Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden Calls for a “New Era of Courage” and a Stronger, United Europe
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In a passionate address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg as part of the “This Is Europe” debate series, Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden delivered a deeply Europeanist speech — invoking history, values, and unity as the cornerstones of Europe’s future.
Standing before MEPs, Frieden described the moment as “the improbable result of history,” a Luxembourgish leader addressing representatives from 27 EU countries — in the very city that once symbolized division but now stands for peace. He reflected on Luxembourg’s journey, from a nation once torn by conflict to one that today hosts key EU institutions and symbolizes European integration.
Frieden paid tribute to Europe’s transformation from “a continent torn apart by war and division” into a union built on peace, prosperity, and democracy. Yet, he warned that the EU now faces “a new turning point” marked by geopolitical instability, technological disruption, climate change, and migration pressures.
“The world around us is being reshaped,” he said, “and it is up to us to renew our European values — liberty, democracy, and rule of law — rather than abandon them.”
Marking the second anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Israel (7 October), Frieden called for “the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages,” framing it as a moral duty rooted in humanity and decency. He also reaffirmed Luxembourg’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine, saying: “It is the right thing to do — the two-state solution remains the only viable path to lasting peace.”
Turning to European enlargement, Frieden urged the EU not to keep candidate countries “in an eternal waiting room.” He called for renewed timelines, proposing Montenegro’s accession decision in 2026, and emphasized that enlargement is now a strategic imperative — to maintain influence and stability in Europe’s neighborhood.
On defence and security, Frieden backed the European Defence Industrial Strategy, joint procurement, and training programs, highlighting Luxembourg’s niche expertise in secure satellite systems as a contribution to European defence. He declared: “A sovereign and safe Ukraine means a sovereign and safe Europe.”
Frieden also called for economic renewal and faster reforms, citing the Draghi and Letta reports as blueprints for action. He demanded that by year’s end, the EU set “clear milestones — like those that created the Single European Act or the euro itself.” He identified two urgent goals: completing the Single Market and launching the Savings and Investment Union, as engines of growth, jobs, and prosperity.
The Prime Minister emphasized cutting bureaucracy, removing regulatory “gold-plating,” and simplifying tax and investment systems to make Europe more attractive for business and innovation.
He passionately defended the Schengen Area, calling it “a historic achievement with a Luxembourgish name.” Reinstating border controls, he warned, would undermine both the economy and Europe’s values. Instead, he called for the full implementation of the Asylum and Migration Pact and the phasing out of internal border controls once external ones are strengthened.
Frieden concluded with an emotional appeal for unity and courage:
“In a world where many build walls again, Europe must stand for openness, solidarity, and cooperation. A country alone cannot overcome today’s challenges — but united, Europe can overcome them all.”
He ended with a call to action that resonated across the chamber:
“Now is the time of Europe — a time of imagination, courage, and determination. Let’s do it — and do it now. Long live Europe.”
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