Message from Prime Minister Luc Frieden on the occasion of the National Day 2025

Dear fellow citizens,

Every year, on 23 June, we celebrate our Nation — all that unites us and brings us together. We celebrate Luxembourg.

A country in the heart of Europe where people from over a hundred nationalities live together by choice — in peace, freedom, and prosperity.

But this year, this day takes on a different meaning. On the one hand, because this entire weekend is also dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Grand Duke Henri's accession to the throne — an opportunity to look back and to express our gratitude.

And on the other hand, because we feel that the world around us is in a state of upheaval. Something fundamental is underway.

These two moments call on us — together — to pause for a moment and reflect.

We have built a country where no one has to fear war, with prosperity and an opportunity for everyone for a fair start in life.

And we have committed ourselves to values — the values of freedom, dialogue, and democracy. These form the essential foundation of our success.

We are proud — and rightly so — of this achievement.

It is up to us to preserve this success — to safeguard both our social and economic prosperity. It is also up to us to keep the values of freedom and democracy alive.

Nothing worth having comes easy. This is true for a country, just as it is true for its people. Peace, freedom, and democracy do not just happen.

It requires commitment — every single day. To remain who we are, we must keep moving forward — without ever losing sight of our shared values.

This is what sets a country apart from a nation.

A country is defined by geography and borders. A nation is defined by shared dreams and values.

A nation is rooted in history — and built on a common project for the future. We want to be Luxembourgers. And it is through our actions, words and decisions each day that we define what that truly means. Each one of us.

Luxembourg is democratic. We shape our laws through a process in which everyone can take part — a process built on dialogue with the people, political parties, social partners, and civil society.

Luxembourg is free. Everyone is entitled to their own dignity and enjoys the same fundamental rights.

Luxembourg is open. Everyone who wants to be part of our shared project and contribute to it is welcome here. For us, differences are not barriers — they are opportunities to discover something new.

To all those who have come from other countries to live and work here: know that our Nation and our country are open to your dreams, your ideas, and your contributions. Our National Day is your celebration too.

Our core beliefs hold us together. This sense of unity becomes apparent when we celebrate the accomplishments of our fellow citizens —

in sport, with Tom Habscheid and Patrizia van der Weken; in film, with Vicky Krieps and Christel Henon; in music, with Laura Thorn and Gast Waltzing. And with all those who make us proud of our country.

This sense of unity is expressed again tonight, when we celebrate our Nation and the Grand Duke as its symbol.

I wish you all a joyful National Day.

Long live the Grand Duke!

Long live the Grand Duchess, the Hereditary Grand Duke, the Hereditary Grand Duchess and the entire Grand Ducal family!

Long live Luxembourg!

Long live Europe!