Luc Frieden: "Europe must stand on its own feet - we are at the turn of an era"

In an in-depth interview with Télécran magazine, Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden gave perhaps one of the most personal and politically intense statements of his mandate. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from the future of transatlantic relations to risks to democracy and geopolitical threats. The main leitmotif: the world is experiencing not a crisis, but a historic reversal, and Europe must be ready for it.

Discussing Donald Trump's second presidency, Frieden confesses: he is frustrated with what is happening in the US, especially after the incident with Zelensky in the Oval Office. This, he says, is not the America he loves. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic and believes in the strength of American institutions and people, recalling his own studies in the US: "We should not judge the history of a country by three months of someone else's rule.

Frieden emphasises that there is growing anxiety in Europe about America's shift away from being a reliable ally. And while he hopes the Trump administration will recognise the consequences, he acknowledges that much is changing today, both in the US and in its relationship with Europe.

Frieden is cautious in his predictions but clear on one point: Europe must learn to stand on its own two feet, especially in security matters. He points out that while NATO remains the backbone of defence, Europe cannot rely solely on the US. He cites increased co-operation with the UK, Norway, Canada and Asia, and announces an official visit to Japan.

Speaking about the internal situation in the EU, Frieden is concerned about the rise of populism. He warns that the concept of freedom is increasingly being distorted, and this plays into the hands of radical parties. In his opinion, moderate political forces should take more responsibility: "Freedom is not absolute. It ends where the freedom of another begins.

He calls for political unity and emphasises: in Luxembourg, he senses the willingness of most parties to work together for stability.

Frieden calls defence spending a budget for peace, not militarisation. He favours maintaining international aid, especially in the face of US cuts: "If we don't tackle poverty and climate change at the same time, the world will descend into more chaos.