Interview: Minister Yuriko Backes Outlines Defence, Mobility & Equality Priorities

Following the legislative elections of 8 October 2023 and several weeks of coalition talks, the new CSV-DP coalition government of Luxembourg was sworn in on 17 November 2023.

 

Chronicle.lu reached out to the new members of the Luxembourg government to learn about their priorities one month on, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing their particular sector(s) - and how they will spend the end-of-year holiday period.

 

Next up was Yuriko Backes, Luxembourg’s Minister of Defence, Minister for Mobility and Public Works and Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity.

 

 

Minister Yuriko Backes: In all three areas, the focus lies on implementing the priorities of the coalition agreement. Concerning defence, this translates into pursuing the modernisation of the Armed Forces. By 2030, Luxembourg will establish, together with Belgium, a binational battalion specialised in combat reconnaissance. Luxembourg will also continue to invest in its domains of expertise, such as space and cyber. We are a reliable NATO Ally, and aim to invest 2% of our gross national income (GNI) in the collective Defence effort, thereby meeting our commitments towards the Alliance. In July 2024, NATO will convene in Washington to celebrate its 75th anniversary. By that time, we intend to reveal our national roadmap, a step of considerable importance.

 

As Minister for Mobility and Public Works, I’m committed to addressing one of our nation's most pressing challenges: the anticipated 40% increase in transportation needs by 2035. This surge not only impacts the daily lives of our citizens and workforce, but also plays a crucial role in maintaining the attractiveness of our country. A key objective is to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of our transportation sector. We plan to achieve this by increasing electric vehicle usage and making public transport networks more eco-friendly. Additionally, we will leverage digital technology to enhance travel efficiency and ensure that our transportation network is more flexible and responsive to people's needs. We're also working on better connecting smaller towns to big cities, aiming for a future where transportation is sustainable, and easy.

 

These priorities will go hand in hand with the larger development projects across the country. As we plan for our country's growth and changes, we will need to adapt our infrastructure. That also means continuing to build better schools and improving facilities for law enforcement and the judiciary. It's all about preparing our country for the future, from smoother and eco-friendly ways to get around, to modern, well-equipped and efficient public services.

 

Regarding my mission as Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity, I will strive to consolidate and reinforce the Ministry’s standing and new priorities. This means continuing to implement measures promoting gender equality and advocating for more diversity in all areas of life, especially related to LGBTQI+ persons and their needs and rights. Our strength lies in diversity!

 

 

Minister Yuriko Backes: The different ministerial responsibilities I hold vary greatly, be it in terms of budget allocations or overall policymaking. However, they are all essential for the future and wellbeing of Luxembourg. I am truly passionate about all the portfolios and will be fully committed to each of them.

 

My experience as Minister of Finance will certainly be of good use, as some of these departments are due to see high levels of investment in the coming years. I was also very active in the field of Women in Finance, being convinced that gender-equality is also macro-critical, meaning it can stimulate economic growth. I have always been engaged in promoting diversity, and this experience will be very useful in my role as Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity. As far as my diplomatic background is concerned, I consider the relating skills an asset in any role and across all domains.

 

 

Minister Yuriko Backes: In Defence, the recruitment of motivated and qualified talents, especially women, will be a key challenge. But we will need them, to help manage all the current and upcoming projects. We have recently introduced new careers for young people with a secondary school or bachelor's degree. We will clearly emphasise and communicate these new opportunities, including through a large-scale public recruitment campaign. Our national Defence is constantly being modernised. We will show that the military today is no longer just about the classic soldier with a firearm. Defence offers so much more.

 

The challenge of a 40% increase in traffic by 2035 in Luxembourg requires a collaborative and well-coordinated approach. Projects in the mobility sector, which span anywhere from five to 20 years, necessitate a close partnership with key interest groups and the main stakeholders over an extended period. Only strong collaboration can ensure that all our projects are well-aligned and integrated. My commitment is to consistently follow our National Mobility Plan, maintain regular progress checks and stay up-to-date with the latest research and developments. I believe that this approach is essential to effectively manage the anticipated traffic growth and to shape sustainable and efficient mobility for our country.

 

Regarding gender equality and diversity, it will be a priority of mine to listen to different stakeholders representing LGBTQI+ persons and to ensure their needs are considered and reflected in the work of the Luxembourg government. It goes without saying that women’s rights remain a strong focus, especially in an international context that demonstrates that nothing can be taken for granted. Women’s economic advancement, their role in decision-making and protecting them from all forms of violence will be deeply anchored in my work. Important projects will therefore be strengthened, such as the Observatory for Equality, the National Action Plan for the Promotion of the Rights of LGBTI Persons or the Diversity Charter.

 

 

Minister Yuriko Backes: Investing in our defence and consistently pushing ahead with its modernisation also means making our country safer and consolidating our position as a trustworthy and committed NATO Ally and EU Member State. It’s an investment into peace!

 

I believe that smart and efficient mobility offers our country a key opportunity that extends far beyond the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It serves as an important symbol of our regional attractiveness. Reducing congestion stands out as a significant quality-of-life improvement. It translates into less time spent stuck in traffic, more efficient commuting, and reduced stress for our citizens. This, in turn, is an investment in the overall well-being of all of us. I also believe that enhancing international connectivity, both by air and land, is vital for a nation with an open economy like ours. This improved connectivity will foster trade and tourism, bolstering our economic prospects. Moreover, the development of cycling represents another noteworthy opportunity. It not only promotes a cleaner and healthier mode of transport but also enhances the accessibility of our cities.

 

Regarding the Ministry of Gender Equality and Diversity, I consider it an invaluable opportunity that in its new constellation, the Ministry now has a wider mandate, tackling inequalities on many fronts, in a holistic and balanced approach. I will also make it a priority to engage closely with civil society and youth representatives, listening to them and considering their perspective.

 

 

Minister Yuriko Backes: I am still in the process of organising myself between different offices and teams, so that no portfolio will fall short. There is no “regular work day or week”, as the agenda for these different portfolios is very diversified and changes from week to week. In late November, early December, for example, I was very engaged in events around the Orange Week campaign, getting across the message that we need to stop all forms of gender-based violence. Mobility and public works are ongoing files that require consultations in order to take the necessary decisions, on-site inspections, etc. As Minister and across the different portfolios, it will also be essential for me to meet my EU homologues (and beyond) and to continue Luxembourg’s strong engagement on the international stage, be it on the EU, UN or NATO level.

 

 

Minister Yuriko Backes: There is no shift away from a feminist foreign policy. The chapter on foreign and European policy, as well as the one on development cooperation, sheds light on the topic and highlights our ongoing and concrete commitment in this area.

 

My mission as Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity includes addressing all areas of policymaking and all levels of society. So even though the term feminist foreign policy is not explicitly mentioned in the coalition agreement, the merits and achievements of recent years will not be rolled back. I consider the UN’s sustainable development goal number 5 concerning gender equality to be pivotal for all other areas of policymaking.

 

 

Minister Yuriko Backes: As an eventful, often rather stressful and demanding year comes to a close, I look forward to spending quality time relaxing with my family, doing some sports and managing to read a good book. I have so many, ready to be devoured. But I know that I never completely switch off, and will also take some work with me to be well prepared to successfully do my job in the new government.

 

My message or resolution for the New Year: A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures! (Irish proverb)