The ALDE Party eCongress was officially opened on Friday 11 June, starting with a tribute in honour of the late ALDE Party President Hans van Baalen who passed away after short illness on 29 April.

ALDE Party acting co-Presidents Senator Timmy Dooley and Ilhan Kyuchyuk MEP delivered short speeches during the opening ceremony, reflecting on the immense contribution of Hans van Baalen to the liberal family.

The President of the Renew Europe Group Dacian Cioloș also attended the opening ceremony through a video contribution.

“Our world has come to a standstill because of COVID-19 and it has affected each and everyone of us, in every aspect of our lives. We are finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel, but we have suffered a lot, collectively and individually,” Ciolos noted, thanking the workers in essential sectors for their tireless work.

"The Renew family is fully engaged to renew our union, and it gives me great pleasure that our ALDE Party family is side by side with us in this fight," he concluded.

Moreover, European Commission Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager greeted the Congress participants through a special video message. 

"Our liberal family has a lot to be proud of. We have achieved so much in Europe since we last met in Athens in October 2019," Vestager greeted the audience, listing some of the liberal achievements across Europe and at all levels of government.

“One thing is for sure – we must not rebuild the world as we knew it before. We must renew, build better and stronger,” she said.

Did you miss the ALDE eCongress opening session? Don’t worry, you can re-watch it here or below.

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