More than 100 European Liberal Democrats gathered in Rome on 12-13 March 2010 for the ELDR Party Spring Council meeting. The ELDR Party welcomed the Armenian National Movement as the latest party to join ELDR as a full member. Delegates also participated in lively debates on migration, and the financial situation in Eurozone countries.

Additionally, the Council adopted a number of resolutions on themes including, the European External Action Service (EEAS); and regional elections in Russia and Italy. To see all the resolutions adopted click here. With regard to the EEAS, the ELDR Party wants to see the EU and the Member States setting aside self-interest and prejudice in order to build an efficient diplomatic instrument that is complimentary to national services. Baroness Catherine Ashton, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy is set to unveil her plans for the Service later this month and the ELDR Party will soon be issuing the latest in its series of Bulletins with our opinions on the EEAS and what it means for the EU.

On Saturday 13 March, host party, Italia dei Valori, organised an interesting presentation on fiscal amnesty in Italy to inform ELDR members of the differences between the example of Italy and other member states. European Layer, Giuseppe Giacomini, stated that the so-called "Tax Shield" in Italy allows Italians to anonymously repatriate money invested abroad with a tax of 5%. A complaint about this law was submitted to the European Commission last November with the belief that the Tax Shield is not compliant with EU legislation on VAT, state aid and money laundering.

A seminar about freedom of press in Europe was also hosted at the IdV headquarters. Amongst others speaking at the seminar was Jonathan Fryer, a freelance journalist and broadcaster from the UK. Fryer commented that media should be a neutral as possible and present both sides of a discussion and went on to discuss the changing trends in news reporting with reference to the role of online media and the demand for immediate and 24 hour news which enables people to gain a much broader understanding and knowledge of what's going on. Francesco Pardi, Italia dei Valori senator, talked about the challenges of ensuring fair and unbiased media regulation in Italy while Radicali Italiani Secretary General, Mario Staderini, commented on the need to support investigative journalism so as to make sure that accurate and reliable information is communicated.

To see more reaction from Rome:

- European and Italian Liberals close ranks ahead of regional elections

- Photo Gallery

Download the programme of the two-day event