The Historical Context of Luxembourg's Decision: To Join Germany or France
For centuries, Luxembourg has been caught in the tangle of complex historical alliances and geopolitical strategies. The country's decision to join Germany in 1940, without any say in the matter, is a testament to the tumultuous period of World War II. Even then, residual resentment lingered due to the forced provisions that prevented Luxembourgers from joining the German army. However, the question remains: would Luxembourg rather join Germany or France?
Historical Alliances and Iron Ore Wealth
The answer is complex, often influenced by the historical and economic context. There have been times when both Germany and France showed interest in integrating Luxembourg. The one-time vast iron ore wealth and strategic location made Luxembourg a valuable asset to many nations, including the United Kingdom and Russia. These nations recognized the importance of keeping Luxembourg as an independent entity rather than integrating it into either Germany or France.
Before World War I, Luxembourg had a natural inclination towards Germany. This preference was driven by the perception that Germany was the country of the future, and the native Luxembourg language shared similarities with German. However, World War I changed the timeline drastically, altering the geopolitical dynamics and reducing Luxembourgers' inclination towards Germany.
Current Relationships and Identities
When asked if Luxembourg would be comfortable joining either Germany or France, the response is often a resounding no. The reason behind this is multifaceted. Luxembourg is already deeply intertwined with the "Benelux" union, a group of three countries that share cultural and economic ties—Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. This informal unity provides Luxembourg with a sense of comfort and relevance.
Additionally, Luxembourgers might feel more at ease in a personal union with Belgium, a country that is "only" ten times larger. The cultural and linguistic similarities make such a transition more palatable compared to the perceived insignificance of Luxembourg as a part of either Germany or France. Joining France would make Luxembourg a département, while joining Germany would reduce it to a mere land territory, leading to a loss of identity and autonomy.
Germany and France’s Perspectives
From the perspectives of Germany and France, the idea of integrating Luxembourg is not on the table. Germany, while historically interested, understands that Luxembourg's unique cultural and economic identity is best preserved by keeping it as an independent entity. Similarly, France would not see substantial benefit in integrating Luxembourg, given the smaller size and distinct cultural identity of the country.
Conclusion
Summarizing the opinions, most discussants agree that Luxembourg would prefer to remain as it is, maintaining its identity within the Benelux union rather than becoming a part of Germany or France. The country's historical context, cultural ties, and economic ties with its neighbors provide stability and security for Luxembourgers.