Brussels, 27.10.25 – Relearning the Language of Power: Liberal Leaders Call for a “Superpower Europe” at 45th ALDE Party Congress.
“Europe either steps up to become a global superpower or we fade into irrelevance,” declared ALDE Party President Svenja Hahn.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission underscored Europe's defining moment:
“Europe is more capable of playing the geopolitical game if we are working together," she said. "This is why enlargement is crucial. The windows of opportunity open only for a short time, so we need to use this moment to push progress."
European liberals unveiled the Brussels Declaration, a political roadmap co-signed by the Presidents of the ALDE Party, Mouvement Réformateur (MR) and Open VLD, setting out a vision to strengthen Europe’s role in security, the economy and diplomacy.
Other high-profile European leaders included: Kristen Michal, Prime Minister of Estonia; Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement; Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg; and Renew Europe Group President Valérie Hayer.
The weekend’s Great Debates explored how Europe can assert itself as a genuine global power, in line with the Brussels Declaration. "Now is the time for a bold, confident, liberal agenda for Europe," said Belgian MR President Georges-Louis Bouchez, urging:
"If Europe wants to become a superpower it has to stop being a super-conference. Leadership does not come from bureaucracy, but a ballot box. Trying to enlarge the EU with this current form of governance would be political suicide."
Frédéric De Gucht, newly elected President of Open VLD, echoed the call for renewed ambition:
“The real challenge is mindset. For too long Europe has doubted itself. We built rules when we should’ve built opportunities. That hesitation must end now. Europe needs audacity, risks and leadership again.”
Delegates adopted seven urgency resolutions addressing some of the most pressing challenges: from digital privacy, political violence, to the situation in Gaza and support for Ukraine - among others.
Eleven further resolutions were passed, including calls to strengthen EU democratic resilience, accelerate enlargement, promote tech innovation and bolster Europe’s defence industry.
The full resolutions can be accessed on the ALDE Party website here.
Elections to the ALDE Bureau saw the re-election of Vice-Presidents Malik Azmani (VVD, Netherlands), Dan Barna (USR, Romania), Eva Kjer Hansen (Venstre, Denmark), and Treasurer David Burke (Fianna Fáil, Ireland).
The Congress concluded with the Liberal Awards: with Ines Holzegger named Rising Star, while Liberal of the Year went to the Serbian Students (Davor Stefanović, Srđan Đurić and Mladen Cvijetić) for their commitment to liberal democratic values.
As the Congress closed, ALDE Party President Hahn summed up the mood:
"Without power our values will not survive. Another Europe is possible, a confident and united Europe that can shape its own destiny."
Liberals leave Brussels determined to turn Europe’s potential into a global superpower.
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