Luxembourg PM says recognition of Palestine ‘the right thing to do’
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Luxembourg’s Luc Frieden defends his country’s recognition of Palestine, calling it a moral duty and urging Europe to uphold international law.
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Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 (AP)
Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden announced that his country’s recognition of the State of Palestine was driven by principle, describing it as “the right thing to do,” according to Anadolu.
Speaking before the European Parliament plenary in Strasbourg on Tuesday, Frieden recalled, “A few weeks ago, in New York, Luxembourg recognized the state of Palestine, because it is the right thing to do, because the 'two-state' solution remains the only viable way forward for lasting peace.”
Commemorating the second anniversary of Operation Al Aqsa Flood on October 7, Frieden renewed his appeal for the “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.”
He stressed that the issue transcends politics, saying, “This is about humanity, about decency, about the kind of world we want to live in.”
Europe at a critical juncture
Frieden cautioned that Europe once again stands “at a turning point,” confronted by a convergence of global instability, economic and technological transformation, climate challenges, and migration pressures.
He noted that Europe’s postwar prosperity was built upon an international framework of “rules, treaties, and institutions,” warning that this order is now “under pressure like never before.”
Underscoring the importance of international law, Frieden urged EU member states to uphold the rules-based system.
“Europe cannot give up on the rules-based system and international law,” he said. “We must remain the voice of those values.”
Turning to the issue of EU enlargement, Frieden described the matter as one of “strategic interest", warning that prolonged delays in accession processes risk alienating aspiring member states.
“That is why we need to revive hope and show that accession to the EU is realistic and close. In that spirit, let us set closer and clearer timelines,” he said, adding that Montenegro’s EU accession should be completed next year.
Preserving Schengen and European solidarity
Frieden also emphasized the symbolic and practical value of the Schengen Area, calling it a “clear testament to European solidarity and tolerance.”
He cautioned that a lasting return to internal border controls would represent “a step backward for the whole European project.”
Reaffirming Europe’s humanitarian commitments, he concluded, “The right to asylum must be safeguarded. It is a non-negotiable aspect of our common humanity in individual countries in Europe. Regular migration is needed for economic development.”
Luxembourg joins countries recognizing Palestinian state
On September 22, Frieden declared that the "two-state solution" in Palestine must be given a “second chance", as his country formally recognized the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
"The only way forward is to make sure that now the two-state solution gets new energy (and) a second chance," Frieden told CNN.
Several countries recognized the State of Palestine at the summit, including Andorra, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Malta, and Monaco.
At the time, Frieden emphasized that Luxembourg’s decision was not an act of hostility against "Israel", but a rejection of the policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
"We are not taking any decision against Israel. We are taking decisions against the actions of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government, with which we disagree, because those actions are against a rules-based international order," he said.
