As we approach ALDE Party’s 50th anniversary date, it is a good time to look back on some liberal achievements over the years. From 1976 to 2026: let's honour 50 years of liberal Europe together.
Because we know that there is greatness behind us, but even greater things ahead.
Liberals Unite
We choose unity and liberal values, founding a European party with the Stuttgart Declaration on 26 March 1976.
The first European liberal party is born.
Liberal Leadership
We choose a shared path at our first Congress in The Hague, electing Gaston Thorn - our first President and later President of the European Commission.
In 1979, Gaston Thorn became ALDE’s first President, with Florus Wijsenbeek as Secretary General. Liberals won 14% of votes in the first direct European Parliament elections, and Simone Veil became the Parliament’s first female President (1979-1982).
Reuniting Europe
We choose a Europe that is united, peaceful, and strong. Liberal leaders played a key role in ending the Cold War, reunifying Germany, and driving the historic 2004 enlargement.
In 1989, Hans-Dietrich Genscher and Jiří Dienstbier symbolically cut the Iron Curtain, marking the beginning of a new Europe. In 2004, Pat Cox welcomed ten new countries into the European Union, one of the Union’s most historic enlargements.
Securing Europe
We choose security for Europe. Two of our long-serving Prime Ministers were entrusted to lead NATO. In critical moments, liberals have stood for stronger European defence.
Anders Fogh Rasmussen and Mark Rutte served as NATO Secretaries General, while ALDE member parties Keskusta, SFP, Centerpartiet and Liberalerna championed Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO in 2023 and 2024.
Liberal Campaigns
We choose leaders who stand for an open, democratic, and united Europe. In the 2014, 2019 and 2024 European elections, we ran campaigns with this shared vision.
Across three European elections, liberals campaigned on a shared vision of an open, democratic and united Europe, strengthening cooperation between liberal parties across the continent.
Liberal Power
We choose to lead in Europe. Our liberal European Commissioners have driven a more ambitious Union - and our Prime Ministers have shaped its course.
In 2017, ALDE Party celebrated the milestone of eight liberal Prime Ministers, reflecting the influence of liberal leadership in shaping European policy and direction.
Power Reimagined
We choose empowerment. For over a decade, the Alliance Of Her has supported hundreds of brave women.
Since 2015, the Alliance Of Her has empowered hundreds of women in politics, highlighting their stories and promoting equality and representation across Europe.
Standing Strong
We choose courage and collective strength to keep Europe safe and stand with Ukraine against Russian aggression.
In 2014, liberal leaders stood on Maidan Square in Kyiv in support of Ukraine. Visits and missions continued throughout the war, including meetings with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and liberal leaders supporting Ukraine on the ground.
Courage for Democracy
We choose politics powered by courage, with liberals defending democracy on the streets and protecting Europe from populism and fear.
Liberal leaders and parties have stood with citizens protesting for democracy and the rule of law across Europe, including in Slovakia, Georgia and Bulgaria, often in the face of corruption, repression and imprisonment.
Freedom to Love
We choose equality as a cornerstone of our politics, defending LGBTQIA+ rights against authoritarian bans.
Many of our liberal leaders have marched at Pride events from Brussels to Budapest, standing against discrimination and authoritarian restrictions.