Luxembourg stands for multilateralism, respect for international law and European solidarity in an increasingly uncertain world.
That was the central message of Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel’s foreign policy statement to the Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday afternoon, in which he outlined the geopolitical challenges currently facing the country.
With international crises and geopolitical tensions on the rise, dialogue and diplomatic solutions are more important than ever, Bettel said.
Luxembourg supports the International Criminal Court and defends its independence, and it takes on international responsibility through its work in organisations such as UNESCO and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
According to Bettel, the war in Ukraine and the tense international situation show just how vital European solidarity and collective security are.
He called for closer cooperation between the EU and NATO, and underlined that Luxembourg supports EU enlargement, in particular with regard to Ukraine, Moldova and Montenegro.
The Middle East remains marked by conflict and instability. Bettel reiterated Luxembourg’s support for a two-state solution, free elections in Palestine and respect for international law, describing the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the violence in the West Bank as alarming.
He also made clear that imports of goods from illegal settlements would be banned at national level.
The situation in Lebanon and Iran also remains tense, and Luxembourg intends to strengthen its diplomatic relations in the region.
Bettel noted that insecurity on maritime trade routes was having global economic consequences, in particular by worsening the food crisis in the Global South.
EU unity, protecting the Schengen Area and strengthening the single market are key priorities for Luxembourg.
The free movement of people, goods, services and capital is crucial to the European economy, which is why Luxembourg opposes permanent border controls, Bettel said.
At the same time, the Grand Duchy should deepen its cooperation with Belgium, Germany and France, as well as within the Benelux and the Greater Region.
This matters particularly for the more than 234,000 cross-border workers who commute to Luxembourg every day.
This was Bettel’s third foreign policy statement since becoming Foreign Minister.
