Prime Minister Luc Frieden used a speech at the European Parliament on Tuesday to call for a more unified and competitive EU, urging reforms on enlargement, defence cooperation, and the reduction of bureaucratic trade barriers.

In a speech to the European Parliament on Tuesday, Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden called for greater European unity, advocating for strategic reforms in competitiveness, defence, and enlargement.

Addressing MEPs as part of the "This is Europe" debate series, Frieden stressed that Europe must stand by its values and uphold multilateral cooperation. He specifically urged the EU to remain open to new members, citing Montenegro's upcoming decision and advising that candidate countries should not be kept waiting for extended periods.

On the topic of defence, Frieden called for closer cooperation and indicated that Luxembourg is prepared to contribute in the field of satellite communication.

To boost the EU's economic competitiveness, the Prime Minister argued that "excessive" bureaucracy must be dismantled, as it often hinders trade between member states. He also made a strong plea for the preservation of open internal borders, describing them as a fundamental expression of peace in Europe.