The Congress theme was "New Horizons for Europe". In the spirit of this theme guests were invited from Central and Eastern Europe, they represented the emerging Liberal and Democratic parties in those countries that have started along the road to economic and political freedom.

A special round table discussion at the end of the Congress, constituted a continuation of the dialogue with these parties which the Executive Committee of the Federation and the LDR-Group had started at a meeting in Brussels, in March 1990. On that occasion representatives from Bulgaria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland and what was Eastern Germany, gave an account of the political developments in their countries.

A Congress resolution on the "Consequences for the European Community of the democratic developments in Central and Eastern Europe", was adopted by the Congress.

Emergency resolutions on the environment, Baltic States, terrorism in Northern Ireland and on Albania were also approved.

Colette Flesch retired on the completion of her term as President and Willy de Clercq MEP was elected as new President.

A new Executive Committee was elected by the Congress.

At the first meeting of the new Executive in July 1990, Sir David Steel retired as vice-president and Sir Russell Johnston was elected in his place. The other two vice-presidents were re-elected. The new Executive set up three working groups. The first was charged with making proposals for institutional development in the Community; the second to examine the structure of the ELDR in the light of the changing political scene in Europe; the third to examine environmental questions.

Mechthild von Alemann, having been elected to the European Parliament, stood down after more than five years of service. Mario David of the P.S.D. was appointed to succeed her.

New Treasurer

At their October 1990 meeting, the Executive elected a new Treasurer, Beatrice Rangoni Machiavelli of the P.L.I..

New Secretary General

In March 1991, after having been nominated to the post of Deputy Secretary General in the LDR-Group, Mario David left the post of Secretary General of the ELDR. Christian Ehlers (F.D.P.) was nominated as his successor by the ELDR Executive Committee.