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ELDR News

• January 01, 1970
• 0:33

  Joint Statement: European Liberal Democrat Leaders Meeting

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Jobs, Growth & Reform

  Europe is at a dangerous crossroads. Without decisive and concrete action, we risk recession, rising unemployment and falling living standards. There is a real risk of Europe turning inwards, with a return to the protectionist policies of the past. Our ability to prevent this now depends on our willingness to act together in the collective interest.

  Resolving the economic crisis is the urgent priority. This clearly requires greater fiscal coordination, discipline and solidarity. But our problems cannot be solved through austerity alone. Unless we can tackle another underlying cause of the crisis - Europe's lack of global competitiveness - this crisis will be the first of many.

  We are firmly of the view that a vital part of a lasting solution is an urgent and far-reaching reform agenda to create the right skills mix and to help unlock jobs and economic growth across the EU. Europe has done this before: the Single Market Programme of the 80s and 90s was a truly remarkable liberal achievement, tearing down trade barriers within Europe and unlocking unprecedented levels of new jobs, growth and prosperity. We need to build on the progress made to date, in particular through Mario Monti's 2010 report on the Single Market and the Commission's Single Market Act, to recapture this level of ambition.

  We therefore call on all European leaders and institutions to use the January 2012 European Council meeting to kick start and drive forward an Urgent and Ambitious Plan for Jobs and Growth in Europe, including: 

   - A programme for the completion of the Single Market by 2015. This should include a growth test to identify the priority measures, a fast-track mechanism to drive them through the legislative process, and a commitment to prioritise their implementation and enforcement. Completing the single market in the services and digital sectors alone could add hundreds of billions of Euros to the European economy and generate thousands of Euros in extra annual income for the average European household;

   - A programme running until 2015 for the reform of existing EU legislation, including social and employment legislation, to aid domestic structural reforms across Europe and help deliver flexible labour markets, boost European competitiveness and increase employment;

   - An ambitious external trade package that taps into the dynamism of other economies around the world, with the aim of completing all existing FTAs by the end of the year - contributing an extra €60bn to the European economy[1] - and including the launch of new trade negotiations with Japan and the US as soon as possible. Such an ambitious external trade agenda could generate millions of European jobs. Meanwhile, we must insist on the respect of existing market access in third countries and must not allow protectionism to gather strength.

   - A commitment from member states and EU institutions to focus their limited financial and human resources on prioritising competitiveness, innovation, research and infrastructure;

   - A commitment from member states and EU institutions for growth, competitiveness and external trade to be priority agenda items on all European Council summits until the end of this Commission;

   - A reinforced smart regulation programme that incorporates the Commission's welcome new approach to minimising the regulatory burden on SMEs, and includes reviews of the acquis for further opportunities to exempt or lighten the regulatory burden on micro-businesses where justified, a new administrative burden-reduction target and regular progress reports to the Council and Parliament.

  Unity, the EU-27 & Eurozone Fiscal Integration

  Finding credible solutions to the Eurozone crisis remains our number one priority and is in the interests of all member states. We call upon the European institutions to come to conclusions on the Commission's enhanced six pack proposals and to adopt positions on the green paper on stability bonds. We recognise that the draft Reinforced Economic Union (REU) Treaty is a step towards greater fiscal coordination, discipline and solidarity among Eurozone countries. However, we strongly believe that this must not come at the cost of division or disunity in the EU.
  
  We therefore call for the new Treaty to focus on fiscal matters among Eurozone members, believing that enhanced competitiveness is most effectively pursued by all EU-27 member states; for the Treaty to safeguard the community method and fully respect the policies and competencies of the EU as set out in the EU Treaties; and for the REU Treaty to be rolled into the EU Treaties in due course.

   

  Andrus Ansip PM, Leader of the Reform Party
  Prime Minister of Estonia

  Jan Björklund, Leader of the Folkpartiet
  Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden

  Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats
  Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

  Praxoula Antoniadou Kyriacou, Leader of the United Democrats
  Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism of Cyprus

  Karel De Gucht
  Commissioner for Trade
  Belgium

  Cecilia Malmström
  Commissioner for Home Affairs
  Sweden

  Artur Mas i Gavarró, Leader of Convergència Democràtica
  President of the Government of Catalonia

  Mark Rutte, Leader of the VVD
  Prime Minister of the Netherlands

  Olli Rehn
  European Commission Vice President
  Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs
  Finland

  Vincent Van Quickenborne
  Deputy Prime Minister
  Minister of Pensions
  Belgium

  Androulla Vassiliou
  Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth
  Cyprus

  Guy Verhofstadt MEP, Leader of the ALDE Group,
  European Parliament
  Belgium

  Stefan Wallin, Leader of the Swedish People's Party
  Minister of Defence
  Finland

  Sir Graham Watson MEP, ELDR Party President
  Liberal Democrats
  UK 

   

  [1] European Commission (2010) Trade as a driver of Prosperity, see: [trade.ec.europa.eu]

• 0:33

  Priorities of the Danish EU presidency 2012 - A liberal view

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Even as a non-eurozone member, Denmark will be faced with the cahllenge of stabilizing the critical economic situation in the EU.

