On Friday 9 September, Luxembourg's Prime Minister, Xavier Bettel, travelled to Berlin and met with Germany's Chancellor, Angela Merkel.
Over a working lunch, which was also attended by the Belgian Prime Minister, Charles Michel, and the Romanian President, Klaus Johannis, the future of the European Union and the consequences of the result of the Brexit referendum of the United Kingdom were discussed. In addition, the preparation for the informal meeting of the 27 heads of state and government on 16 September 2016 in Bratislava was at the centre of discussions.
"We are facing extremely serious challenges. In a globalised world we need a strong and united Europe. The meeting in Bratislava has set the course, to find approaches to the solutions of the EU's current problems and the direction for the coming years," said PM Bettel during the discussions. "In order to function effectively, we need common solutions for 28 or possibly tomorrow 27 (Member States). Should this prove to be unfeasible, in my eyes (we must) take the necessary steps within the framework of enhanced cooperation with different Member States, as is provided in the Lisbon Treaty", underlined Xavier Bettel.
"The EU has made great achievements for Europe and its citizens, and today's life without the EU in its present constitution would not be possible," said the Prime Minister in Berlin. "Unfortunately, this seems not to be taken for granted, especially for those citizens who no longer have the former Europe and its national borders in memory today. We, the politicians in the nation states, are required and must communicate the benefits of the EU better," said Xavier Bettel.
In view of the migration crisis, PM Bettel stated that a better management of external borders is needed, and strongly advocated a faster solution in migration and asylum matters: "Solidarity must remain a cornerstone of EU policy. Therefore, we must provide the migrants who need international protection, with adequate support. Economic migrants need to be helped in the context of development cooperation in the countries of origin."
In conclusion, Xavier Bettel was clear that there is no alternative to the four freedoms of the internal market for him in the forthcoming negotiations on the United Kingdom's membership of the European Union: "Free movement of persons, goods, services and capital are and remain indivisible."
Photo by Jesco Denzel, copyright Bundespresseamt (L-R): Xavier Bettel, PM Luxembourg; Charles Michel, PM Belgium; Angela Merkel, German Chancellor; Klaus Iohannis, President of Romania
