Yuriko Backes does not exclude weapon production in Luxembourg

« In Luxembourg we had to rethink the number again. In 2030, it was simply no longer possible, » emphasized Minister of Defense Yuriko Backes (DP) On Monday morning on RTL. In doing so, she admitted that Luxembourg had come under pressure due to the currently low expenses. « This is a lot of money that we have to invest, » said Backes.

« We cannot be the only ones who are not showing solidarity. That was not an option for us, » she emphasized. A contribution of five percent, of which NATO is already mentioned, would be over three billion euros at Luxembourg. A sum that is « very difficult » for Luxembourg.

You have to pay attention to what exactly falls under this investment. According to the minister, you have to concentrate on the capacities and pay attention to what is really needed. These discussions are already underway and must be treated in the Hague in the course of the NATO summit.

As far as the planned projects are concerned, the law on GOV-SAT2 should be completed by the end of the year. Ukraine is to be supported. Research and development should be promoted so that projects can be financed from which the Luxembourg companies also benefit.

There are already 110 companies in Luxembourg that offer products and services in the field of defense. Three years ago there were only 43. In the next three to five years, around 2,000 jobs could be created in this area, Philippe Glaesen, President of the « Lux4defense » working group, emphasized on Monday morning In an interview with 100.7.

According to Glaesener, this could be possible by the fact that entire production and supply chains will be built up in the coming years. This is possible because the government has « very large ambitions » to support the economy. « We clearly rely on the fact that part of the defense spending is used to create jobs, » continued Glaesener.

He added: « This is a very strong ambition. » However, one must be aware that the budgets in this regard are increased not only in Luxembourg, but also abroad. Accordingly, one will also strive to market the products created and produced in this country beyond the borders.

Weapons « Made in Luxembourg »?

Overall, both Yuriko Backes and Philippe Glaesener emphasized the defense measures of the economy a great opportunity – especially in the field of research and innovation. This opportunity is now to be used: the strong research area should be expanded to develop products that can also be produced by the Luxembourg economy.

When asked whether ammunition and tanks were built in this country, the Glaesener gave a rather unclear answer: « A priori does not do that, the big players abroad do that. » In conversation with RTL, Yuriko Backes, on the other hand, underlined that « our legislation does not allow we can produce weapons ».

« Let’s rethink that. We are working on a strategy for the defense industry. » The minister did not want to rule out the question of whether weapons in Luxembourg will really be made in the future.

The companies that already work in the defense area are active in the core competencies that Luxembourg has expanded in recent years: cyber, space and artificial intelligence. In addition, products for the civilian area and for defense that are delivered to companies abroad are manufactured. This will be expanded even further in the future. « This will ensure even more economic growth and innovation in Luxembourg in the coming years, » emphasized Glaesener.