Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade, Minister for Development Cooperation & Humanitarian Affairs; Credit: MAE

On Wednesday 9 April 2025, as part of Luxembourg's presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, travelled to Strasbourg.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade reported that Minister Bettel, as President of the Committee of Ministers, delivered a speech to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). 

In his speech, Minister Bettel reflected on the events and conferences that Luxembourg has organised during its presidency. He emphasised Luxembourg's unwavering commitment to the Council of Europe, which was evident through the participation of the Head of State and several government members in high-level events in Strasbourg. Minister Bettel also welcomed the adoption of the Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer during Luxembourg's presidency. The Council of Europe will open the Convention for signature on Tuesday 13 May 2025 in Luxembourg, during the upcoming session of the Committee of Ministers.

The ministry noted that the speech also offered an opportunity to address key political developments, including Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Balkans, recent developments in Georgia and Turkey and challenges to transatlantic partnerships, particularly the imposition of US tariffs. Minister Bettel stressed the urgent need to maintain and pursue dialogue at every level and underlined the Council of Europe's vital role in this process.

After his speech, the Deputy Prime Minister attended the address of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg to PACE.

Moreover, during the visit to Strasbourg, Minister Bettel held discussions with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, and with the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Theodoros Rousopoulos.

Luxembourg has held the presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe since 13 November 2024.

SM