(L-R) Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Cooperation and Humanitarian Action; Margus Tsahkna, Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs;
Credit: European Union
On Monday 15 December 2025, Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, attended the European Union Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Brussels.
According to the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Cooperation and Foreign Trade, during discussions on the Middle East, ministers addressed the situation in Syria, one year after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. They also discussed Syria’s political and humanitarian situation as well as its relations with the European Union
Minister Bettel emphasised the need to support the Syrian government in its current trajectory within a volatile context. He advocated a step-by-step approach, noting that positive signs are necessary to strengthen further EU engagement.
The ministry reported that the discussion was followed by an exchange on the EU’s engagement with Israel and Palestine, following the implementation of the ceasefire.
In his intervention, Minister Bettel highlighted that, despite the ceasefire, the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains dire. He announced that Luxembourg supports a joint letter in which Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, Belgium, Portugal and Luxembourg call on the EU to increase pressure on Israel to allow unhindered access for humanitarian supplies, in order to finally improve conditions for the civilian population in Gaza.
Additionally, Minister Bettel addressed reports that the United States might impose terrorism-related sanctions on UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East), stressing that such a decision would be disastrous for the UN agency and the essential aid it provides to Palestinians. He also called for strong support for the Palestinian Authority, emphasising the importance of ensuring that Israel finally releases tax revenues owed to the Authority.
Regarding Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, ministers primarily discussed two points: security commitments to Ukraine and the repatriation of Ukrainian children illegally deported by Russia.
Minister Bettel welcomed the peace talks organised in Berlin, stressing the importance of including Europe and Ukraine at the negotiating table, rather than limiting discussions to Moscow and Washington. Concerning the illegally deported Ukrainian children, he criticised the voting behaviour of certain states at the United Nations General Assembly on the relevant resolution, emphasising that the return of these children to Ukraine must be central to international efforts and constitutes a key element of accountability. The minister insisted that the fight against impunity must form an integral part of a just and lasting peace plan.
Ahead of the FAC, Minister Bettel chaired the Benelux Ministers’ Committee, concluding Luxembourg’s Presidency of the Benelux Union. He also participated in an informal breakfast with Armenia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ararat Mirzoyan.
On Tuesday 16 December 2025, Minister Bettel will attend the meeting of the European Union General Affairs Council (GAC) in Brussels. The agenda will include the preparation of the December European Council, a debate on the Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034), EU enlargement and the contribution of cohesion policy to the European Union’s strategic priorities.
