Luxembourg's diplomatic clout grows stronger every year. Its voice carries further and further afield, but less and less within its own borders.
Independent for barely two centuries, Luxembourg has constantly sought to overcome its modest size by forming alliances with its neighbours. Before the Grand Duchy really took control of its alliances in the aftermath of the Second World War, first within the Benelux countries and then within the European Communities, this alliance was imposed within the German Confederation.
At the heart of the Europe of 6 to that of 27, the Grand Duchy has found a natural playing field in which it feels at ease and speaks to everyone as an equal. An ideal configuration in which small countries prove invaluable for interceding, negotiating and building bridges when larger countries – dare we say more arrogant? – always oscillate between cooperation and rivalry. It is no coincidence that Luxembourg has given three Presidents of the Commission to European integration.
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