AGP Executive Report

F1 in Luxembourg’s orbit: The new Madring circuit takes centre stage as F1 qualifying for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix kicks off today, with Kimi Antonelli leading the title race by 66 points and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in the spotlight. Music & metal from Luxembourg: Orbit Culture’s “Death Above Life (Deluxe Edition)” drops Oct 9, with the “Nuclear God” video out now—and the band plays Rockhal in Esch-sur-Alzette on Oct 14. Luxembourg culture in Venice: Fiat Lux marked the 10th anniversary of De Mains De Maîtres Luxembourg in Venice, with the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess attending, while Luxembourg-linked film “Guria” screened at the Venice Film Festival. What to do this weekend: Grevenmacher’s grape and wine festival runs Sept 11–13, plus The Pussycat Dolls hit Rockhal on Sept 13 and a medieval festival returns to Dudelange-Boudersberg on Sept 12–13. Streaming & TV: RTL Play is listed as the free option in Luxembourg for Spanish Grand Prix coverage.

Venice Spotlight: Luxembourg’s Fiat Lux exhibition drew the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess to Venice for De Mains De Maîtres Luxembourg, while Luxembourg-linked cinema also turned up at the Venice Film Festival with Amos Gitai’s The Road to Jericho and Levan Koguashvili’s Guria in the spotlight. Music & Pop Culture: Metal fans get a fresh hit as Beast In Black drops “Fear The Beast” and Orbit Culture releases “Nuclear God,” with Luxembourg dates on the way. Local Weekend Picks: This weekend in and around Luxembourg includes the Grevenmacher grape and wine festival, a medieval market in Dudelange-Boudersberg, and The Pussycat Dolls live at the Rockhal. Media Tech (Lux angle): SES launched SES CORE, a new content orchestration and hybrid delivery platform for broadcasters using satellite, fiber and IP. Sports on TV (Lux): The Spanish Grand Prix is live on RTL Play in Luxembourg, with full free-stream options listed for RTL2/RTL Club coverage of major football too. Quick Global Note: Canada opens Eurovision 2027 applications, and the UK’s assisted dying bill was rejected in Parliament.

F1 in Madrid: The newly built Madring circuit debuts for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix, with Free Practice 1 at 12:30 Luxembourg time and Free Practice 2 at 16:00, plus full TV and free-stream options via RTL Play. Music & tours: Metal fans get new releases from Beast In Black (“Fear The Beast”) and Orbit Culture (“Nuclear God”), with Orbit Culture also set to play Rockhal in Esch-sur-Alzette on Oct 14. Film festival buzz: Bucharest International Film Festival 2026 reveals its competition lineup, while Venice spotlight “Guria” lands with Luxembourg involvement and a Georgia Oscar submission push. Local weekend picks: Grevenmacher’s 76th grape and wine festival (Sept 11–13) and The Pussy Cat Dolls at Rockhal (Sept 13) headline what’s on in and around Luxembourg. Tech for broadcasters: SES launches SES CORE, a hybrid content orchestration and delivery platform for satellite, fiber and IP. Climate watch: Copernicus reports July’s record ocean heat and wildfire-fuelling extreme conditions across western Europe.

Animation & Co-Production: Cartoon Forum returns to Toulouse (14–17 Sept) with 66 selected animated projects from 111 submissions, including 61 TV series and five TV specials, plus a bigger programme for financing, training and international collaboration. Metal & Music Videos: Beast In Black drops “Fear The Beast” ahead of its new album, while Orbit Culture releases “Nuclear God” as part of its “Death Above Life (Deluxe Edition)” rollout. Eurovision Buzz: Canada’s first-ever Eurovision star is up for grabs—applications are now open for the 2027 contest. Venice Film Festival: Georgian feature “Guria” premieres at Venice, with Luxembourg among the production countries, and Georgia also plans to submit it for the Oscars. What’s On in Luxembourg: This weekend’s picks include the Grevenmacher grape and wine festival (11–13 Sept), plus The Pussy Cat Dolls at Rockhal (13 Sept) and a medieval festival in Dudelange (12–13 Sept). Local Music Spotlight: Bryan Adams announces “How’s It Goin’” (Nov 6), a Canada-rooted album with country, folk and rock influences.

