The statement was focused predominantly on the pandemic. "We must set accents and priorities, and act strategically," said Asselborn to MPs on Wednesday afternoon. The health crisis as created vulnerability and fragility on an unseen scale since the Second World War. In Luxembourg, the largest repatriation operation had been organised in the history of the country; more than a thousand Luxembourg citizens or residents were brought home with the help of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Moreover, this crisis has called into question many of what we took for granted, in particular the freedom of movement within the European Union. But with every crisis comes opportunity, with Asselborn citing better dialogue on public health and environmental protection, but also global warning systems and prevention for diseases that are currently worked on.
"In this period of vulnerability, we cannot and we must not hide. It is our duty as Luxembourgers, as Europeans, as members of the international community not to be indifferent. We must, more than anyone else, actively engage in Europe and beyond, for the interests of our country and its citizens, for the fundamental values of democracy. All this for a world order that is based on clear rules, for a peaceful, socially and climatically just common life, where no one is left out."
Regarding migration policy, the Minister of Foreign Affairs said we need a fairer system: "We need results for a more humane and efficient European migration policy. The problem is not migration, but how we manage it."
The United Kingdom's departure from the European Union on January 1, 2021, will bring important changes, no matter whether an agreement is reached or not. Despite everything, the United Kingdom will remain a partner of Luxembourg and the European Union.
The Foreign Minister also addressed the key role that Russia plays in many regions of the world. For this reason, Luxembourg must maintain dialogue with Russia, which is an essential neighbour of Europe. But the principles of the European Union and the sanctions cannot be called into question and the human rights situation in the country must also be addressed.
In the context of the peace process between Israel and Palestine, Jean Asselborn spoke of an impasse. He sees the election of Joe Biden as a spark of hope.