• 0:33

  European Parliament presidential elections

   » ‎ ELDR News

  "In a more mature Parliament, the political parties would allow an open choice to Parliamentarians, which would improve the chances for Liberals."
  
  Liberals MEP's Alexander Alvaro and Edward McMillan-Scott will serve as Vice-Presidents of the Parliament

• 0:33

  Catalan News Agency visits ELDR Party Headquarters

   » ‎ ELDR News

   

   

  During her visit, Ms. Laura Pous met with ELDR Secretariat staff members and was provided with information on our activities and political ideas. Mr. Albert Marco, CDC national councillor and Director of the Catalan Sports Council also joined the visit.

  With this visit, the ELDR Party promotes its image and increases its visibility in southern Europe. The Catalan News Agency covered in details the European Liberal Democrats Leaders meeting that tookplace earlier this month in London with the participation of, among others, the Rt Hon. Artur Mas, President of Catalonia and CDC Party leader.

   

  

   

• 0:33

  YABLOKO denied opportunity to field presidential candidate: politically motivated move say EU Liberals

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Commenting on the refusal to accept Yavlinsky's registration for the 4 March election, ELDR Party President, Sir Graham Watson MEP stated, "this is clearly a politically motivated move designed to ensure Vladimir Putin has an easy ride back into the presidency and shows a blatant disregard of democratic principles and international standards for free and fair elections.

  It seems that Putin and his cronies have learnt nothing from the protests that have been taking place since last December's parliamentary elections. This is very worrying and undermines the authority and legitimacy of the future Russian president."

  Grigory Yavlinsky said that the position taken by the Electoral Commission denies thousands of people the opportunity to express their views freely. "Their refusal means that all the people who do not agree with what has been happening in Russia, the people who want a different perspective - an open, democratic, European and modern perspective - will not be allowed to participate in the elections by means of this political decision."

  An opposition march, organised by YABLOKO, will take place in Moscow on 4 February to demonstrate against the Electoral Commission's decision to reject Yavlinsky's candidature.

• 0:33

  ALDE-CoR meets liberal councillors Brussels

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Sharing best practices and expertise were ALDE-CoR President Flo Clucas, ALDE Second Vice-President Paul O'Donoghue and Jean Marie Beaupuy, Municipal councillor of Reims and a former ALDE MEP. Brussels communes were represented by Françoise Schepmans - Vice Mayor of Molenbeek and leader of the Liberal Group in the Parliament of La Communauté Française, Etienne Noël - Second deputy mayor of Schaerbeek, Patrick Debouverie - Deputy mayor of local development in Saint-Gilles, and Nathalie Gilson - Deputy mayor of urban development in Ixelles.

  The discussed themes ranged from the rapid increase in population and the subsequent need for additional jobs and housing, maintaining historic heritage yet allowing space for regeneration, revitalising economies and protecting local businesses. The contrasts between the wealthy parts of Brussels and areas with serious deprivation were mentioned by the Brussels councillors, as was the 21% unemployment rate. During the course of the meeting several points were raised about the need to tackle local problems in a coordinated and cooperative manner, mentioning among others the changing needs of town planning resulting from increased population densification. The councillors of Brussels recognised the potential that EU instruments hold in that respect, drawing attention to past and current ERDF projects.

  Françoise Schepmans noted that "it has been a very fruitful exchange regarding the necessary collaboration with the EU and its institutions, to tackle the economic, cultural, employment, housing and skills challenges for the region of Brussels. The liberal councillors hope to continue with these meetings so that the exchanges lead to a development of the quality of life of the Brussels communes and their citizens."
  
  Flo Clucas concluded by saying that "listening to the problems and challenges that being the capital of Belgium and of the EU has brought to Brussels has been a fascinating experience. We will work towards finding a mechanism to assist communes further, through the European structural funds to provide training in languages, skills, entrepreneurship and work."

   

• 0:33

  Joint Letter ahead of 30 Jan EU Summit

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Liberal leaders from across the European Union met in London on 9th January where we set out an urgent and far-reaching economic reform agenda. This Emergency Plan for Jobs and Growth in Europe has four key elements.

  First, we need a comprehensive programme to complete the Single Market by 2015, removing all the remaining barriers to trade and competition between EU member states, liberalising sheltered sectors and opening up closed shops. Completing the single market in the services and digital sectors alone could add hundreds of billions of Euros to the European economy and generate thousands of Euros in extra income for the average European household.

  Second, as we deepen and expand the single market, we need a parallel programme of reform to existing legislation to deliver flexible labour markets, boost competitiveness and increase employment.

