PM Bettel Raises Cattenom, Brexit with Macron

On Tuesday, Luxembourg's Prime Minister, Xavier Bettel, welcomed the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium, Charles Michel, at the Chateau de Senningen.

During a one-on-one meeting with President Macron, PM Bettel welcomed the close bilateral cooperation between the two countries, mentioning in particular the Greater Region and the cross-border framework, while recalling the important contribution of the French community in Luxembourg.

In addition, PM Bettel reiterated the importance of advancing on the issue of the closure of the Cattenom nuclear power plant. The Luxembourg government has reiterated its position that nuclear energy is not a viable energy for the future. PM Bettel reiterated that it is therefore essential to think about investing in alternative energy projects whose character could be cross-border.

An in-depth exchange of views on the main strategic orientations to guide the work of the European Union in the coming years was then held.

The Prime Minister and the President were then joined at the Chateau de Senningen by the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium, Charles Michel, for a working meeting on the major topics of European news.

The objective of this trilateral meeting was to help revitalise the European Union and to have a substantive exchange of views on the issues that are central to the interests of citizens, in particular the fight against terrorism, Social Europe and the digital market.

In addition, the discussion provided an update on Brexit. The Prime Minister stressed the need to respect the level playing field and the importance of citizens' rights, which should be based on "a balanced solution and reciprocity". As for the future of European defense, Xavier Bettel stressed that he shared the vision of "a Union ready to assume more responsibility and contribute to the development of a more competitive and integrated defense industry".