Who will shape Europe's future in an era of geopolitical rivalry, AI competition and economic pressure? That question was at the root of the ALDE Party Council in Dublin.
Warmly welcomed by our Irish member party Fianna Fáil, the Council marks one of the closing events of ALDE Party's 50th anniversary year. Ireland provided a fitting location, with its remarkable economic story offering an inspiring example of European unity.
Going from the poorest country to join the European Economic Community in 1972 to becoming one of the bloc's strongest economic performers, Ireland’s experience embodies the transformative power of EU membership and the opportunities created by access to a single market of over 400 million people.
After rampant cyberattacks across Europe this week, the Council take place during the largest diplomatic undertaking in Irish history with European Political Community taking place in Dublin during Ireland’s Council presidency.
With this in mind, ALDE Party President Svenja Hahn MEP opened this year’s Council, calling for European confidence and strength, arguing that economic strength is a key part of ensuring future European freedoms and sovereignty.
“Europe cannot be politically independent if it becomes economically dependent. We cannot promise the next generation a better future if our economies are standing still. This is why competitiveness is not just another item on our political agenda, it is the foundation of our prosperity,” Hahn argued.
Our president also co-announced the Dublin Declaration alongside Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin, presenting a bold liberal vision for the future based on security, competitiveness and AI, cost of living, Ukraine and European democratic values.
Several Fianna Fáil leaders spoke, including EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne, Barry Andrews MEP and Billy Kelleher MEP reflecting on trade and the impact of the EU on Ireland’s trajectory.
The highlight of the day arrived with Taoiseach Martin’s keynote address, which reflected on Ireland's European political journey and the vitality of its EU membership as well as today’s informal leader summit and the discussions that took place on AI.
“Europe is and will remain a steadfast ally in the work of Ireland. The flame of democracy and European values remain strong.”
With the ALDE Party Council now well underway, day one set the tone for a weekend focused on building a European future with the economic engine to sustain democratic resilience and the ability to lead through such a tumultuous period of change.
Watch Friday’s opening session and speeches back through our live stream here.