  Third, we must tap into the dynamism in other economies around the world. This means completing and ratifying all the existing EU Free Trade negotiations underway without delay.

  Fourthly, we need to establish a new target for reducing the overall regulatory burden on businesses and ensure that small businesses - the backbone of the European economy - are exempt from new and existing regulations wherever this is justified and in accordance with an integrated single market.

  Finally, we need to ensure that the limited public resources available to all of us, both at the national and European level, are focused on growth, competitiveness and external trade. This means keeping national and EU budgets under control and targeting them wisely at growth projects such as innovation, R&D and infrastructure.

  The results of this liberal European agenda will not be immediate. The process is not easy. And the decisions are not simple. But if we succeed, all European economies will emerge from the current crisis faster, stronger and more prosperous than ever before.

  
  Andrus Ansip, Leader of the Reform Party
  Prime Minister of Estonia

  Jan Björklund, Leader of the Folkpartiet
  Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden

  Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats
  Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

  Praxoula Antoniadou Kyriacou, Leader of the United Democrats
  Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Cyprus

  Artur Mas i Gavarró, Leader of Convergència Democràtica
  President of the Government of Catalonia

  Vincent Van Quickenborne, Deputy Leader, Open VLD
  Deputy Prime Minister & Pensions Minister, Belgium

  Stefan Wallin, Leader of the Swedish People's Party
  Minister of Defence, Finland

  Sir Graham Watson MEP, ELDR Party President
  Liberal Democrats, UK

• 0:33

  It is time the European People’s Party publicly put Orbán to order

   » ‎ ELDR News

  While the last words are yet to be said about these measures, the changes are also having an impact on other aspects of society, notably the local level. We have received reports that FIDESZ is using its position to put unreasonable pressure on its political opponents, forcing several members of SzDSz to lose their personal employment only because of their party membership.

  European Liberal Democrats naturally find such behaviour unacceptable, and call for an immediate end to it. With FIDESZ remaining a full member of the European People's Party (EPP), ELDR Party President Sir Graham Watson MEP has called on the EPP to take action: "Using the state as an alibi for punishing political opponents is nothing but unacceptable. I believe it is high time the EPP publicly called Orbán to order".

   

• 0:33

  Duff report given positive consent in EP Committee

   » ‎ ELDR News

  The amendments to the electoral system include a pan-European constituency with a transnational list from which 25 MEPs would be chosen. There would be a revision of the seat allocation in the EP and every European citizen would have two votes to cast - one for the national and the other for the transnational list. The rapporteur believes this would strengthen European democracy, politicise the debate and likely raise the voting activity amongst European citizens. "This is the result of a compromise, but one useful for the emergence of an EU-wide democracy", commented Duff.

  The positive vote in AFCO now means the Duff Report will go to plenary for adoption in March.

• 0:33

  Sir Graham MEP on the Russian decision to block Yavlinsky candidacy

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Speaking in the European Parliament, Sir Graham commented, “his supporters collected over two and a half million signatures in 71 regions of the Russian Federation between the 24th of December and the 10th of January - the only time really open to them - including getting notaries to check them and the electoral commission has declared 20 per cent of them invalid… It seems to me that this is a politically motivated move.”

   

  Watch Sir Graham’s intervention in Parliament.

   

  Read more about this story  

• 0:33

  European Liberals demand free and fair elections in Armenia

   » ‎ ELDR News

  "European Liberals are particularly watchful in the run-up of the Armenian parliamentary elections as the ELDR Party will meet for its annual spring council meeting on 11 and 12 May in Yerevan gathering around 150 liberal delegates from ELDR's 54 member parties across Europe" underlined Lousewies van der Laan during the seminar with around 70 participants from the Armenian political opposition as well as observers from EU and OSCE.
  Liberals from Armenia and the European guests assessed the status quo of the election preparations and discussed best practices of electoral observer missions in order to ensure non-biased preparations of the elections and a fraud-free on election day.

  "European Liberals also ask the European People's Party's leadership and main sister parties to take their responsibility and remind their Armenian member parties in government to ensure genuine elections that reflect the will of the people. The European Union is a community of common values and we therefore have a shared responsibility to guarantee fundamental democratic procedures in the immediate neighborhood of the EU", the ELDR Vice President stressed. The economic situation is also cause for concern: "European Liberals can not stand idly by while citizens in our neighbourhood unnecessarily remain in poverty due to self-interested oligarchs", Lousewies van der Laan concluded.

• 0:33

  Sir Graham Watson meets PNL Leader Crin Antonescu

   » ‎ ELDR News

  As reported earlier, Sir Graham has taken an active stance on the situation in Romania throughout the year, inter alia through this video message a couple of weeks prior to the meeting, calling for the Romanian President and government to resign.

