Luxembourg Presidency Prioritizes Support for Ukraine and Democratic Renewal in Europe
In a recent address to the Parliamentary Assembly, Luxembourg’s minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, outlined the key priorities of the Luxembourg presidency of the Committee of Ministers. Central to his message was Luxembourg’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia.Bettel highlighted the progress made in establishing mechanisms to address the aftermath of the war, including the Register of Damage for Ukraine and the creation of a claims commission.He also emphasized the importance of ongoing discussions to establish a special tribunal to prosecute Russia’s crime of aggression against ukraine. “It is essential to hold those responsible for the crimes perpetrated in Ukraine to account,” Bettel stated, underscoring the need for justice and accountability.
Beyond ukraine, the Minister expressed concern over the recent violence against peaceful protesters in Georgia. He called for strong condemnation of such acts and reiterated the Council of Europe’s role in helping Georgia fulfill its obligations as a member state.“Human rights must be respected, and democratic institutions must be protected,” he asserted.
In the realm of international cooperation, Bettel welcomed the adoption of a €30 million action plan for the Republic of Moldova (2025-2028) and the resumption of activities under the action plan for Azerbaijan. These initiatives reflect the Council of Europe’s broader mission to foster dialog and collaboration among member states.
“The Council of Europe must continue to be a platform for dialogue,” Bettel remarked. However, he stressed that all states must uphold their international obligations, including the execution of judgments from the European Court of Human Rights.
Looking ahead,the Minister praised Secretary General Alain Berset’s initiative to launch discussions on a future action plan aimed at revitalizing democracy in Europe.This effort aligns with the commitments made at the Reykjavik Summit in May 2023, which Bettel described as a cornerstone for the institution’s future.
The upcoming meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, scheduled for may 13-14, 2025, in luxembourg, will serve as a critical prospect to assess progress in implementing the decisions taken at Reykjavik. Bettel expressed confidence in the determination of member states to provide the necessary resources to achieve these goals.
Key Highlights of Luxembourg’s Presidency Priorities
| Priority | Details |
|———————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Support for ukraine | Establishment of the Register of Damage,claims commission,and special tribunal |
| Human Rights in Georgia | Condemnation of violence against protesters,support for democratic institutions |
| cooperation with Moldova | €30 million action plan for 2025-2028 |
| Revitalizing Democracy | Discussions on a future action plan led by Secretary General Alain Berset |
| Reykjavik Summit commitments | Review of progress at the 2025 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Luxembourg |
As Luxembourg takes the helm of the Committee of Ministers,its focus on justice,human rights,and democratic renewal underscores its commitment to fostering a more stable and equitable Europe. The upcoming initiatives and meetings will be pivotal in shaping the continent’s future.For more insights into the Council of Europe’s initiatives, explore their official website here. Stay updated on the latest developments in European diplomacy by following the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign Affairs here.