Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel was at 10 Downing Street earlier today where he was received by his British counterpart David Cameron to discuss bilateral relations, EU deadlines and issues at the international level.
Discussions between the government leaders focused on the latest developments in the refugee crisis, with Prime Minister Bettel calling for better management and international coordination in the face of the crisis.
"The current situation is exceptional and the challenges related to the migration crisis are enormous," commented Bettel on the sidelines of the meeting. "We need close cooperation at the European and international level to effectively tackle this crisis. That is why I welcome the initiative from the European Commission to meet with the countries along the Balkan route which are on the frontline of the crisis. Each concerted effort is an added value".
The Luxembourg Prime Minister was also in the UK to deliver a speech, entitled 'Europe 2.0: The New Challenges of the European Union', to students at the London School of Economics.
In his address at the 120 year old institution, the Xavier Bettel stated that the EU has continuously overcome crises since it was founded, indicating that it will also overcome the current crisis.
He cited the fundamental values of the EU, namely solidarity and tolerance, before commenting "On the other hand it is also clear that the EU needs reform. We must facilitate procedures and reduce bureaucracy. I am ready to discuss reforms that make the EU less complicated and more efficient".
Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images (L-R: British Prime Minister David Cameron; Luxembourg Prime Minister, Xavier Bettel)
