"Investing in Knowledge, Strategy, & Multilateralism is Key to a United and Peaceful Europe", Says Grand Duke of Luxembourg at IE University

Their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, visited IE University in Madrid, accompanied by Luxembourg’s Minister of Finance, and the Minister of the Economy, SMEs, Energy and Tourism. This visit forms part of the Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg visit to Spain, the first since Guillaume V and Stéphanie of Luxembourg assumed their duties last October. During their time at IE Tower, the Ducal couple met with Diego del Alcázar, CEO of IE University; Manuel Muñiz, Rector of IE University in Madrid; and Enrico Letta, Dean of IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs, among other members of the institution.

During the visit, the delegation toured IE Tower, IE University campus in Madrid, and took part in an open dialogue with students and faculty from Bachelor’s and Master’s programs across IE University’s six schools, representing 160 countries. Together, they exchanged perspectives on the challenges we face in a world transformed by technology and an evolving geopolitical landscape. 

During his address, the Grand Duke argued that Europe stands at a historic crossroads and must remain anchored in its founding values - democracy, the rule of law, solidarity and cooperation - in order to navigate growing geopolitical tensions and internal challenges: "Given today’s geopolitical landscape, unity is our greatest asset, and it is sustained by the firm belief that Europe’s strength lies in finding solutions together." He further stressed that investing in competitiveness, innovation, multilateralism and Europe’s youth is essential to safeguard peace, strengthen unity and ensure the future of the European project.

Moderated by Catherine de Vries, Vice-Dean of IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs, the conversation also featured senior members of the Luxembourg Government, including Gilles Roth, Minister of Finance; and Lex Delles, Minister of the Economy, SMEs, Energy and Tourism.

In their remarks, the ministers highlighted the importance of mobilizing private capital towards Europe’s strategic sectors and emphasized that Europe can no longer choose between economic strength, defense, and climate action, but must advance rapidly in all three areas while reinforcing political unity. They also discussed Luxembourg’s role as a financial hub and catalyst for long-term European investment, as well as the policy priorities guiding the country’s efforts in energy, sustainability, and the circular economy, including Luxembourg’s pioneering approach to mobility.

Manuel Muñiz, Rector of IE University in Madrid, said: "We are living through a period of structural geopolitical transformation. In such moments, Europe’s strength lies in its institutions, in its capacity for cooperation, and in the quality of leadership it cultivates. Hosting His Royal Highness the Grand Duke of Luxembourg at IE University reflects our commitment to fostering rigorous dialogue on Europe’s future and its role in a more uncertain international order."