In a firm reiteration of support, Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden has underscored his country’s commitment to ongoing European Union assistance for Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression. Speaking after an EU summit on Friday, Frieden emphasized that yielding to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ambitions could allow Moscow to expand its influence beyond Ukrainian territory.
Frieden articulated that maintaining military and financial support for Ukraine is crucial in defending its sovereignty and preventing further Russian encroachment. The EU leaders at the summit reached a consensus on tightening restrictions on Russian citizens seeking tourist visas, aiming to decrease their numbers without enacting a complete ban. Frieden noted that he would work closely with Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel to determine how Luxembourg will implement these measures.
Migration policy was another key issue on the summit’s agenda, though EU leaders did not reach a consensus. Frieden advocated for a balanced approach, cautioning against attributing Europe’s social and economic challenges solely to migration. He stressed the importance of addressing irregular migration through coordinated policies across Europe.
The Luxembourg prime minister highlighted progress within the EU’s asylum and migration framework, pointing to a decline in irregular entries and an increase in the return of individuals without permission to stay in Europe. Furthermore, Frieden emphasized that legal migration is essential for Europe’s economic vitality, particularly for Luxembourg, where foreign workers significantly contribute to meeting the labor market demands.