I. Context of Luxembourg’s defence policy Today, the European and transatlantic security order is being challenged. The norms of international law are disputed, even flouted. Europe is facing a huge migration crisis compounded by a humanitarian tragedy. The threat of radical and violent extremism is spreading, and terrorism plagues even Luxembourg’s neighbour countries. Luxembourg is spared neither the threat of extremism nor the attraction of violent ideologies for young people struggling to find their way. This scourge, which has developed on the periphery of Europe in the wake of disintegrating regional and local orders, is capable of striking at the heart of our societies. Potentially just as dangerous, emerging threats such as cyber attacks and hybrid threats (which often have a cyber component) are less direct and sometimes less visible, making it very difficult to identify the assailant and produce a response. Faced with these threats, our societies must harden their resilience, i.e. their ability to withstand all kinds of external attacks and blows, particularly in asymmetrical form, and to guarantee that the State and its public services will continue to function. The answers to these complex challenges can only be effective if they derive from holistic, interdepartmental, multidisciplinary and international approaches. A. Defending Luxembourg Luxembourg’s geographical location, territorial integrity and size have always influenced our country’s history and foreign and security policy. Luxembourg cannot isolate itself from the international arena, nor has it ever wished to. Our country has opted for peace and effective multilateralism. Luxembourg’s sovereignty is guaranteed by the absolute observance – by all – of the rules governing relations between States. The security and defence of our territory are dependent upon the security of our neighbours, of the EU and of NATO, and upon stability in the world. In the age of globalization, Luxembourg’s vital interests cannot be defended at our immediate borders only. Its economic prosperity and security interests are both dependent upon free and safe access – assured by international law – to resources and goods common to all nations (known as global commons). For confirmation, one needs only think of space, which is essential for our space industry, of access to international waterways, which is fundamental for our maritime flag, of energy supplies, or indeed of trade exchange, climate, airspace, cyberspace; all of these domains are vital for our security and essential for the proper functioning of a knowledge-based and services economy that is dynamic and open to the world. On account of its political, economic, cultural and social openness, Luxembourg is vulnerable and exposed to the risks affecting its external environment. Luxembourg cannot single-handedly preserve its territorial integrity, the safety of its population, its prosperity, its independence and its sovereignty. International developments and the many 12