Xavier Bettel, the Mayor of Luxembourg paid a visit to President Werner Hoyer at the EIB’s headquarters on 8 May 2012. Mr Hoyer and Mr Bettel greeted each other. Xavier Bettel took up his post as Mayor of the city of Luxembourg at the end of November 2011, a few weeks before Werner Hoyer joined the EIB.
During this informal meeting, they addressed the challenges facing the city such as mobility and urban planning. President Hoyer pointed out how crucial it is to have easy and efficient transportation within the city and its suburbs. From the EIB alone, more than 1,000 employees commute every day between Luxembourg city and the Kirchberg district. Mr Hoyer, as a newcomer and a Rhineland neighbour, also expressed his appreciation of the hospitality that he has been enjoying.
Mr Bettel said that hosting EU institutions is important for Luxembourg. He considers it essential to have an on-going dialogue, stressing that he welcomes any suggestions.
Xavier Bettel, a 38 year-old lawyer, is one of the youngest mayors of a capital city. He has had an outstanding track record since he joined the Chamber of Deputies in 1999 at the age of 26. He has also been a member of the Communal Council since 2000 and was an alderman from 2005 to 2011.
Werner Hoyer was appointed President of the EIB by the Governors of the Bank - the 27 Ministers of Finance of the European Union - and the Bank’s Board of Directors, and he took up his post on 1 January 2012. Mr Hoyer was previously Minister of State at the Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany, responsible for European policy. He also was a Member of the Bundestag (German Parliament).