The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg, Jean Asselborn, delivered on Tuesday 21 March 2017 the declaration on foreign and European policy in the Chamber of Deputies. In his speech, the head of the Luxembourg diplomacy delivered the main orientations of the foreign policy of the country, reviewing the main issues for the European and international agenda, as well as other important questions.
In the face of latent conflicts, old and new civil wars, terrorism, the resurgence of authoritarianism and growing instability in the European Union neighbourhood, Minister Asselborn lamented that over the past few years, the world seems more and more divided, disoriented and dangerous, even chaotic. Coupled with the resulting migratory crises, the rise of populism and attacks against the rule of law even within the EU, these phenomena put the EU to a severe test, causing it to undergo a real existential crisis.
Recalling that it was the European project that made it possible to make the values of freedom, the rule of law, democracy, solidarity and human dignity the very foundation of coexistence in Europe, the need to strengthen the internal cohesion of the EU, by returning to the fundamental principles which are at the origin of the European construction, Minister Asselborn stressed that the defence of the European framework has once again become a daily struggle and urged that we must not to be indifferent to the attacks of the populists and authoritarian tendencies which run counter to European values and the interests of its member states.
The Minister reviewed the latest developments concerning the European management of the migratory crisis, with particular emphasis on the concept of solidarity. Emphasising the efforts made to develop a coherent European policy to deal with the migratory crisis, in line with international obligations to support and protect those fleeing war and misery. Jean Asselborn called for more effective solidarity within the EU. He explained that it is impossible for certain countries to be left to their own devices or, on the contrary, that others are reluctant to implement the European decisions already taken, as experience shows that isolated actions endanger collective gains. For the minister, this solidarity includes both relocation, management and strengthening of external borders, sending experts to the relevant Union agencies and the issue of financing. The minister also addressed the need to reform the Dublin system, address issues related to legal migration and continue to work towards better coordination between Member States and third countries.
Deploring the outcome of the referendum on the UK exit from the EU, the minister regretted the negative consequences of the withdrawal on the Union, both for the United Kingdom, and for the EU and Luxembourg. Noting that British citizens should not be punished for their decision, the minister explained that it cannot be acceptable either after the exit process that the EU is at a disadvantage compared to the United Kingdom.
Insisting on the defence of the Union's essential interests and values, the Minister called for the negotiations to be conducted in a transparent manner and in line with the declaration of the 27-state European Council of 15 December. He recalled that until the conclusion of the negotiations and the final withdrawal of the United Kingdom, EU law - with all the rights and obligations it confers on its member states - will continue to apply to the United Kingdom, and that the future relationship with the country can only be negotiated once the arrangements for exit from the EU are put in place.
While the year 2017 will be marked by the 60th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome and by electoral deadlines in several member states whose outcome will be crucial for the Union as a whole, the minister stressed the importance for the remaining 27 member states to refocus on their cardinal values.
Priority should be given to strengthening cohesion and solidarity in order to strengthen security within and outside Europe and the social dimension of the EU in the interests of all its citizens and in particular of the more vulnerable. Similarly, the Minister strongly emphasised the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights. These non-negotiable principles, represent the backbone of the EU.
In this context, he recalled the support of the Grand Duchy for the initiative to organise a peer review in the Council of the EU. Turning to the five scenarios on the future of Europe presented in the Commission President's White Paper, the minister was in favour of an optimal combination of a multi-speed Europe and of a Europe that does less, but better.
On the subject of EU trade policy, Minister Asselborn focused on the Economic and Trade Agreement with Canada (CETA), explaining that while none were looking to strengthen borders, the EU, along with Canada, had reached a binding agreement that had become a global reference.
The Minister then explained the Grand Duchy's support for the modernisation of EU trade defence instruments and the new anti-dumping methodology presented by the Commission, stressing that the issue from the EU's point of view and from the point of view of Luxembourg is to protect European industries against all forms of unfair competition, while providing them with the same opportunities for investment in third countries that the EU offers its partners.
The head of Luxembourg diplomacy then delivered his view of current international affairs.