Royal Watch: Norway’s King Harald V is laid to rest in Oslo today, with a packed European royal turnout including Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie, while Prince William and Princess Anne represent the UK at the service. Tech & AI: French AI startup Mistral lands a €3bn Series D at a valuation above €21bn, aiming to expand frontier research and scale its compute and international growth. Education & Schools: Luxembourg’s teachers’ union says the new school-year reforms still fall short, calling for more staff, less bureaucracy, better guidance for serious behaviour issues, and tighter rules on how incidents are recorded. Fashion & Retail: Paris trade fair Who’s Next spotlights footwear brands, from Crocs-owned HeyDude pushing deeper into Europe to Free Life A.B. blending comfort and style. Music: Bryan Adams announces his new album How’s It Goin’ for Nov. 6, a Canada-rooted rock-and-country set. Arts in Luxembourg: Mudam prepares a Yayoi Kusama immersive installation, Fireflies on the Water, bringing the late artist’s mirrored spectacle to the museum.

Luxembourg & EU Culture/Business: The EU Court of Justice ruled in the Belgian IKEA trade-mark case that political parties can’t automatically claim “due cause” to use a famous brand; national judges must weigh freedom of expression against the brand owner’s property rights and potential harm. EU Courts: The EU Court clarified when people can seek compensation for EU-law breaches by a final national court—missing a preliminary ruling isn’t enough on its own. EU Procurement: Advocate General Biondi said EU rules allow national security exclusions in public tenders, as long as proportionality and judicial protection are respected. Royal & Media Spotlight (Norway): Zelenskyy’s plane was “almost hit by a drone” while he travelled to Oslo for King Harald V’s funeral, while European royals—including Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Stéphanie—gathered for the state service. What to Watch (Luxembourg): UCL opener Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid is free on RTL2 in Luxembourg; Champions League also has Real Madrid vs Inter Milan free on RTL Play. Music: Bryan Adams announced album “How’s It Goin’” (Nov 6). Film: Georgia’s “Guria” heads to Venice Spotlight with Luxembourg co-production Tarantula. Tech/AI (Luxembourg audience interest): Mistral raised €3bn Series D; Implicity secured $40m to scale AI cardiac monitoring.

Venice Spotlight: Georgian director Levan Koguashvili’s black-and-white tragicomedy Guria opens the 83rd Venice Film Festival today, with the film also selected as Georgia’s official Oscar entry—co-produced with Luxembourg’s Tarantula and backed by partners across Europe and beyond. Luxembourg Culture & Travel: Mudam is set to show Yayoi Kusama’s immersive mirrored installation Fireflies on the Water, bringing the late artist’s signature “endless” light experience to the museum. Local Life: Luxembourg’s new passport may trigger manual checks at some airports due to a security protocol not yet matched by certain e-gates. Education Watch: After PISA reading results declined, Luxembourg plans tighter smartphone limits in secondary schools, with talks aimed at a broader ban for lower grades. Music: Canadian alt-metal band Spiritbox drops Mourning and kicks off a Europe run that includes a Luxembourg Rockhal date on 10/06. Tech & Business: French AI startup Mistral raises €3bn in Series D, while SUSE touts Gartner recognition for container management with SUSE Rancher Prime.

Royal Watch: European royals including Luxembourg’s former Grand Duke Henri are arriving in Oslo ahead of King Harald V’s state funeral, with a massive security operation and a new balcony appearance for the next royal generation. Music (Luxembourg): Canadian alt-metal band Spiritbox drops “Mourning” and confirms a Europe run that includes a Luxembourg stop at Rockhal on 10/06. Film (Luxembourg link): Georgian tragicomedy “Guria” premieres at Venice on Sept 9 and is Georgia’s Oscar entry; Luxembourg’s Tarantula is among the co-producers. EU Court (Luxembourg-based): The EU’s top court says Inter IKEA can seek to stop a Belgian far-right party using IKEA trademarks in political campaigning. Local Culture: The Pineapple Thief announce a 2027 UK & European tour with a Luxembourg date, while Luxembourg’s Braderie tradition keeps evolving as shops adapt to rising costs. Schools: Luxembourg plans tighter smartphone rules in lower secondary classes after PISA reading scores keep sliding. Tech/Finance: Bank Negara Malaysia warns against deepfake ads impersonating its governor.

Classical Spotlight: Violinist Maria Duenas, a 2021 Menuhin Competition winner, is set for her Korean debut this week, performing the Brahms Violin Concerto with the Luxembourg Philharmonic in Seoul (Nov. 11) and Tongyeong (Nov. 13), plus a cadenza she wrote herself. Music & Live: Canadian metalcore hitmakers Spiritbox have released “Mourning” with a new video, ahead of their European/UK headline tour that includes a Rockhal stop in Luxembourg on Oct. 6. Local Culture: Jeck im Sunnesching brings Cologne-style summer carnival to Stadtbredimus for its first Luxembourg edition, with Kölsch bands and a costume-friendly Moselle party vibe. Screen & Streaming: Catherine Zeta-Jones leans into her real Swansea accent in the trailer for AMC+ and Prime Video thriller series “Kill Jackie,” where she plays an art-dealer on the run from assassins. Education & Reading: Luxembourg is set to tighten smartphone rules in schools after PISA reading scores fell, with talks aimed at a broader ban for lower classes. Film Industry: Korea’s president says film financing is in a “structural crisis,” while pushing a new 500m-euro fund with France to boost cinema and TV.

Luxembourg in the spotlight: Prime Minister Luc Frieden and Xavier Bettel reacted to AfD’s historic Saxony-Anhalt win, warning that extremism is a dead-end even as a majority still rejects it. Royal Europe: Prince William and Princess Anne are set to represent the Royal Family at King Harald V’s funeral in Oslo. TV & streaming: Catherine Zeta-Jones leans into her real Swansea accent in AMC+’s thriller series “Kill Jackie,” where her character hunts the assassins sent after her. Music & live culture (Luxembourg): “Jeck im Sunnesching” brings Cologne carnival summer vibes to Stadtbredimus for a Luxembourg premiere. Art & exhibitions: Schifflange’s Konschthaus hosts “The Sweet Spot,” a two-floor mix of over 60 artists and creators blending exhibition and pop-up market energy. Film (international): Georgia’s Oscar bid “Guria” gets Venice Spotlight momentum with Loco Films boarding sales and releasing a first trailer. Sports (Luxembourg fans): Katie Taylor vs Flora Pili at Croke Park is live on DAZN, with Taylor aiming to finish her career as undisputed champion.

German Politics: AfD surged to first in Saxony-Anhalt, sparking alarm across Europe as leaders warn of a “grave moment” for the continent. Streaming & Crime Drama: Catherine Zeta-Jones leans into her real Swansea accent for AMC+/Prime Video’s “Kill Jackie,” a thriller about a glamorous past catching up fast. Local Culture: “Jeck im Sunnesching” brings Cologne’s summer carnival vibe to Stadtbredimus for a Luxembourg debut, with big Kölsch names and plenty of costumes. Art & Exhibitions: Schifflange’s Konschthaus hosts “The Sweet Spot,” a two-floor mix of 60+ creators, from jewellery to installations. Music in Luxembourg: Behemoth and Dimmu Borgir add an Esch-sur-Alzette stop at Rockhal in October 2026. Sports Spotlight: Katie Taylor’s final pro fight vs Flora Pili heads to Croke Park, with DAZN and Irish TV coverage. Film & Awards: Georgia’s “Guria” lands Venice Spotlight and is Georgia’s Oscar entry.

Luxembourg Arts & Culture: Schifflange’s Konschthaus is hosting The Sweet Spot, a two-floor pop-up-meets-exhibition with 60+ artists and creators, from jewellery and prints to designer pieces, created by the Augenschmaus non-profit to spotlight Luxembourgish talent. Film & Awards Buzz: Croatia has selected Hana Jušić’s historical drama God Will Not Help as its Oscar entry for International Feature, while Georgia’s Guria has also been picked for the same race and Loco Films has boarded sales with a first trailer ahead of Venice. Music (Live in Luxembourg): Behemoth and Dimmu Borgir have announced their In League With Satan tour, including a stop at Rockhal in Esch-sur-Alzette on 11 Oct. Sports (Local Interest): Katie Taylor’s final pro fight vs unbeaten Flora Pili at Croke Park is set for Saturday, live on DAZN. Global Entertainment: Craig Douglas, “The Singing Milkman” behind Only Sixteen, has died aged 85. Travel & Lifestyle: United is launching new nonstop routes for 2027, including Luxembourg City, plus destinations like Ibiza, Valencia and Marseille.

