Xavier Bettel signs the Rome declaration during the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome on 25 March. SIP

Xavier Bettel signs the Rome declaration during the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome on 25 March. SIP

Before the celebrations, Bettel, along with his husband, went to the Vatican for a meeting between the EU27 and Pope Francis.

Bettel explained the importance of the achievements of the European Union:

“One cannot forget that former enemies now sit around the table and have a common project. This peace project has a value which cannot be measured.”

However, referring to the divisions which the EU currently faces, through Brexit and disagreements on principles and policies, Bettel said that he was in favour of a two-speed Europe:

“I don’t want to be held hostage by those who want to stay still.”

Message for Trump

In the margins of the celebrations, Bettel gave an interview to AP on 24 March, in which he stated that:

“Mr. Trump will learn very fast that the EU is not a bunch of 27 grocery shops, where you knock at the door and start doing business.”

He warned the Trump administration that, if Trump turned a cold shoulder to the EU, it would be a “lose-lose situation”.

Despite the difficult relations, the White House congratulated the EU on Friday:

"Our two continents share the same values and, above all, the same commitment to promote peace and prosperity through freedom, democracy, and the rule of law."

For Bettel, it is only normal that Trump would reach out to Brussels:

"We perhaps need Europe, but he too needs Europe. So it is a two-way street. If he thinks he doesn't need Europe, it is a lose-lose situation. But is now important for everyone to go for a win-win situation."