Speech by Luc Frieden: Luxembourg as a nation of shared future
Source: Luc Frieden Facebook page
In his celebratory speech on 23 June 2025, Prime Minister Luc Frieden turned a traditional greeting into an act of civic and political self-awareness. In the year of the 25th anniversary of Grand Duke Henri's reign, Frieden proposed not only to take stock of the path travelled, but also to reflect on the fragility of the world in which Luxembourg lives.
Frieden began by reminding that a bank holiday is not just a calendar date. It is a moment when the whole of Luxembourg - more than 100 nationalities - realises its common identity. "A country is borders, geography. And a nation is about values and dreams," said the Prime Minister, introducing the key theme of his speech.
He emphasised that a true nation is not built on blood and soil, but on everyday actions, on the ability of citizens to give meaning to the phrase "being Luxembourgish" on a daily basis. This approach makes Frieden's message particularly relevant against the backdrop of the identity crises gripping many European societies.
One of the most powerful passages of the speech concerns the idea that peace, freedom and democracy are not guarantees but tasks. "Nothing of value is given without effort," Frieden reminded us, hinting at the need for vigilance and active participation in politics. He recognises that the world is undergoing "fundamental change" and it is especially important now not to forget that prosperity is the result of constant work, not chance.
Frieden describes Luxembourg as an island of peace and freedom in a changing and troubled world. He speaks of a country where no one fears war, where law is made in open dialogue, and where every person has "inalienable dignity". This message sounds like a kind of shield, but also a challenge: "to remain ourselves, we must move forward without losing sight of common values".
The Prime Minister paid particular attention to the topic of migration and multiculturalism. He addressed those who came to Luxembourg from other countries and said: "Our state and nation are open to your dreams, ideas and contributions." He thus questioned the "fortress under siege" rhetoric prevalent in Europe, contrasting it with an inclusive patriotism.
Frieden did not miss the opportunity to highlight the achievements of Luxembourgers: from athletes Tom Habscheid and Patricia van der Veken to actress Vicky Krieps, director Christel Henon, singer Laura Thorn and composer Gast Waltzing. These names are not just an illustration of success, but also a symbol of how cultural diversity is becoming part of the national capital.
The final part of the speech sounded almost monarchical: "Long live the Grand Duke! Long live the Grand Duchess and the whole family!" However, it is important that even this part of the text was embedded in the overall narrative: the Grand Duke here appears not as a figure of traditional authority, but as a symbol of unity - a kind of "living banner" of a nation built on shared dreams.
