(L-R) Helen McEntee, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland; Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg's Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs;
Credit: MAE
On Tuesday 21 April 2026, Luxembourg’s Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, attended the European Union (EU) Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), held in Luxembourg.
According to the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Regarding Russia’s aggression against Ukraine Minister Bettel expressed his support for the fourth pillar of security guarantees, entitled “internal stability”, in response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. This new pillar forms part of the joint security commitments between the EU and Ukraine and aims to support Ukraine in its peace efforts and to ensure its preparedness in the event of a ceasefire. It also focuses on the reintegration of veterans and the fight against hybrid interference. Minister Bettel underlined the importance of close coordination between partners in this context and the need to build on efforts already underway.
Minister Bettel also highlighted the bilateral assistance provided by Luxembourg to the Kryvyi Rih region, particularly in the areas of humanitarian demining and the reintegration of veterans, as the two key elements for the country’s recovery.
The ministers also held an informal exchange with the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Nawaf Salam. According to the ministry, Minister Bettel stressed that “Lebanon continues to suffer the consequences of a conflict it did not choose”. He recalled that respect for international law and territorial sovereignty must apply universally, whether in Ukraine, Lebanon or elsewhere.
The situation in southern Lebanon remains particularly concerning, notably due to the threat of an Israeli occupation of the south of the country and the high number of civilian casualties, noted the ministry. Minister Bettel also emphasised the importance for the Lebanese government to continue to make every effort to disarm Hezbollah.
Minister Bettel expressed his deep concern about a humanitarian situation that remains extremely serious in Gaza and regretted that Israel continues to obstruct the delivery of humanitarian aid.
He also stated that the EU should relaunch discussions on measures in relation to Israel. He noted that the lack of consensus within the EU prevents any change to the EU-Israel Association Agreement at this stage, but he called on the High Representative and the Commission to engage member states in discussions on measures that they could adopt by qualified majority.
The ministry stated that, during discussions on the South Caucasus, ministers reaffirmed the strategic importance of the region, particularly in the areas of energy security and connectivity. They expressed support for the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, an essential factor for regional stability, and raised concerns about the situation in Georgia.
