EU flags in front of the Berlaymont building, headquarters of the European Commission, in Brussels, Belgium; Credit: Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu

On Thursday 10 July 2025, Luxembourg's Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade released the eighteenth edition of the annual report on European policy, which summarises the European issues of particular importance to Luxembourg in 2024.

The report covers the main issues managed by the various Council formations, coordination at the national level and the implementation of EU law.

The report describes how solidarity with Ukraine was at the heart of discussions at the European Union level. Luxembourg supported the various sanctions packages against Russia finalised in 2024 and continued to affirm its support for Ukraine, the aim being to establish a just and lasting peace in Ukraine but also to ensure the long-term security of the European continent.

The ministry noted that the war that broke out in the Middle East following the Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel on 7 October 2023, continued in 2024, accompanied by a gradual deterioration of the humanitarian situation. As the report demonstrates, Luxembourg continued to actively engage, together with the EU and its Member States, in support of an immediate ceasefire and a lasting cessation of hostilities, the release of hostages, the protection of and humanitarian access to civilian populations and a settlement of the conflict in the Middle East through the promotion of a two-state solution, thus advocating an active role for the EU in resolving the conflict.

The ministry lamented that freedom of movement was undermined by the decision of some neighbouring countries to extend internal border controls. Luxembourg has consistently advocated for compliance with these rules, which are of vital interest to the Grand Duchy and to cross-border workers who commute daily and contribute to Luxembourg's economic development and well-being.

2024 was also marked by the European elections held in the spring. In the context of the resulting institutional renewal, Luxembourg advocated for the strengthening of the internal market and European competitiveness.

In a turbulent geopolitical environment, the EU's enlargement process has taken on a geostrategic dimension. Luxembourg has continued to ensure that compliance with the Copenhagen criteria remains essential, noted the ministry.

The preparation of the report on European policy is part of the aide-mémoire concluded between the Chamber of Deputies (parliament) and the government on cooperation in European policy.

The full report is available (in French) here.