Xavier Bettel Addresses International Crises at EU Ministerial Meeting
Xavier Bettel (DP) delivered his speech on several international crises during yesterday’s meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg. The discussions focused on the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and conflicts in Africa and the South Caucasus.
Ukraine at the Center of Concerns
Amid the Russian aggression against Ukraine, Bettel advocated for a new pillar of security guarantees, titled “Internal Stability,” aimed at strengthening Ukraine in the long term.
- Support for peace efforts
- Preparation for a potential ceasefire
- Reintegration of former combatants
- Combatting hybrid interference
Bettel also highlighted Luxembourg’s concrete assistance for the Kryvyi Rih region, particularly in humanitarian demining and veteran reintegration.
The Tense Situation in the Middle East
During an informal exchange with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Bettel emphasized the challenging situation in the country. Lebanon continues to suffer from the consequences of a conflict it did not initiate.
- Situation in southern Lebanon
- High number of civilian casualties
- Role of Hezbollah
Bettel urged the Lebanese government to continue its efforts to disarm the militia.
Criticism of the Situation in Gaza
Bettel also expressed concern about the extremely dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and lamented the ongoing obstruction of aid delivery.
He called for the EU to resume discussions on actions towards Israel. While there is currently no consensus to amend the Israel-EU Association Agreement, Bettel urges discussions on measures that could be adopted with a qualified majority.
Other Crisis-Stricken Regions Under Watch
In addition to Ukraine and the Middle East, other regions on the agenda included:
- South Caucasus: Support for the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan and concerns regarding the situation in Georgia
- Sudan: Call for a ceasefire and a political solution to address a catastrophic humanitarian situation
Bettel stressed the importance of respecting international law and territorial sovereignty in all regions and conflicts.
