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Foreign Minister Bettel champions multilateralism and European unity in Chamber statement

Luxembourg stands for multilateralism, respect for international law and European solidarity in an increasingly uncertain world. That was the central message of Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel’s foreign policy statement to the Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday afternoon, in which he outlined the geopolitical challenges currently facing the country. With international crises and geopolitical tensions on the rise, dialogue and diplomatic solutions are more important than ever, Bettel said. Luxembourg supports the International Criminal Court and defends its independence, and it takes on international responsibility through its work in organisations such as UNESCO and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

According to Bettel, the war in Ukraine and the tense international situation show just how vital European solidarity and collective security are. He called for closer cooperation between the EU and NATO, and underlined that Luxembourg supports EU enlargement, in particular with regard to Ukraine, Moldova and Montenegro.

The Middle East remains marked by conflict and instability. Bettel reiterated Luxembourg’s support for a two-state solution, free elections in Palestine and respect for international law, describing the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the violence in the West Bank as alarming. He also made clear that imports of goods from illegal settlements would be banned at national level. The situation in Lebanon and Iran also remains tense, and Luxembourg intends to strengthen its diplomatic relations in the region. Bettel noted that insecurity on maritime trade routes was having global economic consequences, in particular by worsening the food crisis in the Global South.

Also today

• Work has commenced on the new Space Campus, due to open in late 2027 at a cost of around €196 million.

• Norbert Haupert, the 1960 Olympian, athletics official, and CSV MP for the South from 1999 to 2013, has died at the age of 86.

• Finland's president and Norway's prime minister held a "frank and substantive" discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

• Israelis have flocked to the polls today in record numbers as a deeply divided electorate deliver a verdict on Benjamin Netanyahu.

• A British man drugged and raped his then-wife over a 13 year period a UK court heard today.
  

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Figure of the day

Luxembourg aims to plant 1.7 million additional trees by 2030.

• Luxembourg's forests are increasingly challenged by rising temperatures and longer dry spells. In order to strengthen resilience, the Nature and Forestry Administration is turning to a greater diversity of tree species that are better adapted to changing climatic conditions.

• In addition to this shift in forestry management, the campaign 'Planting for the Future' will see an additional 1.7 million trees planted across the country by 2030. Simply replacing lost trees is not enough: experts stress the need for robust, diverse species, carefully chosen planting locations, and proper aftercare to ensure the long-term health of woodland areas.
  

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