In conversation with RTL, Luxembourg’s PM Luc Frieden commented on the escalating tensions in the Middle East and assessed the potential consequences for Europe and Luxembourg.
Following the recent escalation between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other, Frieden described the developments as highly alarming. He said the situation was extremely serious, with repercussions for an entire region situated directly on Europe’s doorstep.
Frieden argued that Iran has for years supported a number of organisations classified as terrorist groups, citing Hamas and Hezbollah as examples. According to Frieden, the latest attacks have further intensified an already fragile situation, pointing to Iran’s recent missile launches targeting Gulf states.
He warned that this could prompt countries such as Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states to draw closer together. In his view, both the stability and security of the region are under threat, and the consequences are likely to extend beyond the immediate area.
Frieden also revealed that he had spoken with the President of Cyprus, whose country currently holds the rotating EU presidency and lies geographically closest to the region. He said there was clear concern among European partners about the unfolding events.
Asked whether Europe might face a new wave of terrorism, Frieden remained cautious. He said the repercussions were difficult to predict but reiterated that the situation must be regarded as extremely serious.
Frieden added that Iran had long sought to become a nuclear power, and may already have achieved that objective, and that the regime in Tehran had repeatedly threatened Israel and Saudi Arabia. He said it could not be ruled out that developments might have wider security implications beyond the region.
A Government Council meeting has been convened for Monday morning to assess the security situation, both for Luxembourgers abroad and domestically.
The Middle East remains one of the world’s most important regions for oil and gas production. Between Iran and Qatar lies one of the largest natural gas reserves globally. Frieden noted that geopolitical upheavals inevitably affect the global economy.
Despite the current violence, Frieden said there was hope that the Iranian people might seize the opportunity to bring about political change. He expressed the view that it would be important for Iranians to be able to determine freely who should lead their country.
At European level, Frieden ruled out any military involvement by Luxembourg or the EU. He stressed that Europe would not participate militarily in the conflict.
Instead, he emphasised that diplomacy must remain the primary instrument for securing peace and stability in the region. He said he had spoken with European Council President António Costa and called for a meeting of EU heads of state and government, arguing that: “As Europeans, we are only relevant if we act collectively.”
At the same time, he warned that Europe must not underestimate the risks emanating from Iran and must take care to avoid becoming a target of retaliatory attacks.