  Later the same day, ALDE Group Leader Guy Verhofstadt MEP adressed a joint seminar on the current situation in Romania co-organised in the European Parliament by the Liberal and Socialist Groups - and on 6 February the Romanian Prime Minister Emil Boc consequently decided to resign together with the rest of the government given his precarious situation.

  Sir Graham: "Prime Minister Boc took the reasonable stance on this issue. Hopefully Romania can now have early elections and return a normal state of affairs. This is not only important for the domestic political situation, it is also in the interest of the rest of the EU, as the current financial turmoil needs responsible governance".

   

• 0:33

  Youth Contract to stimulate employment and training opportunities

   » ‎ ELDR News

  The scheme, known as the Youth Contract, provides incentives for employers to create more apprenticeships and work experience placements as well as helping to get young people back into education.

  When launching the Youth Contract, Nick Clegg MP, Liberal Democrat Leader and UK Deputy Prime Minister commented, "youth unemployment is an economic waste and a slow-burn social disaster. We can't lose the skills and talent of our young people - right when we need them most. We can't afford to leave our young men and women on the scrap heap. We need the next generation to help us build a new economy".

• 0:33

  Liberals refining the EU budget 2014-2020

   » ‎ ELDR News

  What should be the Member States' contributions and what resources should be generated directly by the EU? Do we need a direct EU tax? Can the EU continue to give rebates on some Member States' contributions? These were some of the questions raised throughout the year.

  ELDR President Sir Graham Watson MEP: "Liberals have a long tradition of debate and are fundamentally open to different ideas and perspectives. This is what lies behind the "Focus Year" initiative launched by the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party."

  In this brochure you will find a summary of our findings on the EU Budget focus, compromising both the theme resolution with concrete liberal policy recommendations and excerpts from the preceding debates and opinion pieces from academic sources at the forefront of the global debate on these issues.

  You can view the booklet here or ask for a free copy by writing to the ELDR secretariat.

   

• 0:33

  Sign our petition: douze points for freedom

   » ‎ ELDR News

  On 26 May 2012, the final of this year's Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan.  Unfortunately, not in all countries can you sing freely about what you want to say and Azerbaijan is one of those countries. The human rights situation in the country has been deteriorating over many years. Journalists, bloggers, political activists and ordinary citizens in Azerbaijan face harassment, attacks and imprisonment for voicing opinions critical of the authorities. You risk being jailed if you exercise your fundamental rights and freedom of expression.

  European Liberals are the guardians of fundamental human rights and civil liberties. Liberals and Democrats call upon Europeans to remember the climate of fear in Azerbaijan while the world wants to celebrate an event full of joy.How can we joyfully and light-heartedly sing about love and freedom while a few kilometers further people sit in prison because they exercised their right to demonstrate and speak in public? President Ilham Aliyev would provide the best public relations to his country if he releases all political prisoners before Europe comes to Baku. European Liberals are particularly concerned about the fate of members of our member party Musavat and their political allies. This includes Arif Hajili, deputy chairman of Musavat Party and Tural Abbasli, chairman of the Musavat Youth Organization Together with the following they were imprisoned on the basis of exercising their right to freedom of expression and are considered prisoners of conscience by Amnesty International:

  Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, former MP candidate; Ahad Mammadli, deputy chairman of Musavat youth; Rufat Hajibeyli, Musavat youth; Elshan Hasanov, Musavat; Fuad Gehremanli, Deputy chairman of Popular Front Party; Mahammad Majidli, Deputy chairman of Popular Front Party; Sahib Karimov, Popular Front Party; Babek Hasanov, Popular Front Party; Arif Alishli, Popular Front Party; Ulvu Guliyev, Musavat; Zulfugar Eyvazov, APFP; Movsun Samadov, Chairman of Islam Party.

  European Liberals demand the immediate and unconditional release of those currently imprisoned on politically motivated charges. Every possible measure must be taken to ensure cooperation by the Azerbaijani authorities with the Special Rapporteur on Political Prisoners of the Council of Europe. Sign the petition! The prisoners need your support. Together we can tell the government of Azerbaijan that you cannot host Europe's most watched cultural event while you suppress your own population by denying them their fundamental rights.

  Sir Graham Watson MEP
  ELDR Party President

• 0:33

  Austrian Liberals prepare for their Party Convention

   » ‎ ELDR News

  The Party's Think-Tank has prepared three Theme Resolutions that will be main topics for the electoral campaign:

  • Liberalising Markets, as the Austrian system still features a lot of bureaucratic hurdles against free markets; the topic will be presented by Ira Shanker, Vice-President of the Liberal Forum.

  • Migration & Asylum, as the current policies give reasons to fear the that populist arguments get the more and more accepted by the Austrian geovernment and accross Europe; the topic will be presented by Angelika Mlinar, President of the Liberal Forum.

