Politics
Luxembourg’s Prime Minister: Do not fall for the siren call of populism
Luxembourg’s Prime Minister, Xavier Bettel, delivered an impassioned speech, urging MEPs to defend the fundamentals of freedom and respect that the EU is based on in the face of populism and global and internal challenges.
He underlined that it is vital for the EU to remain open, both towards the world and among its own member states, despite high geopolitical tensions, which encourage protectionism. “Our problems are common. Protectionism makes you poorer”, Mr Bettel said.
Luxembourg’s Prime Minister urged lawmakers to protect freedom of movement and the internal market in upcoming legislation, and called for a “truly common European migration policy” based on the proposed European Asylum and Migration Pact. He also took direct aim at those seeking to undermine the rule of law in the EU and said that it must remain the backbone of the EU, including in the defence of the rights of minorities, which some in the EU try to silence.
On the war in Ukraine, Mr Bettel called on the EU to continue united against “Russia’s unacceptable aggression”, while delivering arms, financial aid, and reconstruction efforts to Ukraine, and accompanying it on the road to eventual EU accession.
Reactions from MEPs
MEPs welcomed Prime Minister Bettel’s commitments to building a more equal Europe, defending the rule of law in the EU, the European Green Deal and institutional reforms related to the upcoming European elections. Some MEPs warned that the EU is at a crossroads, facing the Russian war in Ukraine and called for Europe to have its own, independent military forces and more European sovereignty based on unity, whilst others voiced criticism of Luxembourg’s corporate tax regime.
Background
This was the ninth “This is Europe” plenary debate, following Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda on 14 March 2023, and debates in 2022 with Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin and Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob.
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President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree to strip 34 traitors of state awards to Ukraine
The document, published on the official website of the Ukrainian president, puts into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council to strip persons considered traitors to Ukraine of state awards, UNIAN reported.
These persons include former civil servants, deputies, heads of the SBU and the Prosecutor General’s Office, prosecutors, artists, as well as Russian political, religious and cultural figures. All of them are deprived of state awards of Ukraine indefinitely.
In addition, ten of them are subject to the maximum package of sanctions – 21 types of measures, including blocking assets, cancellation of licenses and permits, as well as complete cessation of commercial operations.
Key figures on the list:
Alexander Efremov – former first deputy leader of the political party “Party of Regions” and chairman of the corresponding faction. Deprived of the Orders of Merit I-III degree and Prince Yaroslav the Wise V degree.
Renat Kuzmin – former First Deputy Prosecutor General of Ukraine, holder of the Orders of Merit II-III degree and the title of Honored Lawyer of Ukraine.
Viktor Medvedchuk – former deputy and close ally of Russia. Deprived of the Orders of Merit I-III degree and Prince Yaroslav the Wise V degree, as well as the title of Honored Lawyer of Ukraine.
Other famous names:
Dmitry Tabachnyk – former Minister of Education and Science (2010-2014).
Mykola Azarov – former Prime Minister of Ukraine (2010-2014), holder of numerous orders and the title of Honored Economist of Ukraine.
Viktor Pshonka – former Prosecutor General of Ukraine.
Patriarch Kirill – head of the Russian Orthodox Church, deprived of the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise I degree.
Artists on the list:
The titles of “People’s Artist of Ukraine” and “Honored Artist of Ukraine” have been stripped from a number of popular Russian performers, including Nikolai Baskov, Philip Kirkorov, Ani Lorak, and Taisiya Povaliy.
Context of the decision:
On November 20, 2024, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a bill by President Zelensky that allows for the deprivation of state awards from persons who promote Russia, spread propaganda, or commit other actions against Ukraine.
According to the law, persons deprived of state awards lose all rights and privileges associated with them.
Photo: Ani Lorak / Facebook
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On November 7, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent a congratulatory letter to the newly elected US President Donald Trump, wishing him health, strength and success in his upcoming second presidential term.
“Recognizing the enormous responsibilities of such a leadership position, we pray that your decisions will be guided by wisdom and compassion, as well as by the strength necessary to maintain harmony and security in your great and God-protected nation,” noted Patr. Bartholomew:
“The Ecumenical Patriarchate, with its ancient history and its fundamental commitment to dialogue and reconciliation, remains a constant supporter of all efforts to promote peace and understanding between people of different cultures and beliefs. We hope that under your leadership the United States will continue to support the cause of religious freedom and human dignity – values that resonate deeply in the Orthodox Christian tradition and all faith communities,” the congratulatory letter said.
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