(L-R) Lars-Hendrik Röller, Founder and Chairman of Berlin Global Dialogue; Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; Jens Spahn, Member of the German Bundestag;
Credit: MAE
On Thursday 23 October 2025, Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, took part in the Berlin Global Dialogue, which took place in Berlin (Germany) under the theme “Shifting Power, Shaping Prosperity.”
According to the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Cooperation and Foreign Trade, the Berlin Global Dialogue brings together leaders from politics, business and academia to develop joint solutions to major challenges affecting the global economy.
The ministry reported that during the event, Minister Bettel participated in two interactive sessions. The first focused on the importance of engaging in dialogue with younger generations in a multipolar world and in the face of global economic challenges, with the participation of young leaders and representatives from the private sector. The second session addressed the opportunities and challenges of the European defence industry, featuring Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, and Elif Bilgi Zapparoli, Head of International Client Strategy at Bank of America.
Minister Bettel stated: "In an increasingly fragmented and unpredictable world, human connections and dialogue remain essential to addressing global challenges. In the face of rising populism, it is necessary to strengthen cooperation, bring Europe closer to its citizens and reform our institutions so that the European Union can speak with a stronger, more united voice – whether on democracy, defence or foreign affairs.”
He added: “Regarding European defence in particular, we must promote the interoperability of our industries, invest in joint capabilities, and enhance the coherence of our action at the European level. Luxembourg’s strength has always been its ability to build bridges between actors and regions across the world – a path we must continue to follow to build a more stable and prosperous future."
Moreover, the ministry reported that on the sidelines of the event, Minister Bettel held several bilateral meetings with economic and political actors, as well as an interview with India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal and the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss strengthening bilateral relations between India and Luxembourg, as well as prospects for economic and trade cooperation.
