Climate change, the coronavirus pandemic, and the situation in Afghanistan were among the topics of discussion between the two politicians. During a joint press conference, Michel stressed the importance of European values.
According to the President of the European Council, these European values are peace, stability, freedom, and rule of law, and more effort needs to be made to promote them across the globe.
Michel stated that what happened in Afghanistan should be “a moment of clarity” that should spur on policy makers to “accelerate” their work aiming at “increasing Europe’s geopolitical and geostrategic capacities”. This may also include increasing cooperation and coordination in the area of defence, Michel added.
Prime Minister Xavier Bettel also stressed the importance of rule of law, stating that Europe could not be reduced to its single market, the financial market, or the commercial market. “Europe is a union where citizens have freedom and rights, and these rights must not be questioned any longer nowadays”, Bettel said.
During Michel’s stay in Luxembourg, the two politicians also paid a visit to the birthplace of Robert Schumann, which Michel described as a “very powerful moment”.
The President of the European Council stated that especially in challenging times, when there is a lot of opposition, it is important to be firmly rooted in history and to be aware of the shared history.
Regarding climate change, Bettel stressed that need for immediate action, while Michel highlighted the terrible natural disasters which occurred all across Europe over the summer.
Michel stressed that these events showed that the danger is not “theoretical” but “real”, and is threatening families and uprooting lives. There is “a need for a different model”, the President of the European Council said, adding that “innovation, research, and courage” will be the key elements to overcoming these obstacles.
The EU’s “Fit for 55" package, which aims at adapting the legislation in the areas of climate, energy, and transport to meet the ambitious climate targets for 2030 and 2050, requires “intensive work”. Michel concluded by stressing that the European Council will assume its responsibilities to ensure that decisions regarding this “very important issue” are taken.
