On Thursday evening, Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Luxembourg, was conferred with an honoris causa degree in the Philharmonie during the 25th celebrations of the Sacred Heart University on Luxembourg.
In his Convocation Address on "Rebooting Europe", he referred to the 25th anniversary of the SHU in Luxembourg and said he was honoured to received his first honorary degree - in Luxembourg (and coincidentially will receive his second tomorrow in Romania). He thanked his mother and sister, and his husband Gauthier, and his team. He referred back to 1991 when he was a young student. He remembers the fall of the Berlin Wall and the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, then the signing of the Maastricht Treaty - of of which is history now. He referred to current challenges of populism and current issues including Brexit. Times are now different. He mentioned President Trump's recent criticsm of Nato's countries' contributions and he recent withdrawl of the US from the Climate Deal, which he described as regrettable. He mentioned he is proud that Luxembourg pays its way and also invests in people. He also referred to his recent trip to China where leaders said that they don't want a domino effect - the chinese leaders will stick to their promises on climate deals, etc.
He said that many Luxembourgers left the Grand Duchy and settled in the United States. Bilateral relations between the two countries have existed for a long time; Luxembourg is very grateful to the US and its soldiers who fought against the German occupation in World War II and helped secure Luxembourg's liberation. He said that if the EU and US do not stick on all foreign policy issues, we remain very close allies. Many questions and concerns has arisen since last November's US Presidential election. EU-US trade accounts for a large percentage of world trade which contributes to growth and jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. Spurring innovation and creating growth are results of such synergies.
He called for transparency and expalined that we cannot throw away years of work. If we cannot speak about topics, we cannot continue to develop relationships between the countries. He referred to the BEPS agreement is one initiative for looking forward. He called for the full strategic suipport of "our American friends".
He called the Brexit decision as a shock, following which we we all scared with other countries wanting to leave the EU. However, it took 10 months for a letter to be written, and some campaign promises were "misunderstood"." Yet, the trust in Europe has never been higher as it is today" he stated and added that we are united in Europe. He said that he is confident that the EU will emerge stronger from Brexit, with toher Member States realising the importance of the EU, and acknowledged that maybe the decision could be reversed. Negotiations will happen but there must be a level playing-field. Britain has a choice of being a member of the family or a friend. HE is not a fan of a hard Brexit or a soft Brexit, but supports dialogue and negotiations. Without Europe, there would be no possibility of free travel, to study, to have medical care, etc. Young people growing up do not know about needing visas and medical forms to travel, a European driving licence to drive abroad, different currencies needed in Trier, Thionville and Arlon. He referred to his grandfathers from Poland, Russia, France and Luxembourg - typical of many Europeans in Luxembourg nowadays.
He said he prefers a two-speed Europe rather than a no-speed Europe. The idea is deleiverying more with faster results. Regarding the economic and monetary union, the referred to the Commission's paper on 31 May.
"We live in a globalised world which offer opportunities to consumers and comapnies" but we need to harness this, finding common solutions at a European level. This is especially true for the immigration crisis, where solidarity is needed. Collective solidarity is not part of the solution. Another policy where we need to step up at a European level is security and defence. After WWII, securiing peace in Europe was the main goal of the founding fathers of the European project.
He mentioned the defeat of the National Front in France and the election of President Macron.
He said that if each member of the EU had to negotiate separate trade agreements, the results would be weaker. europe speaking with one voice is of benefit not only to Member States but also the the United States.
