Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade;
Credit: MAE
On Tuesday 20 May 2025, Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, took part in the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting of the European Union in Brussels, Belgium.
According to Luxembourg's Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, discussions focused on the Russian aggression against Ukraine, in the presence of Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, as well as the situation in the Middle East.
Regarding the Russian aggression, Minister Bettel reaffirmed his support for a complete and unconditional ceasefire as a prerequisite for any meaningful peace negotiations. He stressed that there should be no easing of pressure on Russia and underlined that the European Union must continue to assert its role as a united and essential partner alongside Ukraine.
On the situation in Palestine, Minister Bettel condemned the severe deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza due to the blockade imposed by Israel for more than two months. He insisted that there is no justification for the suffering inflicted on the civilian population in Gaza.
Noting Israel’s recent announcements regarding a limited resumption of humanitarian aid, Minister Bettel stressed that such assistance must be restored on a massive, immediate and unimpeded scale, in full respect of humanitarian principles. He added that it is imperative to re-establish a ceasefire and ensure the immediate release of all remaining hostages.
Minister Bettel also highlighted the need to increase pressure on Israel through a unified approach within the European Union. In this context, Luxembourg joined a majority of EU Member States in supporting the Netherlands’ initiative to assess Israel’s compliance with human rights under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
The Foreign Ministry added that the minister expressed hope that the upcoming conference on the two-state solution, scheduled to take place in June in New York, would represent a significant moment of support and unity within the international community.
Moreover, during his visit to Brussels, Minister Bettel expressed support for the EU’s new proposal to implement a second targeted suspension package of economic sanctions on Syria. However, he emphasised the need to maintain a reversible approach and to continue closely monitoring developments on the ground. This vigilance, he noted, is crucial to encouraging Syria to stay committed to a political transition, national reconciliation and respect for human rights.
