AGP Executive Report

Luxembourg & Greater Region: Luxembourg’s 24/7 National Centre for Victims of Violence (CNVV) is seeing a sharp rise in demand, with 248 people supported in just the last two months—over half of what it handled in its first year—while about 80% of cases involve violence within families. Music & Live: Bob Dylan has announced a winter UK run (Nov 25–Dec 8) plus a Europe leg that includes Luxembourg, with phone-free shows via Yondr pouches. Metal & Tours: German metal queen Doro Pesch says new music is coming—an EP titled “Wild At Heart”—and shared a busy run of festival dates across Europe. Metal Album Drop: Swedish band Amon Amarth will release “The Allfather Awakens” on Oct 2, with “Gjallarhorn” out now and a tour stop at Rockhal in Esch-sur-Alzette on Oct 14. Local Arts: AIR at Aspen Art Museum brings Luxembourg-linked artist Ivan Cheng’s live, site-specific performance to an active landfill on July 29. Sports (Luxembourg link): Aston Villa striker Brian Madjo—capped by Luxembourg—scored twice in a friendly, but his competitive debut still hinges on an appeal over FIFA rules for under-18 transfers.

Metal News: German metal queen Doro Pesch hints at a new EP for late 2026, with a working title “Wild At Heart,” plus a packed run of festival and club dates. New Album Alert: Swedish metal giants Amon Amarth announce “The Allfather Awakens” (out Oct 2) and drop the fiery single “Gjallarhorn,” with a Luxembourg Rockhal stop on Oct 14. Local Music & Culture: AIR at Aspen Art Museum stages Ivan Cheng’s site-specific performance “16” on July 29 in an active landfill—safety notes included, and the live footage feeds a future artwork. Film & Art: The 51st Polish Film Festival in Gdynia reveals its main competition lineup, while Florence’s Biennale Internazionale dell’Antiquariato di Firenze previews highlights for Sept 26–Oct 4. Luxembourg Sports: Aston Villa striker Brian Madjo scores twice in a friendly but remains in registration limbo, with his Luxembourg-linked future tied to an appeal. What’s On: A roundup for 24–30 July spotlights summer organ concerts and open-air family theatre in Belgium.

Luxembourg Music & Nightlife: Luxembourg’s Ogazón and Nosi are back at Tomorrowland in Boom, joined by duo Netty Hugo—an early sign of how the Grand Duchy’s electronic scene keeps punching above its weight. Live Music: LP has dropped “Best In Life,” teasing her upcoming album Room 12 (Sept 2) and continuing her European run. Rock & Metal: Amon Amarth announced The Allfather Awakens (Oct 2) with the fiery single “Gjallarhorn,” plus a stop at Rockhal in Esch-sur-Alzette. Film & Culture: The 51st Polish Film Festival in Gdynia unveiled its Main Competition lineup, including new work from Paweł Pawlikowski and Jan Komasa. Art & Antiques: Florence’s Biennale Internazionale dell’Antiquariato di Firenze returns Sept 26–Oct 4 with “The Future of the Classical.” Local Sports Buzz: Aston Villa striker Brian Madjo—capped by Luxembourg—scored twice in a friendly, but his competitive debut still hinges on his registration appeal. Tech/Media: AMC+ acquired US rights to Catherine Zeta-Jones thriller series Kill Jackie. Transport: Luxair expands its Boeing 737-10 plans, converting options into firm orders.

Luxair Fleet News: Luxembourg flag carrier Luxair has converted two Boeing 737-10 options into firm orders and added options for two more, bringing its future 737 fleet to 12 aircraft (eight 737-8s, four 737-10s) as it targets lower fuel use and emissions. Film & Festivals: Oscilloscope Laboratories acquired North American rights to Ann Oren’s Locarno-bound “Objet a,” ahead of the 2026 premiere. Luxembourg Arts & Culture: Arcadia Field Lab, an art initiative in Greece, blends mountain hospitality with contemporary creation and digital storytelling—an interesting model for cross-place cultural projects. Music & Live: South African Chefs Association has named a Junior Team Masakhane squad to train in Luxembourg ahead of the 2026 Culinary World Cup. EU Media Policy: The EU extended “chat control” rules allowing voluntary scanning of private messages for child sexual abuse material, a move that’s reignited privacy fears, including reactions from Luxembourg’s MEPs. Entertainment Streaming: AMC+ picked up US rights to Catherine Zeta-Jones revenge thriller series “Kill Jackie,” launching this fall.

