Europe must move beyond talk and take concrete steps toward a common defence policy, MP Francine Closener urged during a recent interview with RTL Radio.
MP Francine Closener of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) stated on Thursday during an interview with our colleagues from RTL Radio that Europeans have long "neglected" the issue of defence. While the idea of establishing a European army has been discussed for years, it was "not a priority," she noted.
"In the past, we lived in the hope that everything would be all right," Closener said, adding, "But today, Europeans are called upon to make efforts. We have no other alternative." She argued that every crisis presents an opportunity, emphasising that Europe, with its population of 500 million, is well-positioned to defend itself against Russian expansion. "A policy where no one knows where it will end," she remarked, pointing out that Europe is already experiencing a form of war through Russian cyberattacks, some of which have targeted Luxembourg.
Closener also stressed that Europe must reduce its economic, energy, and, above all, financial dependencies. She highlighted the need for EU member states to agree on developing a common defence policy and investing in it. "The money will be found," she asserted, drawing parallels with the pandemic response: "We have seen it happen before." The co-president of the LSAP expressed optimism but emphasised that Europe can no longer "just talk" and "must also act."
Pensions: the government must show its hand
On the issue of pensions, Closener warned that it "should not be taken lightly." She criticised the current lack of transparency, describing the situation as akin to "a black box," with no clear direction on how the system will change or be financed. "The government must now show its hand and explain how it intends to reform the system and fund it," she urged.
In this context, Closener underscored the importance of social dialogue, urging the Prime Minister to recognise its critical role in shaping the country's political stability. "Good social dialogue has always been the foundation of the Luxembourg social model," she said.
New rules for petitions take effect
Closener also serves as the president of the parliamentary petitions committee in the Chamber of Deputies and highlighted new rules that will come into force on 15 March. These rules, adopted by MPs this week, increase the number of signatures required for a petition to be debated in Parliament from 4,500 to 5,500.
In 2024 alone, 15 petitions were debated in the Chamber, often leading to delays in organising these discussions. Under the updated framework, the timeframe for holding debates on petitions will be capped at four months. Closener emphasised that petitions must remain a "relevant instrument" and stressed the importance of ensuring they are "followed up" appropriately.
The MP does not view the increase in the signature threshold as an obstacle to the success of petitions. She pointed out that the pool of potential signatories has grown significantly over the past 12 years.
