Against a backdrop of growing international instability, the government aims to strengthen Luxembourg’s role on the European and global stage. Its foreign policy is intended to be pro-European, multilateral and values-based, with increased involvement within the EU, the UN and Nato. It is also underpinned by a more proactive economic diplomacy, aimed at supporting the financial centre and developing trade relations, with a view to safeguarding the country’s interests and prosperity.

At the same time, the government is focusing on strengthening defence, internal security and the justice system. The aim is to adapt the state’s capabilities to more complex threats by modernising institutions, improving their efficiency and strengthening cooperation, particularly within Nato. The approach is more proactive: better anticipating risks and better protecting citizens.

What Luc Frieden has to say about it

There is a significant risk that the far right or the populist right could come to power in neighbouring countries. What would be the consequences here?

Luc Frieden. —“First of all, I want Luxembourg to have a strong centrist policy. Extremist solutions are often the easy way out, but they don’t work in practice. These ideas must not find fertile ground in Luxembourg.”

As for our neighbouring countries, we must do everything we can to ensure Europe’s success, so that, in the face of the challenges people are facing, the solutions put forward by the various centrist parties address people’s concerns, such as employment and housing… We need to make progress on these issues. I believe—even though I sincerely hope that the extremes do not gain ground in neighbouring countries—that it is by being firmly rooted in Europe that we will ensure the country is prepared to face all manner of shocks. The strength of Europe—and this is why we need a strong Europe and a strong Nato—is that together we are stronger [as evidenced by the number of applications to join Nato and the EU, editor’s note].

When it comes to public safety, there seems to be a persistent sense of insecurity amongst the public, which is particularly pronounced in city centres. How do you intend to meet people’s expectations?

“I believe that the introduction of so-called local police within the Grand Ducal Police Force, as well as the large-scale recruitment of police officers and judges, underscores the fact that, for us, without security, we cannot guarantee the freedom to live in peace.

As far as I am concerned, the government’s main priority has always been to ensure stability, peace, security and prosperity. In this regard, internal security plays a major role. We have already achieved a great deal and we will continue along this path, working alongside the Minister for Home Affairs.

People who travel realise that, in many foreign countries, the security situation is much worse than it is here.

This indicator measures the political priority given to internal security. (Visual: Paperjam)

1 / 2

Key indicator of the judicial system’s capacity to handle its caseload (processing times, backlogs, digitization). It reflects the government’s commitment to structural reform under the rule of law. (Visual: Paperjam)

2 / 2

What Xavier Bettel has to say about it

At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you are the voice of Luxembourg. How can a small country like Luxembourg make its voice heard abroad?

Xavier Bettel. —“It’s not the person who shouts the loudest who gets listened to. Luxembourg is a small country. There’s no point in thinking, ‘I’ll speak louder because I have an inferiority complex.’ I admit I’m not the most discreet or shy person, but at the helm of diplomacy I’ve learnt one thing: it is behind the scenes that we are most effective. My aim is to try to find compromises, to break deadlocks.

I am fortunate, both as Prime Minister and now as Minister for Foreign Affairs, to have a network of colleagues I can trust, whom I can ring, with whom I can exchange views. And precisely because I represent a small country, I can try to build bridges between the parties. I am criticised for not being vocal enough, for not lecturing others. I find it more effective to help find solutions.

In a tense international climate, is there still room for diplomacy?

“Yes. But in diplomacy, it takes two: one to speak and one to listen. When one side isn’t listening, it’s difficult. You must never give up, even if it can be frustrating. I spoke with President Zelensky and President Putin on the phone for hours four years ago. I was pleased with the small steps forward we were making. Then afterwards, certain countries put pressure on me, telling me to leave it to the major powers. That’s a way of thinking — the idea that size and strength are the deciding factors — which I don’t share at all. Personal relationships can also help move things forward. Of course, I don’t carry the same weight as an American President.

There is a significant risk in the coming months that the far right—or the so-called populist right—could come to power in France and Germany. How can Luxembourg prepare for this?

“I’m not getting ahead of myself. When Giorgia Meloni came to power in Italy, people predicted disaster. Two and a half years on, it’s working. There’s the election period, and then the reality on the ground. I’m not going to get carried away now wondering what might happen if this or that person were elected.”

Other indicators

This article was written for the April 2026 issue of Paperjam magazine, published on 25 March. The content is produced exclusively for the magazine. It is published on the site to contribute to Paperjam’s comprehensive archive. Click on this link to subscribe to the magazine.

Is your company a member of Club Paperjam? You can request a subscription in your name. Please let us know via club@paperjam.lu.