Welcome to 2025 from RTL Today here in Luxembourg! As the new year dawns with blue skies and crisp temperatures, we welcome listeners from around the world.

On today’s episode of The Lisa Burke Show, we’re taking a glimpse into the year ahead. What does 2025 hold for geopolitics, technology, culture, and beyond? Joining us is Sasha Kehoe, our seasoned daily news host, adept at finding the most interesting stories, and Sam Steen also jumps onto the show!

Geopolitical Shifts

The political landscape of 2025 promises dramatic shifts, with the inauguration of the 47th U.S. President, Donald Trump, in January. Domestically, his administration is an unknown quantity, but he is likely to pursue pardons for the January 6th rioters amongst other possible promises in his election campaign. Internationally, we anticipate he will alter U.S.-China relations, remove the US from some climate organisations, and Trump has already been a possible catalyst for the ceasefire in Gaza.

What will happen in 2025 for Ukraine and the Middle East? Notably, there’s cautious optimism about a time of rebuild and reconciliation after a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel, alongside predictions of a peace deal in Ukraine by May, aligning with the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s World War II victory.

Europe, meanwhile, faces rising populist movements. Germany may see Friedrich Merz steering the nation to the right, while Austria’s Freedom Party forms a far-right government, the first since World War II. France continues to grapple with political gridlock, and tensions simmer in the Balkans, Moldova, and Nagorno-Karabakh. However, there are bright spots, such as Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro and Romania’s upcoming presidential election.

Technological Breakthroughs

2025 is officially the UN’s Year of Quantum Science and Technology, heralding advancements in AI, robotics, and space exploration. Companies are pouring over $1 trillion into data centers to harness AI’s potential, though adoption rates remain tentative. Tesla’s humanoid robots are expected to debut in factories, with predictions of increasingly autonomous machines capable of household chores like tidying and loading dishwashers.

Eastern Europe continues to lead in cybersecurity and dual-use technologies, while China drives a global clean tech boom with solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles. Luxembourg’s space sector stands out, with the University of Luxembourg having launched its first satellite, POQUITO, on January 14. Luxembourg also ranks third globally in space investments as a percentage of GDP, trailing only the U.S. and Russia.

Cultural Highlights and Luxembourg

The Luxembourg Song Contest heads to Basel, Switzerland, with semi-finals scheduled for May 13 and 15, and the Grand Finale on May 17.

Closer to home, Luxembourg is implementing significant social and economic changes. These include higher wages through indexation, increased energy allowances, and tax reforms to attract foreign talent and support single parents.

On the mobility front, tram services will extend to Findel Airport, with WiFi available on board. Educational policies also see changes, such as a ban on mobile phones in primary schools and a doubling of university tuition fees. These initiatives aim to strike a balance between modern convenience and societal well-being.

Environmental and Health Trends

Environmental challenges persist, with California facing wildfires, the Amazon experiencing drought, and Spain battling floods. Scientists warn 2024 was the hottest year on record, setting a worrying precedent for 2025. Yet, there’s hope in health innovations, such as expanded malaria vaccine rollouts and efforts to eliminate cervical cancer through HPV vaccination.

The Oxford Dictionary’s Word of the Year, “Brain Rot,” underscores the mental toll of extended screen time. Encouraging movement remains vital, as demographics shift in the U.S., where deaths now outpace births, affecting economic growth.

Looking Ahead

As we navigate this year of change and innovation, The Lisa Burke Show invites you to stay engaged, curious, and hopeful. Watch us on RTL Play, listen on Apple or Spotify, and write to Lisa on LinkedIn. Here’s to embracing the unpredictability of 2025 together!