Welcoming the Prime Minister of Luxembourg Luc Frieden to the European Parliament, the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola said that Europe must do more to protect its people, make lives better and less complicated.
Dear Prime Minister, dear Luc, Dear colleagues,
I am delighted to announce that the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Luc Frieden, is joining us today. Dear Luc, welcome and thank you for accepting our invitation to address this House as part of our ‘This is Europe’ debate series.
As a founding Member of our Union, Luxembourg has been a driver of a better Europe from day one. From the birthplace of the European Coal and Steel Community, the European Economic Community and the Schengen Agreement, all the way to this Parliament where Europe’s elected representatives shape our collective future.
I had the honour of visiting Luxembourg last week for the accession to the throne of Son Altesse Royale le Grand-Duc Guillaume, where I was reminded once again of your country’s unique identity of heritage and tradition combined with a bold, forward-looking perspective. A true embodiment of the European spirit situated at the heart of our continent.
Dear Prime Minister, dear Luc, thank you for bringing this spirit to our Parliament today. Your leadership and initiative are key to building a more secure and sovereign Europe, while your economic expertise is crucial to making our Union more competitive and our citizens more prosperous. And when it comes to major challenges of our time — from strengthening our security to deepening our Single Market — I know this House can rely on Luxembourg to lead. Luxembourg has always proven that geography is no limitation to vision and leadership.
Europe needs this shared vision and ambition more than ever before. The people we represent are clear in their demands: they want a Union that does more to protect them. That is stronger, safer, fairer and more united. That acts decisively on the issues that make their lives better and less complicated. And it is up to us, collectively, to deliver that.
I know I speak for everyone here when I say I look forward to hearing your thoughts on these not insignificant challenges that we face and on our shared European future. So Prime Minister Frieden, dear Luc, the floor is yours.
You can read the President's speech in French and German.