  • Strengthening Europe, as LIF is the strongest advocate for a federal Europe in Austria; the topic will be presented by the Ronald J Pohoryles, Speaker for European Affairs.

  The proposals for the resolutions have been submitted to the members of the Party, called in Austria the Partners and to interested Austrian Liberals who are not (yet) members by a means of a questionnaire. The response rate was quite high. The results have shown a high acceptance of the Party's positions.

  'I am very satisfied with the preparation of the Convention.The responses from the Austrian Liberals within and outside of the Party show that we are well prepared for the upcoming elections. The support of the Party and its Board has been quite important to the success of the preparations of this strategically important event' said Angelika Mlinar, President of the Party.

   

• 0:33

  ELDR President meets German Minister of State

   » ‎ ELDR News

  "Faced with the common challenge of stabilising the Euro, strong Franco-German partnership is important, though it should not be exclusive. Under the purview of key figures such as Minister Link we can be confident that the partnership will be used to promote Liberal economic policies, " said Sir Graham following the meeting.

  European Affairs will be in save hands with Michael Link who previously served as European Affairs spokesperson of FDP in the German Parliament. The ELDR President and the Minister of State discussed the present state of the European Union and emphasized also the important role of the British Liberal Democrats to ensure the British government's participation in crucial decisions for Europe's future.

  As a well connected European Liberal and regular participant of ELDR events, Michael Link also knows the value of cross-party and national policy coordination and pledged that he and the fellow German liberal Ministers will participate as frequently as possible at the ELDR leaders and ministers meetings.

• 0:33

  Liberal leaders meet in Brussels on 1 March 2012

   » ‎ ELDR News

  The following have confirmed their participation:

  
  

  • Andrus Ansip, Prime Minister of Estonia
  • Neelie Kroes, European Commission Vice President, Commissioner for Digital Agenda
  • Michael Link, Minister of State, Germany
  • Olli Rehn, European Commission Vice President, Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs
  • Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands
  • Vincent Van Quickenborne, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Pensions, Belgium
  • Guy Verhofstadt MEP, Leader of the ALDE Group in the European Parliament, Belgium
  • Gregor Virant, President of the Slovenian National Assembly, Slovenia.

   

  Venue
  Concert Noble, rue d'Arlon 82 in Brussels
  

  Accreditation
  Please send all accreditation requests to Didrik de Schaetzen, ELDR party Head of Communication; +32 479 33 10 27 ddeschaetzen@eldr.eu

• 0:33

  Elections in Russia: this is only the start

   » ‎ ELDR News

  It is impossible to call what we are witnessing at present free and fair elections. There are no independent courts, while the authorities control all national TV channels. At the same time we can see the administrative pressure on the mass media and the abuses of electoral commissions - the official voting results have little in common with the actual expression of the will of the electorate.

  Political competition on 4 March has been reduced to simulation - each of the registered "opposition" candidates to the President embodies a specific segment of the political system created by Putin. The only candidate, who represented a democratic alternative to the system - Grigory Yavlinsky, who was nominated by Yabloko - was not allowed to run in the elections on the pretext of casuistic chicanery over the quality of the signatures gathered in his support.

  According to the opinion polls, approximately one-third of the participants in the mass protest actions held over the past few weeks in Russia voted in the parliamentary elections for Yabloko and had intended to vote for Yavlinsky in the presidential elections. There can be no doubt that the removal from the elections of the democratic candidate capable of uniting the votes of the discontented was not a legal judgment, but rather a political decision.

  Last weekend Yabloko held a congress to discuss voting tactics on 4 March and the strategy for our next actions. Yabloko called on the party's supporters to turn up at ballot stations and express their protest by symbolically voting "against all"; thereby rendering their voting slip invalids (the slip does not include the choice "against all").

  On 4 March tens of thousands of public monitors will work at the ballot stations, including over 30,000 from Yabloko. This time we don't have our own candidate on the voting slip, but we will fight falsification on 4 March and at all subsequent elections, in order to return Russia step by step to free and fair elections and through peaceful means engineer political reforms and regime change, and transform Russia into a modern democratic European country. A country where the law is the same for everyone, where the courts are independent, private property is sacrosanct, where the state protects every single individual, and does not suppress the rights and freedoms of its citizens.

  The journey we face will be hard: we know that the people running Russia will not give up power voluntarily. We will have to assert and regain our rights inch by inch and establish at the forthcoming regional and local elections new authorities that rely on the real expression of will of the citizens - starting in the cities where society already feels its strength and then throughout the country. Yabloko will establish public committees that will responsible for the discussion of political reforms, will fight for the abolition of censorship of the mass media and for the creation of public television. Yabloko will interact with all democratic public and political associations, so that by acting together we can radically change the current political system in Russia through peaceful means.

