Preparing for the Information Society: the ELDR presented its views on this decisive issue and highlighted in particular the need to liberalise the telecommunication market, to boost competition, to create new productive jobs, to educate for the information society, to broaden democracy and to protect the citizen.

The Vienna Declaration: defines the liberal position on the major challenges facing us at the eve of the 21st century, among these are the enlargment of the Union the need for reforms of the Union (Common Foreign Policy and Justice and Home Affairs), the protection of the environement, the fight against intolerance and getting ready for the information society. On a larger scale, Europe should play an active role in promoting development, stability, peace, democracy and human rights throughout the world.

Urgency resolutions were taken on Kosova, on Northern Ireland, on Slovakia and on the situation in Turkey.

New Affiliate Member

At the meeting of the 13th September 1996, the Council accepted the application for affiliate membership of the Democratic Party of Cyprus, DIKO.

The PSD leaves the ELDR

In November 1996, the PSD deceided to leave both the ELDR Party and the ELDR Group, to join the EEP, the Group of the Party of the Christian Democrats in the European Parliament.

New Affiliate Member

On the 6th December 1996, Council accepted the application of the United Democrats of Cyprus.

Two working Groups are set up

The working group on Social Policy started working on the 29 November 1996 under the chairmanship of Luc Coene, Senator (VLD) and will present its findings in May 1997.

The Council at its meeting of the 6th December 1996 decided to set up a Programme Committee aimed at preparing the electoral programme for the 1999 European elections.

Members of the Lega Nord leave the ELDR Group

Four Members of the Lega Nord left the Group at the beginning of 1997. On the other hand, two Italian MEP's decided to join the ELDR Group. The Group now comprises 41 members.

Two Affiliates become full members

At the Council meeting on 4th April 1997, two affiliate members: the Alliance of Free Democrats - SzDSz of Hungary and the Hungarian Civic Party - MPP-MOS of Slovakia were accepted as full members after five years of affiliate membership. This is foreseen in article 7 of the Statutes of the ELDR Party. Furthermore, the Council accepted the application of the Coexistence Movement of Slovakia as affiliate member.