Luxair Expansion: Luxembourg’s national carrier keeps growing, converting Boeing 737-10 options into firm orders and adding more capacity to its 737 fleet. Locarno Film Buzz: Oscilloscope Laboratories snapped up North American rights to Ann Oren’s “Objet a” ahead of its Locarno world premiere. Luxembourg Arts & Research: Arcadia Field Lab reopens a 100-year-old stone house in Greece as a nature-and-digital contemporary art experiment. Music in Luxembourg: South Africa’s Junior Team Masakhane Training Squad is set to prepare in Luxembourg for the 2026 Culinary World Cup. Film & Festivals: Cypriot productions are racking up awards across Europe and Asia, including Karlovy Vary wins and Sundance audience recognition. Art Fairs: New York’s Armory Show confirms its 2026 dates and gallery lineup as it shifts later in the fall season. Entertainment & Culture: The Moody Blues’ John Lodge is remembered after his death, with tributes highlighting his bass and co-vocal legacy. Gaming: “Masters of the Universe: Legends Unite” lands bonus content with new characters and bigger co-op support.

Luxembourg Culture & Nightlife: The Blues’n’Jazz Rallye returns to Luxembourg City this Saturday, with a free open-air lineup across six stages in Grund, Clausen and Pfaffenthal—more than 40 artists, plus extra sets in cafés and restaurants. Film & Local Talent: Portuguese director João Pedro Rodrigues cast 18-year-old street guitarist Gustavo Benza as the lead in Afonso’s Smile after spotting him in Luxembourg—an “almost miraculous” discovery that turned a quick stop into a major role. Music & Games: Amazon Game Studios’ Masters of the Universe: Legends Unite adds bonus content on July 22, including Roboto and Spikor, a new Anti-Eternia biome with enemies and a boss, 80 new deckbuilding cards, and support for up to six players. Classical Spotlight: Seoul’s second-half music calendar kicks off with the Seoul Arts Center International Music Festival (Aug 18–23) featuring Ravel and Shostakovich, plus major chamber-music follow-up Hic et Nunc! (Aug 25–Sept 3). Sports Talk: Luxembourg Football Federation president Paul Philipp criticized the World Cup final’s post-match conduct, calling it “catastrophic images” and “unprofessional” disruption.

Luxembourg Culture & Nightlife: The Blues’n’Jazz Rallye returns to Luxembourg City with a free open-air programme across six stages and more than 40 artists, including the Reis-Demuth-Wiltgen Trio. Film & Local Talent: Portuguese director João Pedro Rodrigues cast 18-year-old Luxembourg street musician Gustavo Benza for Afonso’s Smile after spotting him busking in the city. Music Spotlight: German techno icon Paul Kalkbrenner lit up Luxexpo Open Air for around 7,000 fans with a high-energy set of crowd favourites. Sports & Community: Luxembourg Football Federation president Paul Philipp criticised the World Cup final’s “catastrophic” unsporting scenes, while Ireland’s U20s celebrated a historic fifth place at Youth EuroBasket. Food & Future: South Africa’s Junior Team Masakhane squad has begun training in Luxembourg for the 2026 Culinary World Cup. Travel Practicalities: Europe’s new EES biometric border system is causing long queues, and some travellers may consider non-Schengen countries that don’t require it.

Luxembourg Culture & Music: Blues’n’Jazz Rallye returns to Luxembourg City with a free open-air programme across six stages and more than 40 artists, including the Reis-Demuth-Wiltgen Trio. Film Spotlight: Portuguese director João Pedro Rodrigues found his lead for “Afonso’s Smile” after spotting 18-year-old street guitarist Gustavo Benza in Luxembourg—now the busker-turned-actor is starring in an international co-production. Local Arts Leadership: Corinne Schroeder has been appointed director of Luxembourg’s National Archives, succeeding Josée Kirps. Music Industry Buzz: CMAT says she’s taking all of 2027 off live music as she battles burnout. Aviation & Mobility: Vertical Aerospace and Sigma Air Mobility (Luxaviation Group) sign an MoU for intended purchase of Valo eVTOL aircraft, aiming toward commercial electric air services. Travel & Media: Luxair announces 11 new 2026 routes from Luxembourg-Findel, while the EU rule-of-law report draws criticism for underplaying press freedom declines. Tech/Entertainment Crossover: “All Wishes Come True!” lands a summer worldwide rollout, with a release date set for Belgium and Luxembourg on September 4.

Luxembourg Culture: Luxembourg City’s free Blues’n’Jazz Rallye returns with 40+ artists across six outdoor stages in the Grund, Clausen and Pfaffenthal, plus extra sets in cafés and restaurants. Film & Animation: Chinese animated comedy All Wishes Come True! is smashing box-office records in China and is set for a summer rollout that includes Belgium and Luxembourg on September 4. Local Spotlight: A Luxembourg street musician turned actor lands the lead in João Pedro Rodrigues’ new film Afonso’s Smile, a true “busker to big screen” story. Music: Techno icon Paul Kalkbrenner lit up Luxexpo Open Air for a crowd of about 7,000 with a high-energy two-hour set. Sports (F1): The Belgian Grand Prix is the weekend’s big draw at Spa, with Kimi Antonelli on pole and title pressure building as penalties shuffle the grid. Arts Leadership: Corinne Schroeder has been appointed director of the National Archives, succeeding Josée Kirps.

Blues’n’Jazz Rallye: Luxembourg City’s free summer event returns Saturday with 40+ artists across six outdoor stages plus extra café and restaurant sets in Grund, Clausen and Pfaffenthal. Film Spotlight: Portuguese director João Pedro Rodrigues found his lead for “Afonso’s Smile” after spotting 18-year-old street musician Gustavo Benza playing guitar in Luxembourg. Techno Night: Paul Kalkbrenner lit up Luxexpo Open Air for a roughly 7,000-strong crowd with two hours of melodic techno and crowd favourites. Local Culture & Screen: Channel 4 is streaming “The White Queen,” a Tudor-era political drama viewers call “highly addictive.” Music & Movement: TaiChill City Fest is back for its 5th anniversary (July 18–19) with 91 acts, including 16 international groups and a street-culture focus. Sports (Lux angle): Luxembourg clubs Mondorf and Differdange were knocked out of Europe in qualifying.

F1 at Spa-Francorchamps: Qualifying for the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix is today, with Max Verstappen chasing pole after a setup tweak, while Lewis Hamilton targets his Spa record and Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll and Lando Norris face grid drops. Techno in Luxembourg: Paul Kalkbrenner lit up Luxexpo Open Air for a crowd of about 7,000 with two hours of melodic techno hits. Music & TV buzz: Channel 4 is streaming the Tudor-era hit The White Queen, and fans are calling it “highly addictive.” Film spotlight: Ghanaian feature Ego Reach We All has been selected for Locarno’s 79th edition, a big step for local filmmaking. Luxembourg culture & community: Corinne Schroeder is appointed new director of the National Archives, succeeding Josée Kirps. Local arts & movement: TaiChill City Fest returns in Taiwan with 91 acts, including Luxembourg’s presence. Sports (Lux): Mondorf and Differdange are knocked out of Europe. Human side: Parents who lose a child at birth are pushing for stronger bereavement recognition and support.

EU Online Safety Push: Australia’s under-16 social media ban is forcing the EU to move faster, even as workarounds and age-check gaps show the limits of enforcement. Right to Be Offline: A new rights debate asks if governments can block access to public services when citizens don’t use smartphones. Luxembourg Culture & Film: Corinne Schroeder has been appointed director of Luxembourg’s National Archives, succeeding Josée Kirps. Cinema Spotlight: Ghanaian feature “Ego Reach We All” (Our Time Will Come) lands a Locarno Film Festival premiere. Music & Touring: CMAT says she’ll take all of 2027 off live music due to burnout. Tech & Entertainment Law: The EU’s top court says Google can be held liable for certain YouTube gambling videos tied to commercial partnerships. Local Weekend Picks: “What’s On? 16–19 July” rounds up things to do in and around Luxembourg. Sports: Luxembourg clubs Mondorf and Differdange are knocked out of European qualifying.

