A vision of openness: Grand Duke Guillaume on Luxembourg’s place in the world

A nation’s strength lies not in its size, but in its ability to connect. Few embody this principle more fully than Luxembourg, a country whose openness to the world is both a source of prosperity and a reflection of its character. At the heart of this story stands Grand Duke Guillaume, whose 25 years of economic diplomacy have helped build Luxembourg’s bridges across continents.

On 3 October 2025, His Royal Highness Grand Duke Guillaume acceded to the throne, bringing with him more than two decades of experience promoting Luxembourg’s economy on the global stage. His path from Crown Prince to Head of State has been marked by a deep sense of service to his country, its people and its place in the world. 

As Honorary President of the Luxembourg Trade & Investment Board - a high-level platform uniting government, business and innovation leaders - the Grand Duke has long been at the forefront of Luxembourg’s economic diplomacy. The Board coordinates the country’s international promotion strategy and supports sustainable growth by helping companies expand abroad or invest in the Grand Duchy.

During his 25 years of service as Crown Prince, His Royal Highness played a leading role in promoting Luxembourg’s economy abroad. He led seventy trade and economic missions organised by successive governments and the Chamber of Commerce, opening new markets for Luxembourg’s businesses and introducing global investors to the country’s unique advantages including stability, innovation and a spirit of cooperation. Through these missions, he helped strengthen Luxembourg’s reputation as a trusted and forward-looking partner at the heart of Europe.
 
Now, at 43 years old, Grand Duke Guillaume brings this wealth of experience to a new chapter of national leadership. In this exclusive conversation with Crossroads Magazine, he reflects on 25 years of building bridges - between nations, people and ideas - and on how Luxembourg’s enduring openness continues to define its role at the heart of Europe.

Your Royal Highness, you have represented Luxembourg’s economy for 25 years. How do you look back on this journey?

H.R.H. the Grand Duke: These 25 years have been a journey of service and gratitude, one that showed me how deeply Luxembourg’s openness inspires trust and collaboration around the world. Every mission and every encounter has been an opportunity to witness the creativity, determination and talent of our entrepreneurs and skilled workforce.

Promoting Luxembourg abroad has never been solely about economic diplomacy. It has also always been about human connections. Our success is built on trust, enduring partnerships, and a shared belief that even small nations like ours can have a global impact when we act with integrity, openness and vision.

Luxembourg is one of the most open economies in the world. What does openness mean to you?

Openness defines who we are as a nation. We listen, we cooperate and we build trust. In Luxembourg, openness goes beyond trade and investment: it reflects a mindset that welcomes dialogue, inclusion and responsibility.

Openness defines who we are as a nation.
HRH Grand Duke Guillaume

Our economy is among the most international in the world, yet it remains firmly anchored in the rule of law, fairness and respect for others. This combination of openness and stability has allowed us to adapt, to innovate and to stay competitive in a rapidly changing global landscape.

You often describe Luxembourg as a “bridge-builder”. Could you elaborate?

Luxembourg’s role as a bridge-builder lies at the heart of its identity. Our country’s location at the centre of Europe has shaped a culture of dialogue and compromise. These are qualities that have become part of our national DNA.

To me, being a bridge-builder means connecting people, ideas and values. Luxembourg’s strength lies in uniting, in listening and then finding common ground. Whether in business, diplomacy or daily life, we aim to foster cooperation and understanding - because bridges built on trust and dialogue are the strongest foundations for peace and prosperity.

Luxembourg’s multicultural society is unique. How does this diversity shape its success?

Our diversity is one of our greatest assets. Almost half of our population was born abroad, and more than 180 nationalities live and work together here. This extraordinary mix of cultures, languages and experiences gives Luxembourg its creative energy and resilience.

I firmly believe that diversity drives innovation and strengthens social cohesion.
HRH Grand Duke Guillaume

People who come to Luxembourg to work, invest or raise their families bring fresh perspectives and new ideas. I firmly believe that diversity drives innovation and strengthens social cohesion. It is a living example of how openness and inclusion can create a vibrant, forward-looking society where everyone contributes to our shared success.

How do you see the younger generation contributing to the future of Luxembourg’s international presence?

The younger generation is essential to shaping Luxembourg’s place in the world. They are more international, more connected, and more conscious of global challenges than any generation before them. Their openness to new ideas and their commitment to sustainability, innovation and dialogue will help Luxembourg continue to punch above its weight internationally.

They are more international, more connected, and more conscious of global challenges than any generation before them.
HRH Grand Duke Guillaume

I am deeply impressed by their creativity, their sense of purpose, and their belief that success must go hand in hand with responsibility. They are already helping to define the image of a modern Luxembourg, a country that is dynamic, inclusive and ready to engage with the world.

Europe and shared values seem central to your message. Why are they so important today?

Luxembourg’s history and prosperity are inseparable from Europe. As a founding member of the European Union, we have always believed that cooperation and shared values - democracy, solidarity, human dignity and the rule of law - are essential to lasting peace and prosperity.

In today’s uncertain world, those values are more relevant than ever. Only a Europe built on trust and solidarity can protect our way of life and inspire confidence globally. Luxembourg will continue to advocate for dialogue and compromise - and for a strong, united Europe that stays close to its citizens and true to its principles.

Looking ahead, what is your hope for Luxembourg’s next chapter?

Our future will depend on our ability to stay open to ideas, to people and to the world. I am confident that Luxembourg will continue to thrive as a country that combines economic ambition with social cohesion and environmental responsibility.

We have always succeeded by embracing innovation and change while staying true to our values. I believe our next chapter will be defined by sustainable growth, inclusiveness and the strength of our community spirit. Together, we can build a future that honours our past while opening new horizons for generations to come.

We have always succeeded by embracing innovation and change while staying true to our values.
HRH Grand Duke Guillaume

I will also continue to champion Luxembourg’s international economic outreach, building on my work of the past 25 years. Promoting our country as a hub for innovation, sustainability and responsible investment remains one of my personal priorities. While my duties as Head of State may not allow me to travel as frequently as before, I intend to dedicate as much of my time as possible to supporting economic missions abroad and to strengthening Luxembourg’s global voice.

At the moment, we are looking into how I can best continue this work, together with the government, within the context of my new responsibilities as Head of State.

Photo credits: Maison du Grand-Duc/Kary Barthelmey

 This article was originally published in Crossroads Magazine no. 8. Read the full edition below: