Bettel Highlights Rule of Law and Security at EU General Affairs Council in Luxembourg

On Tuesday 21 October 2025, Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, took part in the meeting of the EU General Affairs Council (GAC) held in Luxembourg.

According to the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, discussions focused on preparations for the upcoming European Council meeting on Thursday 23 October 2025. Minister Bettel addressed several key topics on the agenda, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, European defence and security, and housing.

Regarding the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034, the Ministry reported that Minister Bettel welcomed the European Commission’s objectives to make the MFF “more modern, simpler, more flexible and more effective,” while also underlining the need to reduce administrative burdens. He further emphasised that upholding the rule of law remains “a fundamental value of the European Union” and essential for strengthening democratic trust and protecting the Union’s financial interests.

The Council also held its ninth hearing on the situation of the rule of law in Hungary under Article 7. Speaking on behalf of the Benelux countries, Minister Bettel expressed regret that “systemic deficiencies persist and have worsened in several key areas,” the Ministry noted.