  Through public discussion, dialog and a round table with the authorities we will achieve our long-term goal - the preparation of a Constituent Assembly aimed at restoring the legitimacy of the Russian authorities, which was interrupted by the Bolshevik coup d'état in 1917 and the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly in 1918.

  4 March - is only the start on this journey.
  
  By Alexander Shishlov, YABLOKO Bureau member

• 0:33

  Centerpartiet’s International Foundation gathers partners for conference

   » ‎ ELDR News

  The European Liberal Democrats were also present through political adviser Joakim Frantz, who shared a few thoughts on European cooperation and liberalism on a European level together with Centerpartiet MP and Liberal International Vice President Abir Al-Sahlani.

• 0:33

  Liberal Forum confirms Mlinar as leader

   » ‎ ELDR News

  The President of the ELDR, Sir Graham Watson MEP, a frequent visitor to his Austrian friends, supported the endeavours with a video welcome message to the Convention.

  Three theme resolutions on liberalisation of the market, migration and asylum were submitted to the members, who were invited to comment on a web-based discussion platform and by answering a sophisticated questionnaire. During the Convention, the results were discussed in three workshops.

  • The resolution on free markets underlines the necessity of a further liberalisation, and of regulations that ensure fair competition taking into account social and ecological concerns. Under these conditions, globalisation is rather a chance than a threat.

  • The resolution on migration and asylum calls for a clear separation between these two issues. There is a need for the understanding of migration as economic advantage and as cultural enrichment for the receiving countries, provided that migration is based on a comprehensive integration policy and on a decent legal framework. For the recognition of asylum seekers their contribution to economy and culture of the receiving countries is less of an issue as asylum is a basic human right and granting asylum for those in need is a moral obligation. Hence, dealing with asylum issues is an issue for an authority that is not related to the Ministry of Interior. Asylum seekers should be allowed to enter the labour market and not be submitted to any form of detention.

  • Austrian Liberals are committed to a fulfilment of the European integration process and are in favour of a federalist Europe. Intergovernmentalism can just be a transitional solution. However, federalism does not exclude the respect of national and regional interests. Austrian Liberals call for true European elections based upon pan-European party lists.

  To prepare the upcoming elections the party held elections for its political bureau. It re-elected Angelika Mlinar as its political leader.

• 0:33

  Liberal leaders meet in Brussels on 1 March 2012

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Participants:

  
  

  • Andrus Ansip, Prime Minister of Estonia
  • Neelie Kroes, European Commission Vice President, Commissioner for Digital Agenda
  • Michael Link, Minister of State, Germany
  • Olli Rehn, European Commission Vice President, Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs
  • Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands
  • Vincent Van Quickenborne, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Pensions, Belgium
  • Guy Verhofstadt MEP, Leader of the ALDE Group in the European Parliament, Belgium
  • Gregor Virant, President of the Slovenian National Assembly, Slovenia.

  
  Picture can be used freely provided credit features ©ELDR 2012.

• 0:33

  Hurray it's Women's Day!

   » ‎ ELDR News

  The network is headed by ELDR Vice-President and Croatian Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Vesna Pusić. Each year, a fringe meeting related to women issues is held at the annual congress. The next ELWN meeting is scheduled to be held around May in Brussels.

  More information is available on the European Liberal Women's Network page.

  

• 0:33

  Fianna Fail is alive and kicking

   » ‎ ELDR News

  It was also made clear upfront that the format for the upcoming congress was going to be significantly changed from previous events. One of such major changes was to be a policy and ideological related one, kicked off with a debate on Friday evening about whether the party should redefine itself to be more up to the challenges facing Ireland in the 21st century.

  Sessions were also held on how to rebuild the organisation with experiences from abroad and delegates voted to implement a system of one member one vote to replace the existing system of representation to the congress. Additionally, this weekend saw decisions taken which, as envisioned, were to greatly enhance the structure and effectiveness of the party, commencing a process where each Fianna Fail member is put at the core of the organisation.

  Fianna Fail leader, Micheál Martin, who has been touring Ireland since last year’s election to speak to party members and the general public about their views on the future of Ireland and Fianna Fail, was given a rapturous reception by delegates when he took to the stage to deliver his speech in which he offered and unequivocal apology for the mistakes the party made while in Government. Undoubtedly it was this moment that topped off the event for most of the participants.

  “We have to learn from the mistakes of our past and always remember our strengths. Fianna Fáil was always the party that stood up for ordinary people and took care of the most vulnerable in our communities. That is the party I joined, and Fianna Fáil will be that party again” – asserted Martin.

  On the priorities of the party Martin commented that Fianna Fail is a party, “working for unity, promoting our language and culture, committed to equality between all and determined to use education, public service and investment to support a better future for all (Irish people)”.

  Ahead of the 2012 ELDR Congress taking place in Dublin the Party was present with an information stand and the pro-European views of Fianna Fail members were clearly evident in the questions they asked and interest that the stand generated.