Film & Animation: Pearl Studio and CMC Pictures have set a summer rollout for All Wishes Come True!—with a Belgium/Luxembourg release on September 4—a comedy adventure based on the Chinese folklore “The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea.” Music & Live: Bob Dylan has confirmed fall European dates, including October 30 at Rockhal in Esch-sur-Alzette, with tickets going on sale July 22; Razorlight also shared an unheard demo of Lost In America ahead of a 20th anniversary deluxe and tour. Cinema Awards: Croatia’s Pula Film Festival crowned Honey Bunny as Best Croatian Film, while Ghanaian feature Ego Reach We All earned a Locarno Film Festival nomination. Local Arts Leadership: Corinne Schroeder has been appointed director of Luxembourg’s National Archives, succeeding Josée Kirps in November. Music Health: CMAT says she’ll take all of 2027 off live music as she battles burnout. What’s On: TaiChill City Fest returns with 91 acts (including Luxembourg’s presence) on July 18–19.

AI Music & Copyright: Hacked Suno source code reportedly names platforms it scraped (including YouTube Music and Deezer) to train its AI, potentially strengthening Universal Music Group and Sony’s ongoing case. Tech Regulation: The EU’s top court says Google can be held liable for YouTube gambling videos uploaded by commercial partners, after Italy’s €750,000 fine. Film & Festivals: Croatia’s Pula Film Festival wrapped with “Honey Bunny” and “The Wedding” among the big Golden Arena winners. Immersive Media: Venice Immersive unveiled 68 XR projects from 26 countries for its 2–12 September run. Music Charts: Shakira and Burna Boy’s “Dai Dai” hits No. 1 globally, but still struggles to break into the U.S. Hot 100. Local Culture (Luxembourg): Katy Perry brings a two-decade retrospective to Luxembourg, while this weekend’s picks include the Blues’n’Jazz Rallye and a comic book festival in Contern. Sports (F1): Here’s how to watch the Belgian Grand Prix 2026 live from Luxembourg.

Venice Immersive: The Venice Film Festival has revealed its XR lineup for the 10th edition, with 68 projects from 26 countries (30 in competition, 35 out of competition) running 2–12 September on Venice Immersive Island. Music & Live: Bob Dylan announces a UK and Europe run this winter, including five nights at London’s Royal Festival Hall, plus a Luxembourg stop; tickets go on sale 22 July. Pop in Luxembourg: Katy Perry returns to Luxexpo for a near-20-years hits set, complete with astronauts and a Luxembourg-flavoured space theme. Film Spotlight: Ghana’s “Ego Reach We All” earns a Locarno Film Festival nomination, marking a big step for African storytelling. Tech & Law (EU): Luxembourg-based EU judges rule Google can be held liable for YouTube gambling videos uploaded by commercial partners, after Italy’s €750,000 fine. What’s On (Luxembourg): This weekend’s picks include the Blues’n’Jazz Rallye (18 July) and a Comic Book Festival in Contern (18–19 July).

Pop Concert in Luxembourg: Katy Perry lit up Luxexpo with a near-20-years hits set, from “California Girls” to “Roar,” complete with astronauts and futuristic visuals—plus a playful Trudeau nod. Music & Touring: Moroccan rapper ElGrandeToto announced his “SALGOAT” European tour, with a stop in Luxembourg in November. Film & Immersive: Venice Immersive’s 10th-anniversary lineup drops 68 projects, including Margot Robbie and Omar Sy-led titles. Eurovision Spin-Off: OGAE Second Chance Contest 2026 reveals 22 entries, with Luxembourg’s Steve Castile in the running. Local Arts Spotlight: Luxembourg actor Tommy Schlesser takes over as Télévie coordinator, continuing the cancer and leukemia fundraising push. Kids’ Theatre: “Sounds of WOODerland” for babies premieres in August in Macao, with Luxembourg musical director Jean Bermes involved. Tech for Culture: CEE Animation Forum selects 33 projects for Pilsen (Nov 10–12), a major European animation pitching moment.