Minister for Development Cooperation Xavier Bettel announced on Wednesday that Luxembourg intends to further bolster its development cooperation efforts, even as it navigates a challenging international landscape.
Delivering a policy declaration to the Chamber of Deputies, Minister Bettel described a world where “old certainties are apparently no longer valid,” creating significant headwinds for development work. He pointed to the compounding difficulties posed by wars, political tensions, and a global backsliding of human rights.
These challenges are set against a backdrop of increasing humanitarian crises, while the resources to address them are not keeping pace. Minister Bettel framed this as a critical moment for Luxembourg, questioning the role the country can play, particularly in a context where there is “no longer any place for real dialogue.”
Despite these difficulties, Bettel reaffirmed Luxembourg’s commitment to international aid, vowing to not only maintain but further strengthen its cooperation. The objective, he stated, is to provide a “meaningful contribution in the fight against poverty” while steadfastly upholding the values of solidarity, partnership, and respect for human rights.
To underscore this commitment, the Minister noted that Luxembourg dedicates nearly 1% of its Gross National Income (GNI) – amounting to €615 million – to development cooperation, demonstrating what he called a serious approach to its international responsibilities. He added that the Grand Duchy is simultaneously adapting its priorities to the new global reality.
These adaptations include a strategic withdrawal from unstable regions, such as the Sahel, while forging new partnerships, primarily in Africa, with Malawi being a key example. Additionally, Luxembourg is updating and modernising its long-standing cooperations, such as the one with Cape Verde, to better address current needs.
Minister Bettel also highlighted other critical areas of engagement, including continued support for Ukraine and active involvement in the Middle East, where he noted the humanitarian situation “continues to degrade at an alarming rate.”
Bettel also stressed Luxembourg’s enduring commitment to multilateralism. Even as international law is questioned and global cooperation is weakened, Luxembourg remains dedicated to working with the United Nations and other international bodies. According to the Minister, a multilateral approach is “indispensable” for effectively tackling global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and humanitarian crises.
In this challenging context, Minister Bettel emphasised the growing importance of civil society, particularly non-governmental organisations (NGOs). He stated that Luxembourg actively supports these groups, recognising that they play “a key role in the defence of basic rights.”
To formalise this support, the ministry will continue its partnership with the NGO community through five-year agreements. Bettel also announced that plans are advancing for a new House of NGOs, which is set to be established on Avenue de la Liberté.
Turning to humanitarian aid, the Minister painted a stark picture of escalating global need. He noted that while millions of people around the world depend on assistance, the capacity to meet those needs is becoming increasingly strained. In response, Bettel said Luxembourg is looking beyond traditional aid and investing in “innovative approaches” designed to react more quickly and efficiently to crises.
Concluding his address, Bettel struck a note of resolve. He asserted that despite a turbulent world, Luxembourg is sending a clear message: international solidarity, cooperation, and engagement remain possible, even in the most difficult of times.