• 0:33

  Russian presidential election: Liberals condemn stacked election

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Despite much publicised initiatives to make these elections fair and transparent, such as the installation of closed circuit television cameras at polling stations, the electoral process as a whole has been widely condemned as favoring the Putin campaign from the outset.

  Evidence of this stretches back to the refusal by the Russian Central Electoral Commission to register opposition candidates, including former YABLOKO leader Grigory Yavlinsky on the grounds of perceived irregularities when in fact political engineering of the elections was the more likely reason.

  On what the future may hold, Sir Graham added that Putin should not expect the Russian people to blindly accept his rule. "Vladimir Putin might have got his way in so far as the outcome of the election is concerned, but the demonstrations that have taken place since December's parliamentary elections and the increasing criticism that he is facing from significant sections of the population and media show that he will not be in for an easy ride over the next six years. The extent of ill-feeling towards President Putin may even cast doubt on his ability to serve the full-term unless he fundamentally addresses issues related to the rule of law and the democratic, economic and social development of Russian society".

• 0:33

  Rebecca Taylor joins ALDE Group

   » ‎ ELDR News

  It is why I stood for selection in 2007 and my commitment to the region has not changed. It has been quite a shock to find myself in this position. Above all I am thrilled to have been given this opportunity and determined to do everything in my power to promote jobs, growth and prosperity in the region, and help to improve health services. I know lots families in Yorkshire and the Humber are really feeling the pinch at the moment and I look forward to doing my bit to help as an MEP committed to fighting for the region."

  Taylor who was born and brought up in Todmorden went to the university in Sheffield and Leeds. She has worked in the health sector for more than 10 years including working with patients to help improve NHS services, doing health policy research and helping health sector organisations with their communications.

  
  

• 0:33

  A more liberal Britain with every passing year

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Party leader and UK deputy prime minister Nick Clegg used his speech to highlight achievements the party has made since entering into coalition government almost two years ago and looked ahead to some of his aims for the rest of this parliamentary term, such as the first elections to the House of Lords and the first gay marriage.

  Clegg highlighted, however, that the biggest challenge for the Lib Dems in government is to restore economic growth and prosperity and noted that this should not be to the detriment of pursuing environmentally friendly growth policies, "Some say we have to choose between boosting growth and being green. What a load of rubbish. Going for growth means going green. The race is on to lead the world in clean energy...So the choice for the UK is simple: wake up, or end up playing catch up. Going green is not a luxury for the good times. It is the best road out of the bad times".

   

• 0:33

  This week in Strasbourg: Liberals showing the way on LGBT rights

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Yesterday (Tuesday 13), through the guidance of Dutch Liberal Sophie In ‘t Veld (D 66), Parliament adopted its annual report on equality between women and men in the EU, this year inter alia calling for increased rights and recognition for same-sex marriages and emphasizes the fundamental principle of equal pay for equal work within Europe, which still remains a challenge in several European countries. In the words of rapporteur In ‘t Veld, "...Europe recognizes bread as bread and cheese as cheese when they go (across borders). (The same should apply) also for love".

  Liberals thus stand firm on women's rights - also beyond Women's Day.

  Tomorrow (Thursday 15), Liberal MEP and coordinator on environmental issues Chris Davies (Lib Dems, UK) will attempt to steer a heavy dossier through Parliament, when the report on a Roadmap for moving to a competitive low carbon economy in 2050 is up for debate in Plenary. At Committee stage, the report got overwhelming support in the advising committees AGRI and ITRE, and overall support in Davies own ENVI committee. For those interested, the debate can be followed online live from Strasbourg on EuroParlTV tomorrow morning at 10.00 CET.

  Liberals thus improving the environment. Now and for the future.

   

• 0:33

  Folkpartiet holds annual Congress in the city of Västerås

   » ‎ ELDR News

  This year, the programme was quite extensive, and included a wide number of seminars, where the participants could have in-depth discussions on a range of topics; from the present European financial crisis to liberal responses to the challenges of climate change and energy transition.

  In his keynote speech, Party Leader, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education Jan Björklund emphasized the need for addressing the problem of youth unemployment, which despite Sweden's generally good handling of macroeconomic affairs during the current financial crisis has remained high, and will be worrying for the future.

   

• 0:33

  Why do MEPs fear electoral reform?

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Under my proposals, 25 MEPs would be elected for a pan-European constituency thereby conforming to the Lisbon treaty which says that MEPs are 'representatives of the Union's citizens' and no longer of member states. The transnational lists will be composed of candidates of at least nine nationalities drawn up by the European political parties.

  They will not favour any specific nationality. MEPs for the pan-European constituency will be directly accountable both to the European political parties and to the electorate (much like any other MEP).

