Europe

Luxembourg
Last reviewed: 29 March 2005

Country information

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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Relations with the international community

Luxembourg's external interests are centred on the EU, where the Government tends to favour integrationist proposals. They support developing the security role of the EU while maintaining the primacy of NATO and the transatlantic link. In countries where Luxembourg is not represented diplomatically, Belgium takes care of its economic interests and the Netherlands the political. Luxembourg held the Presidency of the EU from July to December 1997, the Presidency of the WEU from July to December 1999 and the Presidency of the Council of Europe from May to November 2002. Luxembourg will next hold the Presidency of the EU from January to June 2005.

Relations with the UK

Luxembourg enjoys good bilateral relations with the UK. The Grand Duke is an Honorary Major in the British Army. He and his family maintain close contacts with the UK. British Ministers frequently see their Luxembourg counterparts at EU meetings.

Cultural Relations with the UK

The number of Luxembourg students in the UK has been growing. Some 10% at undergraduate level now choose the UK. (Luxembourg does not yet have it's own fully fledged university).