In his ‘This is Europe’ address to the European Parliament Luc Frieden said Europe is at a pivotal moment, facing the international turmoil of technological revolution, economic shifts, climate change, and migratory flows. For 80 years Europe’s success and way of life have been built on an international order of rules, treaties and institutions, he said, adding that “today, that system is under pressure like never before. Too few defend it, too many have lost faith in it. But Europe cannot give up on the rules-based system and international law. We must remain the voice of these values.”

The Prime Minster highlighted the need to “revive hope and show that accession to the EU is realistic and close” and called for a shorter and clearer timeline for countries that want to join the EU, with a decision on Montenegro’s accession needed in 2026. Enlargement is a question of strategic interests, he said, and keeping countries in an “eternal waiting room will push them…