(L-R) Borut Sajovic, Slovenian Minister of Defence; Yuriko Backes, Luxembourg's Minister of Defence;
Credit: MAE
On Tuesday 13 February 2025, Luxembourg’s Minister of Defence, Yuriko Backes, participated in the NATO Defence Ministers Meeting, chaired by Secretary General, Mark Rutte, at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels.
As reported by Luxembourg’s Directorate of Defence, NATO Defence Ministers exchanged views at the meeting on the implementation of collective deterrence and defence plans for the Euro-Atlantic area, on military capabilities and the necessary investments, as well as the role and capabilities of the defence industry of NATO countries.
Commenting on the meeting, Minister Backes stressed: “Luxembourg has significantly increased its defence effort and we are determined to continue this trajectory. Today’s meeting is an important opportunity to strengthen the collective defence of our Alliance.”
On the same day, at the NATO-Ukraine Council, NATO Defence Ministers discussed with their Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, the Alliance’s military assistance in support of Ukraine. The topic of peace negotiations was also discussed.
During her press briefing, Minister Backes stated: “No decision on Ukraine should be taken without Ukraine being at the negotiating table. No decision on European security should be taken without Europe being at the negotiating table, including on security guarantees. This is the only way to achieve lasting peace.”
On the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, Minister Backes met with Slovenian Minister of Defence, Borut Sajovic, to discuss topical issues at NATO and EU level as well as possible areas of cooperation.
The day before, on Wednesday 12 February 2025, and at the invitation of the UK Secretary of Defence, John Healey, Minister Backes participated in the 26th meeting of the “Ukraine Defence Contact Group”, which was held at NATO Headquarters for the first time.
Minister Backes also met with her counterpart from Cape Verde, Minister of State for Defence and Territorial Cohesion, Janine Lélis. During this bilateral meeting, the two ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding which aims to strengthen Luxembourg’s cooperation in maritime defence and security with Cape Verde.
SM
