Luxembourg, Dutch Foreign Ministers Discuss COVID-19, Rule of Law, Ukraine Crisis

On Tuesday 15 February 2022, Luxembourg's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Jean Asselborn, met with his new Dutch counterpart, Wopke Hoekstra, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, during the latter's visit to the Grand Duchy.

During this working meeting, the two ministers expressed their satisfaction with the quality of existing relations between Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Minister Asselborn was particularly pleased with their "excellent" cooperation on the basis of the 1964 treaty concerning cooperation in diplomatic representation, as well as the assistance provided with regard to the repatriation of Luxembourg residents and the evacuation of Afghan refugees. For his part, Minister Hoekstra expressed his support for the implementation of the priorities of the Luxembourg presidency of the Benelux Union.

Discussions also focused on lessons to be learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Asselborn recalled the importance of keeping the borders between European Union (EU) Member States open. Regarding the fundamental achievements of the EU, Luxembourg's Foreign Minister highlighted the need to pay particular attention at the European level to the interests and protection of cross-border communities, which represent 30% of European citizens (i.e. 150 million people).

Moreover, the ministers addressed the issue of the rule of law. With regard to the procedure of Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), Minister Asselborn indicated that the European Council must remain seized of the matter as long as problems relating to the rule of law persist within the EU. In this regard, the two ministers reiterated their commitment to the defence of the rule of law and human rights within the EU and at the international level in the various multilateral forums.

Subsequently, Ministers Asselborn and Hoekstra discussed a number of international issues. Luxembourg's Foreign Minister expressed his concern about the current situation on the border between Ukraine and Russia. He stressed the need to maintain an open dialogue with the parties involved, while recalling that Luxembourg will not deny the principles of the inviolability of borders, the sovereignty of countries and the freedom of each country to define its foreign policy. The two ministers agreed on the need for a common and united European position, so as to be able to react in an effective and coordinated manner according to the evolution of the situation.

Regarding relations between the EU and China, Minister Asselborn noted that Luxembourg remains convinced that the EU must continue its dialogue with China, both on issues of common interest and on points of disagreement, in particular human rights.