In a firm stance against Russian ambitions, Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden has reiterated his country’s commitment to supporting Ukraine through continued European Union assistance. Following an EU summit on Friday, Frieden emphasized that yielding to Russian aggression would enable Moscow to pursue objectives beyond Ukraine, making sustained military and financial backing crucial to preserving Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Frieden’s comments come amid broader EU efforts to tighten restrictions on Russian citizens seeking tourist visas, aiming to limit their numbers without enacting a complete ban. The Luxembourg prime minister indicated he would work with Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel to determine how Luxembourg will implement these measures.
The summit also highlighted ongoing challenges in EU migration policy, with leaders failing to reach a consensus. Frieden advocated for a balanced approach, dismissing blanket blame on migration for Europe’s social and economic difficulties, while underscoring the necessity of coordinated European policies to tackle irregular migration.
Progress has been made under the EU’s asylum and migration framework, according to Frieden, with a reported decrease in irregular entries and a rise in the return of individuals without permission to remain in Europe. He noted that legal migration continues to be vital for Europe’s economy, especially in Luxembourg, where foreign workers are integral to filling labor market gaps.