“This new proposal will allow European political parties to function more effectively. A major change from the past regulation is that European political parties are now allowed to campaign for European elections. This will definitely make them more able to fulfill their mission and to give European citizens the choice between different political choices.”

“I also welcome the creation of European political foundations as they will support the work of European political parties by undertaking a wide range of activities such as organising conferences, developing new policy proposals, training of persons active in politics, conducting studies, etc…,” stated Annemie Neyts, ELDR Party President.

Andrew Duff MEP and Spokesman on constitutional affairs for the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), also warmly welcomes this new instrument.

"Party political foundations at the EU level are going to be a key element in developing political thought and sharpening debate with a European dimension. I hope that the new foundations will encourage national political parties to widen their horizons. We can't have a debate about the future of Europe without the essential sinew of democratic party politics," he said.

European political parties are contributing to the creation of a European public space. In the years to come, they could become key in the linking of public opinion with the actions of the European institutions by becoming active proponents of European policy options.

There are currently ten European political parties with the three largest ones being the European People’s Party (EPP), the Party of European socialists (PES) and the European Liberal Democrat and Reform (ELDR).
---------------------------------------------

For more information, please contact Mrs Myriam Cornillet, email: mcornillet@eldr.org, Tél: +32 2 237 01 43, Mobile: +32 485 99 40 56, www.eldr.org

Note:
The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party, aisbl (ELDR Party) brings together 51 political parties with common liberal, democratic and reform ideals and is the forum for member parties to develop a co-ordinated policy.