According to Frieden, the outcome of the war in Ukraine will be decisive for peace, freedom, and prosperity on the European continent for decades to come. He welcomed Sweden’s cooperation and pointed to the shared values of both nations.
When asked about Russia’s recent promise to halt attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure for 30 days, Frieden expressed skepticism. Politics must be based on trust, he says, on a perspective that is sustainable and enduring.
“And at present, this is neither the case with Russia or the United States. We need a strong partnership built on principles. I believe that we Europeans are still the ones who uphold such values, which is why we must stand together.”
Frieden called for strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities, warning that a temporary ceasefire does not equate to a lasting solution.
“A ceasefire can be helpful to ease suffering in the short term, but if in two months or two years, Putin or someone else attacks Europe again, the consequences will be disastrous”, he worries.
With the upcoming EU summit of heads of state on Thursday, Frieden stressed that “the future of Europe, the future of Luxembourg, is being decided today”.
Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson echoed this sentiment, stressing that “how this war ends will define the security situation in Europe for generations to come”. The two leaders thus seem to be in complete agreement over its values, and are convinced that supporting Ukraine must remain an absolute priority.
“We are strongly committed to Ukraine, and I believe the coming days will reveal whether we should be optimistic or pessimistic in this regard. What Russia is doing now poses a threat to European security as a whole and to the rules-based order. That is why continuing military, economic, and political support for Ukraine is of the utmost importance right now.”
Kristersson’s visit marked the first time in decades that a Swedish head of government had visited Luxembourg.
On a lighter note, Frieden jokingly remarked that Kristersson had arrived a few days too early; he could have attended the Luxembourg - Sweden football match. He also mentioned having spent his summer vacation in Sweden last year, which he highly recommends to all Luxembourgers.
