On the first day of the ALDE Party Congress in Stockholm, European Commission Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager and Vice-President Věra Jourová shared their perspectives on the liberal footprints in the von der Leyen Commission. The conversation was moderated by ALDE Party Vice-President Svenja Hahn MEP.

"It is very interesting to see what we have achieved as a team", Commissioner Vestager noted, and listed some of the key areas in which liberals have played a crucial role during the current mandate, including climate change and the rule of law. 

"Rule of law is not just something that you sign. It is a living foundation of everything we do. That is a very strong liberal footprint," she said.

"The values are something that keep us together. In addition to the rule of law, democracy, democratic elections, fundamental rights, the freedom of speech, equality - these are the values that keep us together and make us stronger," Commissioner Jourová noted and underlined the importance of the dialogue with the Member States.

On the upcoming goals and challenges that still remain, Commissioner Jourová mentioned the Media Freedom Act, which regulates the space for media: "The space for media is becoming very hostile [...] But we need a free, independent media in our democracies."

Moreover, Commissioner Vestager underlined the importance of completing a European regulation for AI. 

To effectively engage with the European citizens and voters, Commissioners had a clear view: trust and clear communication matter. 

"In gaining that trust, we need to show that we are present at people's lives and understand what is at stake," Commissioner Vestager noted.

"We should be able to sell better what the EU is doing. We need to make sure the product is relevant, it solves something for the people and that people understand it," Commissioner Jourová concluded.

You can watch a recording of the conversation on our Youtube channel or below.

“We cannot wait for more accountability in AI – this is now.”

🇪🇺 @vestager shares why an AI Code of Conduct is a remaining priority for this mandate period #ALDECongress pic.twitter.com/8hdARz6zdL

— ALDE Party (@ALDEParty) May 26, 2023

“There is a new word accompanying us in this Commission - courage. Courage to do unprecedented things under pressure.”
@VeraJourova on how liberals are making a mark in the European Commission 🇪🇺#ALDECongress pic.twitter.com/l64v3puRf9

— ALDE Party (@ALDEParty) May 26, 2023