Acting Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, reflecting on his personal situation, said that it was “a strange feeling” to participate in what will likely be his last heads of state and government summit. He stated that he has learnt a great deal over the ten years that he has attended EU summits several times a year during challenging times. Armed with this wealth of experience and knowledge, he aspires to contribute to the next Luxembourg government. Before the meeting, Bettel advocated for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, aligning with the request made by UN Secretary General António Guterres. This request had previously elicited varying responses among member states, with Spain, Belgium, and Ireland promptly endorsing it, while others, including Germany, objected to the wording.
Member states now seem to be gravitating toward a more nuanced “humanitarian pause” to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. For the Luxembourg Prime Minister, the specific wording is of little importance, as he emphasises, “The most important thing is that the war stops.”
Bettel also attacked the Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, who recently visited China and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Bettel views this as a breach of trust within Europe. Upon his arrival, Orbán defended himself against such accusations, explaining that Hungary and Russia share a common neighbour, Ukraine, and Hungary wishes to keep the door open for peace negotiations.
As Xavier Bettel participates in his final European summit, he can anticipate a lengthy session. In addition to addressing the situation in the Middle East, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains a significant concern, as the country grows increasingly apprehensive about losing the support it has received until now.
Slovakia’s new government has announced its intention to cease military aid to Ukraine and the EU will have to adjust its budget through 2027 in order to allocate aid to both Ukraine and the Middle East.
Full report by RTL Télé (in Luxembourgish)
