Europe’s Liberal Democrats are proud to celebrate 50 years of EU integration. Faced with an unprecedented wave of euro-pessimism and scepticism, we believe this is the right time to remind ourselves that never before in human history and nowhere else on the planet have people from twenty seven different nations, speaking twenty three different languages, peacefully, voluntarily and successfully established a political union. This Union is based on values which only recently have become prevalent in our part of the world, and which have become beacons of hope for all mankind: freedom, democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights, market economy and solidarity. Read more ...

 The European Liberal Democrats congratulate François Bayrou for scoring the best centre party result in France for 25 years. With 18,55% of the votes, he has successfully established a large, strong and independent centre at the heart of French politics. “The centrist electorate will play a crucial role in the second round run-off of the French presidential elections. Both Nicolas Sarkozy and Ségolène Royal will have to take into account its expectation of a profound political renovation, the modernization of the social economy and a renewed commitment to a strong Europe. I am delighted that the centre will now considerably influence French politics”, stated Annemie Neyts, ELDR party President, after the election results. Read more ...

 With the first elections for the members of the European Parliament in Bulgaria on 20 May, the campaign of ELDR Bulgarian member parties, Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) and National Movement Simeon II (NMSII), is in full swing.  ELDR Vice-President Katarina Golev was in Bulgaria on 6-7 May to support their campaign. She met the top candidates for the European elections and addresses parties’ rallies. Read more ...

 The European Liberal Democrat and Reform (ELDR) Party will participate in the EU institutions’ Open Doors Day on 5 May in the European Parliament. ELDR will have an information stand with games on Europe next to its Parliamentary group Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) on the 3rd floor of the Paul Henri Spaak building. Annemie Neyts will be available for questions on her role as ELDR Party President and Liberalism in Europe at the stand from 12 to 12.30. She will beforehand participate in a debate with other leading Belgian MEPs in the hemicycle on “50 years of Europe: achievements and perspectives for the future” animated by journalists from Le Vif and Knack from 10 to 11.45. Read more ...