On 30 November, ALDE Party Secretary General Didrik de Schaetzen took part in a roundtable debate to discuss pan-European political parties’ preparations for the upcoming European elections in 2024.

The discussion, hosted in Brussels by EURACTIV, saw Secretary Generals and Presidents from seven prominent pan-European parties engage in discussions about the future of Europe and its potential directions.

The seven panellists were quizzed on their parties’ main priorities for the 2024-29 EU agenda, the possibility of the EU achieving a strategic autonomy in the near future and the potential for Europe to become more attractive for large-scale investments.

"We need open strategic autonomy. It's going to get done because we have to do it." 💪

Our Secretary General @DdeSchaetzen joins today’s @eaPolitics debate on the 2024-2029 EU Agenda, covering key issues such as #EUGreenDeal, 🇪🇺 enlargement and the digital transition. pic.twitter.com/QAbPDJo1Io

— ALDE Party (@ALDEParty) November 30, 2023

de Schaetzen shared insights into the ALDE Party manifesto drafting process, including the various town hall meetings held in member states, and underlined the key role played by parties in actively listening to citizens.

“We drafted our manifesto by going to various places all over Europe where we met with NGOs, local people, industry representatives and think tanks. Our programme is based on two fears that our audience has – defence and security, and the financial situation we are facing,” he said.

“Our job is to listen. We want to be the party that knows how to gather the best information from our audience from all over Europe. The process is often complex and maybe a little bit longer, but if you listen and consult you get sustainable agreements and deals that really make the difference.”

“There are two things that come out: safety and security. These are elements that people are really concerned about,” remarks @DdeSchaetzen of @ALDEParty.#Agenda24to29

— Euractiv Politics (@eaPolitics) November 30, 2023