Minister Bettel Stresses Importance of Strengthening Democracies

On Monday 29 January 2024 Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, participated in the meeting of the EU General Affairs Council, which took place in Brussels.

On the agenda were the presentation of the priorities of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU, the legislative package “Defending European democracy”, the annual dialogue on the rule of law, and the European elections.

Minister Bettel stressed that Luxembourg continues to attach great importance to respecting the rule of law within the EU. “The rule of law is one of the fundamental values of the Union,” he declared, adding: “It is also essential for the protection of all the other fundamental values of the Union, in particular the fundamental rights and democracy.”

As part of the annual dialogue on the rule of law, Minister Bettel also delivered a speech on behalf of the Benelux countries.

Regarding the legislative package “Defending European democracy”, the minister welcomed efforts to strengthen the transparency and democratic accountability of interest representation activities on behalf of third countries. In this regard, the minister recalled Luxembourg's attachment to an open space for civil society and highlighted the importance of having a clear legal framework that applies to the entire EU.

Finally, regarding the European elections, Minister Bettel recalled that it will be “more important than ever to work to strengthen our democracies”. Luxembourg’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Cooperation and Foreign Trade noted that for its part, Luxembourg is seeking to increase the participation rate in European elections of non-Luxembourg residents from another member state. In this context, an “I can vote” campaign was launched by the government and the European Parliament liaison office in Luxembourg.