Luxembourg Calls for ‘European Unity’ in Face of Gaza Crisis

On Tuesday 16 September 2025, Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, participated in the meeting of the EU Council of General Affairs (GAC) in Brussels, Belgium.

According to the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Cooperation and Foreign Trade, the agenda included an exchange of views on the draft agenda for the upcoming European Council - due to take place on Thursday 23 to Friday 24 October 2025 - a horizontal discussion on the annual rule of law dialogue, as well as an update on the rule of law situation in certain candidate countries. The meeting also provided an opportunity for the European Commission to present its legislative programme for 2026.

Regarding the next European Council, Minister Bettel emphasised the need to address major international issues openly and to demonstrate EU unity on these matters and noted that preserving this unity is particularly crucial in the context of support for Ukraine.

On the situation in Gaza, the minister stressed the importance of European unity in the face of a growing and unacceptable crisis, both from a humanitarian perspective and in terms of jeopardising the two-state solution and any prospect of lasting peace in the region.

The ministry reported that during the rule of law dialogue, Minister Bettel spoke on behalf of the Benelux countries. He underlined that it is essential for the protection of the rule of law and fundamental values to remain at the heart of the EU’s common priorities, and that the inclusion of the Single Market in the Commission’s rule of law report demonstrated that this principle is also essential for strengthening the EU’s competitiveness. 

Furthermore, Minister Bettel stated the respect for the rule of law cannot be taken for granted and it is therefore essential that the next multiannual financial framework incorporate robust safeguards and conditionalities to ensure respect for the rule of law, fundamental values and the protection of the Union’s financial interests. In this regard, the Benelux countries welcomed the strengthening of rule of law conditionalities in the proposal for the multiannual financial framework.

The GAC was preceded by the sixth Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) between Albania and the EU. Minister Bettel delivered a statement on behalf of the Benelux countries, emphasising that Chapter 4 is key for environmental protection and the climate transition, which are important pillars of the enlargement process. Minister Bettel congratulated Albania on the progress made so far in implementing the acquis and reiterated the Benelux countries’ full support for Albania’s European perspective.

Moreover, on the sidelines of the GAC, Minister Bettel held a bilateral meeting with Austria’s Minister for Europe, Integration and Family, Claudia Plakolm.