“Europe is too big to think small.” That was the message from ALDE Party President Svenja Hahn MEP at the Renew Europe Leaders’ Summit at Palais d'Egmont in Brussels last week.
Fourteen party leaders from across the ALDE Party family joined the summit, as well as three Prime Ministers and two European Commissioners. Click here to see the full list of summit attendees.
Liberal leaders are refusing to accept Europe’s limits as they stand. At a time of mounting geopolitical pressure and economic uncertainty, their message is that Europe needs the confidence to think bigger and to become a genuine superpower entity.
Dangerous world, stronger Europe
The summit came at a particularly tense geopolitical moment, with Russia’s war against Ukraine and its campaign of sabotage, cyberattacks and interference high on the agenda. A controversial US-Russia diesel trade deal added to concerns, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas describing it as a “gift to Putin”.
Recognising the stakes, Rob Jetten, Prime Minister of the Netherlands and leader of D66, said that: “We must continue to support Ukraine in every possible way: militarily, humanely, financially, legally, and politically.”
With this in mind ahead of the European Council, liberal leaders called for better protection of critical infrastructure, coordinated action against Russian hybrid threats and continued support for Ukraine through the winter months.
Disinformation, cyberattacks and threats to democratic institutions also make digital resilience essential to Europe’s security. Protecting citizens means defending not only territory, but also the values that hold Europe together.
Making Europe a global superpower
Security cannot be separated from economic strength. In 2010, the EU and US economies were roughly comparable in size, but the gap has since widened considerably. Europe cannot afford to accept a diminished role and needs an economy capable of funding its defence and reducing dependencies.
Crucially, that ambition must improve everyday life. With households squeezed by rising costs, liberals called for lower energy prices, less red tape and better economic opportunities. Hahn pointed to the record of liberals across Europe:
“Liberals deliver in 17 European governments and have a track record that shows how it’s done: less bureaucracy, lower bills, better jobs and a superpower Europe capable of protecting its citizens and leading in the world.”
Funding the ambition
As debate over the EU’s next long-term budget approaches, liberals want funding that reflects Europe’s responsibilities, from defence and support for Ukraine to AI and a stronger single market. The summit also highlighted the need for an enlarged EU to make decisions more effectively and democratically.
Liberal leaders left Brussels with a shared conviction that Europe has far more to offer than it too often allows itself to believe. Thinking big means having the courage to match that potential with action - and building a Europe that gives its citizens confidence in the future.