Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden has reiterated his nation’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. Following a recent European Union summit, Frieden warned of the broader implications of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ambitions, asserting that Moscow’s objectives stretch beyond Ukrainian territory. He emphasized the necessity of ongoing military and financial aid to uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and prevent further Russian expansion.
During the summit, EU leaders reached a consensus on intensifying restrictions for Russian citizens seeking tourist visas, aiming to curtail their numbers while stopping short of a full ban. Frieden mentioned plans to collaborate with Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel to determine Luxembourg’s approach to implementing this measure.
Migration policy also featured prominently in the discussions, though EU leaders did not arrive at a definitive agreement. Frieden advocated for a balanced stance, cautioning against attributing Europe’s social and economic challenges solely to migration. He highlighted the importance of addressing irregular migration through coordinated European policies.
Frieden pointed to progress within the EU’s asylum and migration framework, noting a decrease in irregular entries and an increase in the repatriation of individuals without permission to stay in Europe. He underscored the significance of legal migration to Europe’s economy, particularly for Luxembourg, where foreign workers are crucial to meeting labor market demands.