A quarter of a century of stability: 25 years of Grand Duke Henri's reign
In October 2000, Luxembourg experienced an important historical moment: Grand Duke Henri took the throne. A quarter of a century has passed since then and the country is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his reign, which has come to symbolise continuity, adaptation and a quiet but tangible transformation.
Henri came to power at a time when Luxembourg was already a recognised financial centre of Europe, but he had to strengthen the country in the new reality of globalisation and European integration. In the first years of his rule, it was the European agenda that became key: Luxembourg not only consolidated its place in the European Union, but also became one of the voices shaping the common European policy.
Symbolically, it was during this period that the most important stages in the deepening of the European project took place: the introduction of the euro, the enlargement of the EU and the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty. Grand Duke Henri actively supported European integration, which strengthened the country's image as a reliable and constructive partner.
Domestically, the years of his rule have been associated with social and cultural modernisation. Luxembourg became more open to issues of equality, diversity and sustainable development. Attention was paid to education, innovation and health, areas that were to ensure the country's competitiveness and social cohesion in the 21st century.
A special place in Henri's image is his role as a "soft diplomat". He actively represented Luxembourg on the international stage, from meetings with state leaders and diplomatic forums to trips to countries where the Grand Duke stressed the values of dialogue and cooperation. At the same time, his style always remained restrained, without grand gestures, but with a clear emphasis on humanism and solidarity.
The personal aspects must not be forgotten. Henri's image as head of state is inextricably linked to that of the family: the Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and the children of the ducal couple have always been at the centre of public attention, embodying tradition and continuity.
Today, 25 years later, Luxembourg sees Henri's reign as an era of stability and gradual modernisation. It was not an explosive, but an evolutionary process - as measured as the Duke's style.
The anniversary is an occasion to reflect on the future of the monarchy in Luxembourg. But it is also an opportunity to assess the path the country has travelled under the leadership of a man who, while remaining in the shadow of high-profile politics, has managed to preserve the most important thing - public trust and institutional stability.
