European liberals presented a new statement committing to build a more united European defence at the official opening of the first day of the ALDE Party Council meeting.
Over the two-day event in Helsinki, held in collaboration with ALDE Party members SFP and Keskusta in Finland under the theme “Securing Tomorrow”, liberal leaders will discuss the current security and defence challenges in Europe.
In her opening speech, ALDE Party President Svenja Hahn focused on the protagonist role that Europe needs to assume to fill the gaps left by an increasingly isolationist US administration.
“The Helsinki Statement reflects on adopted ALDE Party policy: because our family is in the driving seat when it comes to security. We need to take decisive steps towards a stronger and safer Europe. The EU must rise to become an economic superpower, a defence superpower and a diplomatic superpower, not for the sake of power but for the sake of surviving as a democracy. We need a united front to defend democracy against autocracies,” said President Hahn.
“Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has been a wake up call for Europe, and a brutal one that came far too late. Europe and the world needs liberals and democrats today more than ever: this creates opportunity but also challenges for us. We have to get our own act together, focus on what unites us and understand we cannot demand perfection in all decisions that lead us forward,” added SFP leader Anders Adlercreutz.
“For Keskusta, Securing Tomorrow means building a future which is secure, sustainable, free and fair for all. ALDE Party is the voice of pragmatic optimism in an age of extremes: it is the engine of cooperation among liberals and centrists across borders. It is now our task to ensure that our voice remains strong and present in Europe's future,” concluded Keskusta leader Antti Kaikkonen.
In the Helsinki Statement, signed by the ALDE Party President and our Finnish member party leaders, European liberals commit to boost our economic power, stand with Ukraine whatever it takes, protect our digital frontline and build a united front against autocracy.
“The ALDE Council theme “Securing tomorrow” is a reflection of the challenge of our time and a call to action. Europe must act now or risk irrelevance. The EU must rise as a superpower. European liberals are fighting for a Europe that protects its people, inspires hope and leads with conviction. A Europe that is safe to live in, where democracy is defended, and where everyone can thrive without fear,” said the statement.
Read the full statement below.
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