This year's ALDE Congress took place at the
Convention Center in Dublin, Ireland from Thursday 2 to Saturday 4 June. The
Congress provided an opportunity for delegates; Prime Ministers, Members of the
European Parliament, Members of Parliament and Policy Advisors to come together
to discuss and discuss today's political challenges for Europe and the world.
We look back at a successful weekend. On Thursday evening, Malik Azmani, Faction Leader of the VVD at the European Parliament and First
Vice-President of Renew Europe, gave a strong opening speech at the reception
on Thursday evening. His speech was about the urgent need for a strong and
united Europe. In addition, he warmly welcomed the delegates from Ukraine and
emphasized our support.
Furthermore, with the Rainbow Platform, of which
the VVD is a co-founder, the Dublin Declaration has been signed for more LGBTQ+
representation in politics. On behalf of the VVD, Lennart Salemink (Delegation Leader),
Roelien Kamminga (Member of Parliament), and Joost Dijkshoorn (Policy Advisor) signed
the Dublin Declaration for LGBTQ+ representation in Europe. Before signing the declaration,
Lennart gave a speech in which he told a story that was very close to his heart.
In his speech, he underlined why it is important to have role models in
politics in order to avoid people from feeling different and excluded.
Additionally, the ALDE Party Congress hosted a series
of high-level debates in which liberal leaders addressed some of the most
important challenges of our time. The first debate, called “Powering Europe
into the future: towards a sustainable, secure, and independent system”
addressed the future of Europe’s energy supply in the context of the climate
emergency and the war in Ukraine. In the second debate, titled “War in Ukraine
- European security and migration challenges”, panellists discussed the
consequences of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine from different perspectives. The
last debate, named “Politically engaged liberal women – the biggest fear of
autocratic regimes”, explored the role of politically active women in opposing
autocratic regimes and advancing liberal democracy. The panel discussions were
of high quality in which liberal priorities for the future of Europe were reflected
and debated upon.
The Congress, also, gave the
opportunity to elect a new President and five Vice-Presidents. For the first
time, the ALDE party opted for a co-presidency. Congratulations to Ilhan
Kyuchyuk MEP (MRF, Bulgaria) and Senator Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fáil, Ireland) who
won the ALDE Party Bureau elections and became Co-Presidents. We would also
like to congratulate Deputy Mayor of the 2nd district of Budapest Dániel Berg
(Momentum, Hungary), Baroness Sal Brinton (Liberal Democrats, United Kingdom),
Svenja Hahn MEP (FDP, Germany), Holos Party Leader Kira Rudik (Holos, Ukraine),
and Annelou van Egmond (D66, The Netherlands) who have been elected as
Vice-Presidents.
In the Council meeting, the delegates
welcomed 4 new full members and 1 affiliate member, among other things. We are
happy to welcome Centar (Croatia), Iniciativa Liberal (Portugal), Lelo 2020
(Georgia), and Sluha Narodu - servant of the people - the party founded by
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Ukraine), as full members and Girchi - More
Freedom (Georgia) as an affiliate member of ALDE Party.
Last but not least, we considered the legacy of
Hans van Baalen. To commemorate his legacy, together with Hans' wife Ineke and
son Robert, we handed out the first Hans van Baalen medal to Ukrainian
President Zelensky. The medal was well received by the Ukrainian Deputy Prime
Minister Olga Stefanishyna.
In sum, our team has worked hard behind the scenes to secure the organization with the
VVD delegation and ALDE.
We look
back on a successful event and are excited about the future and we are thrilled
to move forward together and strengthen liberal unity in Europe!