PM Xavier Bettel with Youth for Climate delegation; Credit: ME

Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel yesterday met with a delegation from the Youth for Climate Luxembourg movement at the Hôtel de Bourgogne.

During his meeting with the movement, which was at the heart of the march for climate in Luxembourg on 15 March 2019, Prime Minister and Minister of State Xavier Bettel reassured the young people that the government is sensitive to their grievances and arguments and that it supports them in their commitment. Indeed, he recalled that the Luxembourg government is convinced that the actions in favour of climate protection must be conducted in all areas and by all actors in society.

Xavier Bettel reminded the young people that his government has initiated measures to protect the environment in general and the climate in particular: "I welcome the strong mobilisation of young people in the fight against global warming, but I also want to point out that it has been more than five years since this government decided to work for the fight against global warming, the protection of the environment and the preservation of natural resources."

On 8 February 2019, the Cabinet adopted the draft National Integrated Climate and Energy Plan, an ambitious plan that sets Luxembourg's targets for CO2 reduction, renewable energy and energy efficiency on the horizon. 2030. The improvement of energy efficiency and the promotion of renewable energy sources constitute the foundations of Luxembourg's climate policy and energy transition. The plan provides for a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, a target of between 50% and 55% in 2030 compared to 2005, a policy of continuous reduction in fuel sales, a new mobility favouring public transport and electromobility, as well as improving the energy efficiency of buildings and increasing the production of renewable energies.

In addition, the plan also provides for public participation in the issue of climate protection, which will include public consultation. During the meeting, Xavier Bettel announced a series of debates on the fight against global warming, organised with the National Students' Conference in schools, to allow young people to enter into a constructive dialogue with members of the government on the issue of global warming and the measures to be taken to curb this phenomenon.