Turning first of all to Turkey, Minister Asselborn reiterated the condemnation of the attempted coup d'état of 15 July 15 last year. Strongly condemning the negative development of the measures taken by the Turkish authorities in response to the coup attempt, the Minister stressed the importance of the rule of law, and the need to respect democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms, the right of everyone to a fair trial and the unequivocal rejection of the death penalty, which is an essential element of the Union’s legislative core.
In this context, he explained that Turkey's accession negotiations with the EU were de facto interrupted, while stressing the importance of keeping open the channels of dialogue with this strategic partner.
Turning to the Ukraine, Jean Asselborn deplored the increase in fighting intensity in the east by expressing solidarity with the local civilian population suffering the consequences and destruction of the conflict. He insisted that the ceasefire be implemented and respected immediately by all parties, a prerequisite for the full implementation of the Minsk accords, which remain the only solution to the conflict. Recalling the common interests of the EU and Russia, that share the same continent, Minister Asselborn expressed regret that efforts by Russia are still below the expectations of the EU, while highlighting the need to maintain an open dialogue, despite the current divergences.
In light of the multitude of crises in the Southern EU neighbourhoods and the growing challenges they face, Minister Asselborn then delivered his analysis of the adaptations and priorities that are necessary in order to respond effectively to rapid changes in the regional situation. In particular, he examined the situation in Syria and Iraq, as well as in Libya and Yemen, explaining that none of these conflicts will find a lasting solution without a negotiated political solution in an inclusive manner, while respecting all political, ethnic and religious groups to eliminate the root causes of injustice, violence and terrorism.
Jean Asselborn also reviewed the ongoing international efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Stressing that it has lost nothing of its centrality, whether in political, strategic or emotional terms. He reaffirmed that the two-state solution is the only way to achieve lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians, condemning the current developments on the ground, including the continuation of the Israeli settlement policy and acts of violence which threaten the prospects of a solution to two states living side by side in peace and security.
The head of Luxemburg diplomacy then stressed the importance of recreating the conditions for a new political horizon, within an international framework, to restart the peace talks, detailing the ways to achieve this objective.
Turning to Asia, the minister focused more particularly on the relations of the Grand Duchy with China or Japan, as well as the situation in Afghanistan. Jean Asselborn then addressed the main issues of the African continent, noting in particular the challenges faced by certain countries, The rule of law, before considering Luxembourg's partner countries on the continent. The minister also discussed the situation in Latin America, especially Brazil, where Luxembourg will shortly be opening an Embassy, as well as Colombia to welcome the peace agreement reached last December.
Finally, Jean Asselborn gave an update on transatlantic relations in the light of the Trump administration's latest international policy positions. In view of the security challenges in the east and south of the EU, security and defense is of particular importance. Aware of the needs of its partners, Luxembourg is an active and committed member, and assumes its responsibility notably through participation in EU civil and military missions. Aware that security goes beyond simple defence, Jean Asselborn, argued that discussions within NATO are not limited to the issue of the 2% of GDP invested in the Organisation. He also pointed out that Luxembourg remains strongly committed to world disarmament and that the Grand Duchy devotes 1% of its GNI to development cooperation annually, which is an investment that improves the living conditions of people throughout the world, and, ultimately thought that to stability and security.
After taking stock of the Presidency of the Greater Region which Luxembourg assumed on 1 January, Minister Asselborn gave a brief overview of the policy of the European institutions and International organisations. In this context, Luxembourg continues to make every effort to offer the best working and living conditions to European and international officials, notably through the new construction projects currently under way. The head of the Luxembourg diplomatic corps concluded his speech by explaining that the strength of human rights lies in their universal, indivisible and inalienable character. Unfortunately, we have to observe that more and more often these rights are not only not respected but that their institutional basis is under threat and that attacks by populist and authoritarian forces against the values and rules that govern the life of national communities, as well as international life, are becoming more frequent.
In line with Luxembourg's commitment to multilateralism and a strong international normative system, the Minister announced the candidature of the Grand Duchy at the UN Human Rights Council for the period 2022-2024. Concluding with the quote from Franz Kafka "die Lüge wird zur Weltordnung gemacht” (“a world is built on a lie”), the minister explained that without a minimum of common sense and confidence, the prospects offered by the world to the new generations would be very dark.
