Prime minister Xavier Bettel (DP) on Monday delivered a briefing following a cabinet meeting, which discussed the Ukraine crisis.
“There is war in Ukraine. There is war in Europe,” Bettel said. “It’s been five days marked by horror and violence, marked by fear and unimaginable suffering.”
Luxembourg on Monday morning had announced that it would send military aid to Ukraine, including anti-tank weapons, tents and jeeps. Over the weekend, the country had closed its airspace to Russian planes. It has also made €1m in emergency humanitarian aid available, with more support on the way.
However, as part of its sanctions against Russia, Luxembourg is now also reviewing its role in the distribution of RT, the state-backed news channel formerly marketed as Russia Today.
“Luxembourg has a big impact on the broadcasting of media with SES,” Bettel said during the press conference. The Luxembourg-based satellite operator helps broadcast RT as part of its network.
Media freedom is being abused by the Russian state as “part of an aggressive military act,” Bettel said. The PM, who also serves as media minister, said that upholding media freedom is fundamental but that RT “it is a weapon of the Russian state and a part of this war.”
The PM did not enter into details of how the government would intervene but said it is working with relevant players. A spokesperson for SES confirmed that it has been in talks with the government. Telecoms provider Post shortly after the press conference announced it had removed RT from its list of available channels.
“We are aware of discussions at the EU regarding sanctions associated with specific Russian channels and entities,” SES told Delano by email, saying the company would “abide by all European Union sanctions promptly. All channels broadcast by SES hold valid broadcasting licences currently but this could change as soon as new EU regulations are passed.”
EU commissioner Thierry Breton over the weekend had said “Russian propaganda is not welcome in Europe”, slamming RT’s coverage of the war in Ukraine. “Several EU media regulators took brave steps to ban Russia Today--others should follow,” he said, adding that he is discussing a “coordinated and close response” with the EU’s audiovisual media regulator ERGA.
“We await a clear position from the EU and SES will certainly comply with all applicable EU rules,” the satellite company said.
The Luxembourg state holds a 33% stake in SES through direct shares and ownership of the Spuerkeess and national lender SNCI, which each own just over 10% of the company.
The prime minister warned that sanctions against Russia would also cost Luxembourg, its businesses and financial centre. “Peace has a price. And we must be prepared to pay it.” But Luxembourg will keep up pressure on Russia”, Bettel said. “As a country, with our European partners, we reacted quickly and jointly.”
Visa free travel between Ukraine and Luxembourg continues, meaning any arrivals will be able to stay in the grand duchy for 90 days without requiring any further paperwork. The UN estimates that between four to seven million people will flee Ukraine under Russian aggression.
“We will show our solidarity,” Bettel said, adding that facilities to welcome refugees are being put in place and that temporary protections discussed at EU level should allow Ukrainians to legally stay in member states beyond 90 days as well as allowing them to work. “How long this conflict will last, nobody can say today.”
But while Ukraine has appealed for fast-tracked EU membership, Bettel said that this risked jeopardising the unity between member states currently on display. There are processes and procedures for EU accession specified in the EU treaties, the premier said, adding that there is, however, an outlook for EU membership under the rules in place.