Following in the footsteps of ELDR’s Barcelona programme, the Liberal Democrat Group in the European Parliament has sent to the 27 commissioners-designate the priority areas for each commissioner to address over the next 5 year Commission term in view of their hearings before the European Parliament in January. The priorities are as follows:
• Tackling the economic and financial crisis by a sustainable recovery;
• Rethinking the budget and introducing real own resources;
• Tackling climate change seriously with an environmentally integrated society;
• Fighting for freedom and fundamental rights;
• Promoting a coherent Europe strategy in the world.

In the framework of the ELDR political activities, Italia dei Valori organized last November an international conference in Turin on the wider context of the “rule of law” as perceived by the general public in terms of “cultural value”.
The seminar demonstrated the disrupting effect on the economy, free market and competition of the “huge amount of money laundering.” On the other hand, the event highlighted the multiple negative effects that the latest measure approved by the Italian government, enabling anonymous and almost tax-free repatriation of “black money”, will have on the judicial effort to fight organised crime and economic fraud.

On Sunday 13 December 2009 the Dutch parliamentary press chose D66 Political Leader Alexander Pechtold MP as the best Dutch politician of the year 2009. He was praised for being “the real opposition leader” and bringing “fun back in politics”. Furthermore, Pechtold in a recent public poll by the public television current affairs programme EenVandaag, received most of the votes of their audience as a “good debater” who uses clear language. The same programme also polled Dutch MPs who awarded their colleague VVD Political Leader Mark Rutte MP as the best parliamentarian.

ELDR member party Alliance “Moldova Noastra” (AMN) from Moldova held its Congress on 12 December 2009. Serafim Urechean was reelected as President for a second term of four years. The party elected a new First Vice President, Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister Victor Osipov. Furthermore, a new Party Council was elected, which will meet soon to elect a new Party Bureau as well as AMN’s Vice Presidents. Cristian Busoi MEP was at the Congress and addressed the delegates.

European Liberals congratulate Christian Lindner for his nomination as the Secretary General of the German Liberals, FDP. Although only 30 years old, the newly elected member of the German Parliament already has a long political career. His main task will be the further development of the fundamental political programme of the FDP and to sharpen the party’s liberal profile in the German government. His fresh and dynamic character as well as his intellect will inspire and lead this process.