Brussels, Belgium;
Credit: Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu
On Monday 14 July 2025, Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, participated in the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in its "Trade" configuration, held in Brussels, Belgium.
As reported by Luxembourg's Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, the first item on the agenda focused on trade relations between the European Union (EU) and the United States (US). The ministers reviewed the Trump administration's decision to impose 30% tariffs on European products imported into the US, starting 1 August 2025. The Council found the announced tariffs "unjustified" and "unacceptable", according to its meeting report.
During his remarks, Minister Bettel emphasised that the uncertainty and economic costs generated by unjustified tariffs cannot continue. He noted that Luxembourg continues to support the European Commission in its discussions with the US, including regarding the possible imposition of proportionate countermeasures, to ensure that economic relations remain fair and balanced.
During the discussion on the ongoing free trade agreement negotiations, ministers placed emphasis on trade negotiations with the EU's key partners. In this regard, they commended the Commission's "substantial" work, as well as the EU's role as "a pillar of stability in international trade and an advocate for rules-based trade".
The final item on the agenda provided an opportunity to review trade relations between the EU and China.
Ahead of the FAC, Minister Bettel held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador, Alexandra Hill Tinoco.
