On 24–25 September, the European Liberal Forum (ELF) held its Autumn General Assembly in Brussels, bringing together liberal think tanks, policymakers and partners from across Europe. Against a backdrop of global uncertainty and democratic backsliding, the gathering reaffirmed ELF’s role as a hub for liberal innovation, resilience, and cooperation.
The programme opened with an Innovation Policy Lab on migration and demography, organised with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Europe (FNF Europe). Experts from academia, business and civil society debated liberal responses to Europe’s demographic shifts, aiming to translate ideas into actionable policy recommendations. A welcome reception at the Belvue Museum followed, setting the tone for two days of collaboration and exchange.
Workshops on the second day looked at foresight methodologies, strategies for promoting liberal ideas and tools to strengthen Europe’s resilience. A dynamic session on European competitiveness then brought together leading business and policy voices, who stressed how to align innovation, cross-border mobility and industrial policy to bolster Europe’s place in the world.
ELF President Jan-Christoph Oetjen MEP delivered a clear message:
“Europe and us, liberals cannot afford business as usual.”
Echoing Mario Draghi’s warning that Europe’s growth model is “fading fast,” Oetjen urged bold action to safeguard Europe’s autonomy, democracy and economic strength. He underlined ELF’s proactive agenda, ranging from sustainable energy and clean transport to grid infrastructure and resource security, while calling for a reinvention of liberalism to reconnect with citizens and counter the far right.
A highlight of the General Assembly was the admission of The Youth NGO from Ukraine as ELF’s newest affiliate member. A think tank affiliated with ZeMolodizhka, the youth wing of Servant of the People, this addition reflects ELF’s commitment to amplifying Ukrainian voices and supporting their European aspirations.