Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden has reinforced his nation’s commitment to supporting Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression, emphasizing the importance of continued European Union assistance. Following an EU summit on Friday, Frieden warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine and that yielding to Russian pressure would enable Moscow to achieve its broader objectives.
Frieden highlighted the necessity of sustained military and financial support to uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and curb further Russian expansion. In addition to backing Ukraine, the EU leaders agreed on measures to tighten restrictions on Russian citizens applying for tourist visas, aiming to reduce their numbers without enacting a total ban. Frieden stated he would collaborate with Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel to determine how the country will implement this policy.
Migration policy was another key discussion point at the summit, although EU leaders did not reach a consensus. Frieden advocated for a balanced approach, disapproving of efforts to generalize migration as the root of Europe’s social and economic issues. He emphasized the importance of addressing irregular migration through coordinated European strategies.
Progress within the EU’s asylum and migration framework was noted by Frieden, including a decrease in irregular entries and an uptick in the return of individuals without permission to stay in Europe. He also underscored the significance of legal migration for Europe’s economy, particularly for Luxembourg, where foreign workers are crucial for meeting labor market demands.