German MP Philip Hoffmann Takes Helm of Belgian-Luxembourg Group in Bundestag

German CDU parliamentarian Philip Hoffmann has been elected chairman of the Belgian-Luxembourg parliamentary group in the Bundestag, a role he describes as that of a "parliamentary ambassador" fostering stronger ties with the two neighboring countries.

Hoffmann, who until recently was a cross-border worker himself, stressed his personal connection to Luxembourg: “I know Luxembourg well, because I was a cross-border worker until I entered Parliament in March, and I still cross the border every week.”

Border controls have been a sensitive issue in recent months. Reflecting on his own experience, Hoffmann welcomed the current joint checks carried out with Luxembourg as “the best solution to guarantee both security and flexibility.” While he dismissed the idea of scrapping controls altogether—warning it could open pathways for irregular entry via Luxembourg—he emphasized that risks from the Grand Duchy itself are minimal, adding warmly: “In Luxembourg, they are our friends.”

Beyond border issues, Hoffmann highlighted cooperation on taxation, economic activity, and cross-border trade. He remains optimistic about resolving disputes such as the taxation of overtime, which he noted is handled at the national level but regularly discussed bilaterally. Meetings with Luxembourg’s Ministers of Home Affairs, Léon Gloden, and of the Environment and Civil Service, Serge Wilmes, are scheduled for October.

As both a politician and a winemaker, Hoffmann also underlined the need to reduce red tape for businesses: “I produce a Luxembourgish-German crémant, but there is far too much bureaucracy for wine to cross borders.

Read More : Philip Hoffmann: A Parliamentary Ambassador for Germany and Luxembourg - The Bottom Line
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