After 14 parties came together from across eight countries in 1976, liberals built something that never existed before: a cross-border political family in Europe. Now, 50 years later, we are kicking off another Congress.
Today, ALDE Party’s 50th anniversary Congress began by highlighting the future leaders of our movement. From Belgium, Estonia, Denmark, Austria and more, our young liberal leaders span across Europe and are ready to shape the future.
ALDE Party President Svenja Hahn MEP opened the Congress by highlighting the relevancy of liberal ideas today:
“People sometimes ask me if liberal ideas are still needed today or if liberal solutions still work in today’s world. There is just one answer; Yes, they do! Wherever liberals lead, things just get done,” Hahn proclaimed.
She went on to spotlight liberal reforms taking place across Europe. From Estonia’s advanced digital society and Ireland’s open economy to the Netherland’s free trading economy and Ukraine’s innovation – each country has a liberal leader making a difference in national politics.
Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin then sent the Congress a video message, speaking about the importance of liberal democracy, just days after Ireland started its EU Council Presidency:
“Europe continues to face profound global challenges while the extremes undermine the democratic consensus that binds us. There is no such thing as an illiberal democracy. True leadership is defending free speech, human rights and the rule of law even when its uncomfortable.”
Next to speak was President of Renew Europe Group Valerie Hayer, who urged liberals to remain proud in the face of hatred from both internal and external forces:
“It is not an accident that people from every corner of the world want to come and live in Europe. It is because we built a liberal world, let's never forget that. The fact that this European family has existed without interruption since 1976, we must be proud.”
Lastly, NEOS Leader and Austria’s Minister for International and European Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger, who led her party into government for the first time, spoke about an optimistic liberal vision for the future:
“The EU has the potential to become a real global player. If we do not believe in ourselves then take the words of Mark Carney who said the next world order will be built out of Europe – and he said that Canada will be part of this effort.”
The opening session concluded with a powerful performance by Ukrainian opera singers Alex Luna and Tetiana Miyus, who used the occasion to raise funds in support of Ukraine.
It was a fitting close to the Congress opening and served as a reminder that Europe's liberal movement remains united in defending democracy, freedom and a more resilient Europe.
Click here to watch our 50th anniversary video which was exclusively debuted at this weekend's Congress. You can also rewatch the opening session below: