Hilde Vautmans MEP was elected as the new President of the European Liberal Forum which convened virtually and physically in Rome for its General Assembly on Friday 25 September.

She succeeds Dr Jurgen Martens, a German member of the Bundestag, who served as President since 2016 and as Vice President since 2012. Speaking to delegates, he said: “The European Liberal Forum has grown exponentially in reach and impact throughout the past years. We have developed a European policy exchange platform; we have strengthened communications with members, and we work closer than ever with our political partners. Thank you for your cooperation and your engagement.”

ALDE Party President Hans van Baalen welcomed the news, tweeting:

Congratulations @hildevautmans with your election as the new President of @EurLiberalForum the EU Foundation of @ALDEParty . I am looking forward to working with you! Also a big thank you to outgoing President Jürgen Martens! 🇪🇺🤝 https://t.co/SmMkYOdOrI

— Hans van Baalen (@hansvanbaalen) September 25, 2020

In addition to the President, a new board was elected comprising: Svenja Hahn MEP as 1st Vice President, Dr Milosz Hodun as 2nd Vice President, Mats Löfström, Marco Mariani, Dr Šárka Prát, and Pieter Van de Stadt.

A big thank you to our outgoing President @juergen_martens and Board of Directors for their invaluable contribution to our goals and mission! @Mdlabajova @schmidtblogg @AirisMeier @GoranGN @CsabaTothDr

Check out the highlights of our General Assembly: https://t.co/2C0zy8SQfq pic.twitter.com/lRYOq7GcVa

— European Liberal Forum (@EurLiberalForum) September 29, 2020

"The world has advanced because of a more free system of society. Today, these #liberal values are under threat.

The historical lesson for Europe is one: we have to cooperate."

Inspiring words by @bjorklundjan, Ambassador of Sweden to Italy at our #GeneralAssembly #elf2020 pic.twitter.com/xuFWTzl1cE

— European Liberal Forum (@EurLiberalForum) September 25, 2020

We are delighted to host a truly hybrid #GeneralAssembly, with a complete online voting system for our members. Times are challenging, but that does not stop the liberal movement from growing stronger 💪#elfevent #elf2020 #liberals pic.twitter.com/ppXk7ZC7sE

— European Liberal Forum (@EurLiberalForum) September 25, 2020

The European Liberal Forum is the official political foundation of the ALDE Party. Together with 46 member organisations, they work all over Europe to bring new ideas into the political debate, to provide a platform for discussion, and to empower citizens to make their voices heard.

Photo credit: European Parliament 2020