Yuriko Backes, Luxembourg's Minister of Defence, Minister for Mobility and Public Works and Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity;
Credit: © SIP / Claude Piscitelli
On Wednesday 14 October 2026, Luxembourg's government announced that Luxembourg's Minister of Defence, Minister for Mobility and Public Works and Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity, Yuriko Backes, will limit her travel over the coming weeks after suffering a right knee injury during a working visit to Germany.
Minister Backes, reportedly, sustained a knee sprain while visiting the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine). Following medical advice, she will reduce her travel commitments to support her recovery.
According to the authorities, Minister Backes will continue to carry out all three roles and oversee her responsibilities. However, some meetings and discussions will take place remotely or through adapted arrangements, while essential travel related to her ministerial duties will continue.
The minister is scheduled to undergo surgery on her cruciate ligaments in early November 2026, followed by a recovery period.
