Xavier Bettel at the EU General Affairs Council

The GAC meeting addressed three main issues: the directive on the transparency of interest representation exercised on behalf of third countries, preparations for the European Council meeting on 27 and 28 June, and the state of the rule of law in Hungary.

On this last point, Minister Bettel spoke on behalf of the Benelux countries to reiterate that respect for the rule of law and fundamental values is essential to the proper functioning of the European Union. In this context, the Benelux is in favour of keeping this item on the agenda until all outstanding issues have been resolved.

In the margins of the General Affairs Council, Minister Bettel had a bilateral meeting with Anna Lührmann, Germany's Deputy Minister for European Affairs and Climate.

Minister Bettel also received a Moldovan delegation, led by the Prime Minister, Dorin Recean, the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mihail Popșoi, and the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European Integration, Cristina Gherasimov, for a working meeting at the Mansfeld building. In addition to an exchange of views on the regional security situation and Moldova's European integration, the meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations through the signing of an amendment to the Tax Convention between Luxembourg and Moldova.

Opening of accession negotiations with Moldova and Ukraine

Following the European Council's decision last December to open accession negotiations with Moldova and Ukraine, the first Intergovernmental Conferences between the EU and Moldova, and between the EU and Ukraine respectively, were held today at the end of the GAC.

Minister Bettel welcomed these first intergovernmental conferences, describing them as historic moments: "This is a crucial step for Moldova and Ukraine, which are now embarking on a major transformation process. Luxembourg stands ready to support our Moldovan and Ukrainian partners in their reform processes. We are particularly pleased that this historic moment is taking place in Luxembourg".

Press release by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade