had that connection when I was young, it really mattered. I am a Mayo man. 'It was nice, growing up it was so different from Madrid, where I lived. Those summers were really great, with my family, we had a great time, great days.' Advertisement Most read in Football He actually played for Salthill Devon for a while though he was first noticed by Irish fans when he joined Real Madrid as a nine-year-old. It was at Getafe he made his breakthrough making ten La Liga appearances as a teenager even as he finished school and progressed into the Ireland Under-19 squad. He earned Ireland Under-21 call-ups too and was also eligible for Spain, France and Cameroon. But while that was a focus in Ireland and led Advertisement ALWAYS IRELAND He said: 'Cameroon no, France no, Spain no, always Ireland. It's always good that the coach makes the effort to go and see you, to speak with me.' His debut came in the last minute as a replacement for Jason Knight on Tuesday night, though the midfielder admitted that it was not quite the debut of his dreams. He said: 'I feel good, I am a bit disappointed with the result, it was not the way I wanted to make my debut but I will just keep working and continue on this way. 'I feel ok but the last minute, it's not the way that everybody wants to make their debut, it's high intensity, into the game and it's not easy.' Advertisement But the 21-year-old hopes that his debut can be the first of many caps having quickly got up to speed with what Hallgrímsson expects from his midfielders. He said: 'He just told me I had to get the tactics, how the team works and I think I am catching the way the team play. We still have a bit of work to do but I am happy. 'The experience was good, the group has a lot of quality, I think if we can continue this way we can do good things. 'We are hungry, we are conscious that we are in a top World Cup group but with the work we are doing we can do it.' Advertisement Ireland's next games come in September with the beginning of the World Cup qualification campaign at home to Hungary and away to Armenia. And the midfielder hopes that a good start to the season with Stade Reims, who were relegated last season, can keep him in Hallgrímsson's plans. He also believes that next year is a big year for him when he expects to play regularly for Reims after a difficult settling in period in France. He added: 'At the beginning it was not easy, I was alone, my family stayed in Madrid but in the end the club made things really easy so the time I adapted was quick and the culture is nice. Advertisement 'It was a difficult moment to end the season like this (with relegation), but to come here is a bit of a distraction from the club, I had great days, now I can rest a bit and come back.'
