The Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel discusses with MEPs his views on Europe’s challenges and future. Introduction by Roberta METSOLA, EP President. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

statement

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

EU - Luxembourg (T)

BETTEL, Xavier (LU)

This is Europe Debate (T)

This is Europe - Debate with Xavier BETTEL, Luxembourgish Prime Minister: introduction by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Dear colleagues. Good morning. This morning we have with us today the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Mr. Xavier Bettel. Prime Minister Xavier. Welcome to the European Parliament and thank you for accepting our invitation to be part of our This is Europe series of debates.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, I take this opportunity to thank you and the people of Luxembourg for your belief, steadfast belief in Europe and your resounding commitment to our shared values. For your leadership in pushing our project forward and for showing that the limitations of geography are no limits to the potential of a people.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, We will not forget your unwavering support for Ukraine, for welcoming displaced Ukrainians in your homes and your schools and communes, and for earmarking almost one fifth of your defence budget to help Ukraine defend itself against the Russian invasion.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Allow me to praise you, Prime Minister, for your strong position on holding perpetrators of war crimes to justice. The European Parliament will always push for peace, a real peace with justice and accountability. And we know that for there to be a peace, there must be a Ukraine.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, As your government said in a statement earlier this year, Luxembourg will never resign itself to a world in which force prevails over law. And that is why we have also been able to count on Luxembourg to show firm support for Ukraine on its path to EU membership.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, For this Prime Minister and for so much more, I would like to thank you and assure you that this Parliament will continue to stand for these causes and for our common values with Luxembourg and with you.