Rockhal Night Out: Behemoth and Dimmu Borgir’s Shagrath team up for “In League With Satan,” with Behemoth also announcing a Luxembourg stop at Rockhal on 11 Oct. Metal Live Dates: Alcest add a big early-2027 European run, including Esch-sur-Alzette (20 Mar 2027). Boxing in Dublin (watch info): Katie Taylor closes her pro career on Saturday at Croke Park against unbeaten Flora Pili, with DAZN carrying the worldwide broadcast and ringwalks set for late evening. Local Arts & Makers: Schifflange’s Konschthaus hosts “The Sweet Spot,” a two-floor mix of exhibition and creator market featuring 60+ artists and designers. Fashion & Culture: Hong Kong Fashion Fest Gala 2026 spotlights fashion, art and culture under “Rhythm of the Heart.” Sports Streaming (Lux relevance): Sporteurope.TV extends US Open rights through 2030, keeping Luxembourg in the sublicensed pay-TV mix. Weekend What’s On: RTL Readers’ Choice crowns Luxembourg’s top croissant spots.

Boxing Spotlight: Katie Taylor’s final pro fight is Saturday at Dublin’s Croke Park, where she defends her WBO/WBA/IBF light-welterweight titles against unbeaten French challenger Flora Pili (DAZN worldwide; RTE in Ireland). Luxembourg Arts & Culture: Schifflange’s Konschthaus is hosting “The Sweet Spot,” a two-floor showcase mixing exhibition and pop-up market formats with 60+ creators, from jewellery to prints, curated by Augenschmaus. Music (Rockhal): Behemoth and Dimmu Borgir bring their “In League With Satan” tour to Rockhal in Esch-sur-Alzette on 11 October 2026. Music (Live): Alcest announce a 2027 Europe/UK headline run that includes a stop at Kulturfabrik in Esch-sur-Alzette on 20 March 2027. Sports (F1): Italian Grand Prix qualifying is today at 4pm local time, with Monza’s pole fight featuring Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari. Sports (Luxembourg): Patrizia van der Weken is among Luxembourg’s athletes in action at the Wanda Diamond League Finals in Brussels.

Luxembourg Culture & Music: Rockhal is set for a big homecoming as Lorde electrifies a sold-out venue on her long-awaited return. Metal & Live Shows: Behemoth and Dimmu Borgir have unveiled a major “In League With Satan” tour that includes Esch-sur-Alzette on 11 Oct. Classical in Luxembourg: The Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra is heading to Tongyeong Concert Hall for a Sept 13 concert with Gustavo Gimeno and violinist María Dueñas. Film & Awards Buzz: Loco Films has boarded Georgia’s Oscar entry “Guria,” premiering in Venice with a first trailer. Sports (Local angle): Patrizia van der Weken is among the Luxembourg athletes in the Wanda Diamond League Finals in Brussels. Food & Local Picks: RTL Readers’ Choice crowned Luxembourg’s top croissant spots, including Au Pain de Mary, Oberweis and Hoffmann. Human Interest: Nepal’s flood rescue continues, with workers pulled alive from hydropower tunnels days after the disaster.

Metal & Live Music: Behemoth dropped an official “In League With Satan” video featuring Dimmu Borgir’s Shagrath, with the band set to hit Rockhal in Esch-sur-Alzette on 11 Oct. Tours: Alcest announced a Europe/UK run for spring 2027, including Kulturfabrik in Esch-sur-Alzette on 20 Mar. Pop Spotlight: Take That shared “Feel My Love” with Michael Patrick Kelly, as their “Dreamers” album and tour dates roll on. Luxembourg Culture: Lorde finally returned to Rockhal after a last-minute cancellation, turning a long wait into a big, lyric-filled night. What’s On (Lux): “Dreamy” is on at the National Archaeological Museum Café, a new Syni Anastasiadis exhibition. Sports Media: Sporteurope.TV extended US Open rights in the DACH region until 2030, keeping Luxembourg in the mix. Local Creativity: Hermana Clothes is turning textile waste into acoustic panels, bringing sustainability into office design. Big Picture: Nepal’s Bhotekoshi flood rescue entered day 10, with international support including Nvidia’s $10m donation.