On 14-15 March, national, regional and local liberals gathered at the 8^th European Summit of Regions and Cities in Bucharest, Romania to discuss the future of the European Union.

The members of the ALDE Group in the European Committee of the Regions together with young elected liberal politicians set out their views for renewing Europe and involving citizens. The outcome of the several debates was the Bucharest Declaration that sets out how local representatives want to shape the future of Europe.

ALDE CoR President and Mayor of Mechelen Bart Somers highlighted the importance of raising awareness among EU citizens, the youth in particular.

“If citizens do not feel part of the European construction, then European democracy has no future. Politicians at all levels of government have a responsibility to make this happen,” he said.

“There is much that mayors can do to protect the pillars of local democracy from authoritarian leaders.”

Women making a difference at local level, active subsidiarity and Brexit were also among the key topics of the Summit.

Learn more about the Summit on ALDE CoR's website.