Brussels, 24.10.25
At the ALDE Party Congress, European liberal leaders will present the Brussels Declaration, a landmark vision outlining the liberal roadmap for Europe’s future. The declaration reaffirms ALDE Party’s commitment to defending democracy, strengthening the rule of law and securing prosperity in an increasingly uncertain global landscape.
Positioning Europe as a global superpower in defence, diplomacy, and geopolitics is at the heart of this declaration, ensuring the EU can protect its citizens, uphold its values and lead on the world stage.
The full text of the Brussels Declaration is available below:
In a world dominated by geopolitical instability, technological disruption, climate change and the rise of authoritarianism, Europe faces an urgent choice: unity, sovereignty and power or fragmentation, weakness and irrelevance.
For too long, Europe has been naïve and complacent. We outsourced energy, offshored industries and massively underinvested in defence. Russia’s war in Ukraine, energy blackmail and trade wars have been unmistakable wake up calls. They revealed a painful truth: Europe has not been able to anticipate the current world situation. Our security and prosperity are our own responsibility. No one else will do it for us. It is time to end European naivety; only strategic realism and courageous choices will allow Europe to protect its vital interests.
As liberals, we know that nothing is inevitable and believe another Europe is possible. An assertive Europe that defines its own destiny with unity, courage, determination and ambition. A divided Europe is a weak Europe. We must shape our future with purpose, act decisively against today’s threats and deliver prosperity and autonomy.
It is time to make Europe a global superpower.
Today in Brussels, the heart of Europe where our future is shaped every day, our European liberal family is ready to lead. We choose unity over division, realism over complacency and action over passivity. Only a real superpower Europe can protect its citizens and borders, safeguard its values and democracy and shape the world.
SHAPE: An Economic Superpower
Europe must once again be the magnet for innovation, investment and talent. “Made in Europe” must stand for excellence and innovation, not bureaucracy and overregulation. The EU needs drastic reforms to strengthen and complete the single market, reindustrialise and cut red tape. The EU must create an environment where ideas and investment can thrive. We must empower our people, reindustrialise, attract the best talent from within Europe and abroad, and give businesses the freedom to grow. Competitiveness can be restored with simplification, innovation and technological development. To revitalise innovation and investment, we need to reduce labour and investment taxes and reduce bureaucratic burdens. We must invest in clean and reliable energy including renewables and nuclear, lead in emerging technologies and AI and secure free trade agreements with our partners to strengthen our supply chains and expand our influence. Citizens and businesses deserve a Europe that backs them, not blocks them. A Europe that creates prosperity at home is a superpower that leads the global economy.
ACT: A Defence Superpower
Europe must be able to defend itself with strength, speed and unity. NATO remains the cornerstone of our defence, but we cannot depend on others forever. Our frontlines are no longer just on land; they are in our power grids, digital networks and technological infrastructure. We cannot afford to be caught unprepared again.
Recent unidentified drones breaching airspace across several EU countries have underscored how threats evolve faster than our collective response. Europe needs a clear, credible security strategy with defence and cyber defence cooperation and the necessary investments to make it real.
Fragmentation is our weakness. Europe must build its own capabilities right here at home and unite its defence industry. A Europe committed in defence means also a “single market” to consolidate our European defence industry and reduce fragmentation. We must develop common and stronger systems, foster innovation and remove barriers to cross-border cooperation. Cybersecurity must become Europe’s new frontier for sovereignty. A Europe that defends its people is a superpower that commands respect and ensures peace.
DELIVER: A DIPLOMATIC SUPERPOWER
The EU must speak with one strong voice and act in unity when it matters most. In a time when autocracies are challenging our democracies, we need institutional reform to make faster decisions, break the deadlock and get ready for future enlargement. We cannot let internal debates and vetoes lead to paralysis. The EU must become a true geopolitical superpower to be a reliable, trusted and respected global partner that has a say in the global stage. While autocrats spread fear, Europe must be a lighthouse of freedom and democracy, leading on the global stage. Europe must lead in trade and become an economic superpower again, while strengthening ties with its allies, support Ukraine, and stand by partners who share our values. A Europe that is united is a superpower that shapes the world.
THIS IS THE LIBERAL VISION FOR EUROPE:
Freedom, open societies, democracy and prosperity, but backed by real power.
Without strength, our values will not survive. Europe’s autonomy must be real and global, in industry, energy, agriculture, military and digital. Europe must become a global superpower that is independent from Moscow for energy, Beijing for technology and Washington for defence. We want partnership, not dependence.
Our European liberal family stands for freedom and are ready to defend it. We strive for peace, but we are not afraid of power.
This is the time. This is the challenge. Europe must unite. Europe must lead. Europe must rise as a global superpower.
Svenja Hahn President ALDE Party | Georges-Louis Bouchez President Mouvement Réformateur | Frédéric De Gucht President Open VLD |