European Liberals Expand: New Member Parties Join at Vilnius
ALDE Council meeting in Vilnus / aldeparty.eu
As part of our efforts to keep Filipino liberals informed about the activities of our international counterparts, we bring you updates from recent events involving our global partners. These activities reflect the shared values and objectives that the Liberal Party of the Philippines upholds.
Liberal Leaders Gather in Vilnius
On June 21-22, 2024, liberal leaders and partners from across Europe convened in Vilnius, Lithuania, for the ALDE Party Council meeting. The event saw over 200 participants engaging in discussions on the outcomes of the 2024 European elections and various priority issues on the liberal agenda.
The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) is a European political party that represents liberal and democratic values. It brings together member parties from across Europe that share a commitment to promoting individual freedoms, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. ALDE works to influence European policies and foster cooperation among liberal parties to advance these principles.
Keynote Address by Didier Reynders
European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders, who earlier this year announced his candidacy for the post of Secretary General of the Council of Europe, addressed the members.
“It’s very important to work together on a common European space of values and continue to modernise the system of the European Convention of Human Rights. We are the most efficient political family to promote the values of rule of law and human rights; they are part of our DNA,” Reynders said.
New Members and Membership Upgrades
A significant highlight of the event was the welcoming of the Georgian party Droa! as a new affiliate member of the ALDE Party. Founded in May 2021 by Elene Khoshtaria, former Deputy Minister of the State Ministry for Euro-Atlantic Integration of Georgia, Droa! (which translates to "It’s time!") advocates for a European, democratic Georgia, free from Russian influence and occupation. The party champions the rule of law, freedom of speech and expression, and the protection of minority rights.
In addition, two member parties, Girchi – More Freedom (Georgia) and Acció (Andorra), upgraded their membership from affiliate status to full. These changes reflect the dynamic and growing nature of the liberal political family.
For a complete list of ALDE Party member parties, visit the ALDE Party members page.
Urgency Resolutions Passed
The council also passed three urgency resolutions: supporting sustained military and political aid for Ukraine, addressing the authoritarian and anti-European shift in Georgia, and advocating for political prisoners in Russia.
The resolutions can be accessed in detail on the ALDE Party resolutions page.
Closing Remarks and Future Gatherings
As the council meeting concluded, Liberal International President Hakima El Haite remarked, “There are very few liberals and democrats worldwide fighting for our values. In our new group of MEPs, I see hope: you are those who can teach the world that we have people with human values.”
Looking ahead, members and delegates are set to gather at the upcoming ALDE Party Congress on October 4-6 in Estoril, Portugal.
For a glimpse into the Party Council meeting, check out the pictures from Vilnius.
Strengthening Our Liberal Movement in the Philippines
This post, based on an ALDE Party update, underscores the vibrant and active liberal movements worldwide, aligned with the principles and aspirations of the Liberal Party of the Philippines. Stay tuned for more updates on our international partners' activities and how they inspire our local advocacy.
By keeping abreast of these global developments, we hope to strengthen our own efforts and continue to champion liberal democracy in the Philippines.