Kosovo should be granted independence so that it can move away from the uncertainty and legal limbo in which it is confined. Independence accompanied with guarantees for the protection of minority rights will enable Kosovo to tackle important issues such as improving education and employment and move forwards on the path to European integration. This was the outcome of the pan Liberal Democrat conference that took place on Saturday 8th April to discuss the future status of Kosovo.Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck, President of the ELDR Party explained that the current situation cannot continue as it is now, “in the absence of a clear status, Kosovo and the Kosovan people literally have no future, only a protracted legal and institutional limbo”. Furthermore, the uncertainty facing Kosovo is preventing external investment in the region. (see speech) Read more ...

 An informal meeting of Liberal Leaders from Europe was held on the invitation of the Chairman of the NMSS Simeon Saxe-Coburg Gotha in his "Tsarska Bistritsa" Residence (Bulgaria). Mr. Simeon Saxe-Coburg Gotha welcomed Annemie Neyts (ELDR Party President), Anders Fogh Rasmussen (Prime Minister of Denmark), Calin Popescu-Tariceanu (Prime Minister of Romania), Graham Watson (Chairman of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament) and Lord John Alderdice (President of the Liberal International on 31 st August). On the 1st and 2nd of September the European Commissioners for Enlargement and Scientific Research Olli Rehn on and Janez Potocnik joined the meeting. Read more ...

 The European Liberal Democrats celebrated the 30th anniversary of their political movement in Stuttgart, Germany, on 17 March 2006. This anniversary was organised with a view of energizing Europe. Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck, ELDR Party President, Silvana Koch-Mehrin, ALDE Group Vice-President, Graham Watson, ALDE Group Leader, Guido Westerwelle, FDP Party Leader, Lord Alderdice, President of Liberal International, Siméon Saxe-Coburg, former Prime Minister, Bulgaria, Calin Popescu-Tariceanu, Prime Minister, Romania, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Prime Minister, Denmark and Pat Cox, European Movement President explained why liberalism is key for a society’s progress and development. Read more ...

 Finland, under the leadership of Matti Vanhanen, a European Liberal Democrat Prime Minister, will take the helm of the EU on 1st July. The European Liberal Democrat and Reform (ELDR) Party wishes Matti Vanhanen a lot of success in this challenging task and hopes he will lift up the mood of EU leaders and citizens. Finland is a good example of implementing structural reforms leading to a successful modern economy. As President of the EU Council, Matti Vanhanen can play a key role in making the EU deliver concrete results. With their recent national experience, Finnish politicians can help make the whole of Europe more aware of the gains of globalization and address the tendency to look inward instead of outward.“I wholeheartedly support the agenda of the Finnish Presidency and am convinced that Matti Vanhanen will match his words with his deeds. When he presented his presidency programme to MEPs on 21 June, Matti Vanhanen told us he believes that the problems the Union faces today can be overcome. This is a view shared by all European Liberal Democrats. Under his leadership, I believe that the EU may be able to regain political will”, commented Annemie Neyts ELDR Party President. Read more ...

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