Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden has underscored the critical importance of sustained European Union support for Ukraine, emphasizing that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ambitions may extend beyond Ukrainian borders. During remarks following the EU summit on Friday, Frieden warned that yielding to Russian aggression could enable Moscow to further its geopolitical objectives.
Frieden highlighted that continued military and financial aid is essential to uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and deter potential Russian expansion. He stressed that abandoning Ukraine would have significant consequences for European security and stability.
In addition to discussions on Ukraine, EU leaders at the summit agreed to impose stricter controls on Russian citizens applying for tourist visas. This measure aims to reduce the influx of Russian visitors without enforcing a complete travel ban. Frieden indicated he would collaborate with Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel to formulate Luxembourg’s strategy for implementing these new visa restrictions.
Migration policy also featured prominently at the summit, though leaders did not reach a consensus. Frieden advocated for a balanced approach, opposing any attempts to broadly attribute Europe’s social and economic issues to migration. He emphasized the importance of coordinated European policies to address irregular migration challenges.
The Luxembourg prime minister acknowledged progress under the EU’s asylum and migration framework, citing a decrease in irregular entries and an increase in the return of individuals without legal permission to stay in Europe. He reiterated that legal migration is crucial for economic vitality, particularly in Luxembourg, where foreign workers significantly contribute to the labor market.