Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden has reiterated his nation’s strong backing of Ukraine amidst ongoing Russian aggression, asserting that any retreat from aiding Ukraine would embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin’s broader territorial ambitions. Following an EU summit on Friday, Frieden emphasized the necessity of sustained military and financial support to safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty and curb further Russian expansion.
In addition to military support, EU leaders have agreed to tighten restrictions on Russian nationals seeking tourist visas, a move intended to reduce their influx without enacting a total ban. Frieden indicated plans to collaborate with Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel to outline Luxembourg’s strategy in enforcing these visa restrictions.
The summit also addressed migration policies, although EU leaders did not reach a consensus. Frieden advocated for a balanced approach, cautioning against scapegoating migration for Europe’s economic and social issues while underlining the importance of addressing irregular migration through unified European policies.
Progress was noted within the EU’s asylum and migration framework, including a decrease in irregular entries and an increase in the repatriation of individuals without legal residency permits. Frieden highlighted the crucial role of legal migration in bolstering Europe’s economy, particularly for Luxembourg, where foreign labor significantly contributes to meeting workforce demands.