  All the changes proposed require the initiative of Parliament and the agreement of all states in Council. Parliament will have to give its consent to any final package. The report makes no specific proposals for Treaty change. This reflects the fact that since the December 2011 European Council the prospect of a general revision of the treaties has receded.

  Missing the opportunity

  The question of transnational lists has been discussed for many years within the Parliament and among the European political parties, many of which see potential benefits to their own development once they are made responsible for the selection of candidates on the transnational lists, for electoral campaigning and for holding pan-European MEPs to account.

  Parliament has not reformed its electoral procedure since 1999 - before the Treaties of Nice and Lisbon and before the great enlargement of the Union. During that period, the powers of the institutions and the competences of the Union have grown dramatically.

  We must ask ourselves whether the efficacy and legitimacy of the European Parliament have kept pace with these constitutional changes. Certainly the declining turnout at every European Parliamentary election, and the rise of nationalist forces in many if not all EU states, would suggest otherwise.

  Now the Union is moving to greater fiscal discipline and the probable installation of a more federal type of economic government which will have to be made directly accountable to Parliament. But do we sincerely believe that the European Parliament has attracted the desirable levels of loyalty and identification of the EU citizens and taxpayers that are implied by such important democratic responsibilities?

  As Parliament begins to prepare for the next elections in 2014, are we confident that the quality of the election campaign will be such an advance on previous elections that the electors will see that, in voting for MEPs, real choices can be made about the direction of the EU polity?
  Can we not agree that Europe's national political parties are now failing to sustain its integration process in a fitting manner? Do the media report the politics of Parliament in a thorough and fluent way?

  Surely only European political parties and not national political parties will be able to offer real choices at election time about, for example, the name of the new President of the Commission, the pace of enlargement, or the size and shape of the EU budget?

  Controversial agenda

  My second report recognises that some issues concerning the pan-European proposal are particularly sensitive - namely, the timing of the reforms, the choice between closed or semi-open lists and the question of whether the 25 pan-European MEPs should come on top of the 751 existing deputies or be drawn from among them.

  The report composes an agenda for the inevitable negotiations with the Council which is designed to achieve a comprehensive package deal on a range of issues, including the date of the elections, the revision of the 1976 Act and the modernisation of the Protocol on Privileges and Immunities (which still remains unchanged since 1965).

  The report also prepares the ground for the necessary negotiations on seat apportionment between nationalities consequent on the accession of Croatia. The Committee prefers to search for a new durable and transparent system for the distribution of the existing 751 seats in preference to the present unseemly bartering (which in fact results in an outcome which puts Parliament in breach of the Treaty requirement to respect the principle of degressive proportionality).

  One wonders why so many MEPs are intimidated by the prospect of making a radical proposal for electoral reform. If the initiative were launched by the plenary, the details of all these changes would remain a matter for agreement with the Council which must act in these matters of primary law by unanimity. Parliament would retain the right of consent to the final package.

  For all these reasons it is highly unfortunate that the Duff II report has been blocked. We are missing the opportunity to bolster the political legitimacy of the European Parliament and to galvanise European political parties. It is perfectly clear that left to their own devices, national political parties and governments will never engage the voters with the politics of the European Union.

  We are left facing the serious challenge of how a stronger European Parliament might best contribute to the better government of a more united Europe.

  By Andrew Duff, Lib Dem MEP for the East of England

• 0:33

  Douze points for freedom: In support of freedom of press in Azerbaijan

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Persons blackmailing Ismayilova shifted from words to deeds with placement on the Internet of intimate videos. ELDR deplores such violation of the freedom of the press.

  Commenting on the news, ELDR President Sir Graham Watson MEP: "With our campaign Douze points for freedom we like to draw people's attention to the lack of democracy in Azerbaijan. The violation of the integrity of Khadija Ismayilova is another example that the government of Azerbaijan denies its citizens the basic right of freedom of expression. These and other attempts to limit media freedom confirm the lack of democracy and respect for basic rights in Azerbaijan. I urge the Azeri authorities to ensure that decent journalists like Mrs Ismayilova can do their work without any fear."

  You can sign our petition on www.douzepointsforfreedom.eu!

• 0:33

  Golden Growth: restoring the lustre of the European economic model

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Nevertheless, "Golden Growth: restoring the lustre of the European economic model" was published last month and I just had the privilege of spending two days with its author, the World Banks chief economist for Europe Indermitt Gill at the Vibrant Europe Forum in Maastricht.

  The concern at the World Bank was that Europe's self reflection in the current crisis could lead it to throw out the baby with the bath water. Indeed, on the day the report was published, the chairman of the European Central Bank proclaimed the European social model to be dead. The Bank wanted to contribute to an informed debate by analyzing which parts are working well and where change is needed. The hope is that Europe can avoid the good parts being scrapped and that real solutions to the challenges at hand being found.

  The result is an incredibly uplifting and positive report, which should help every European policy maker make a more realistic assessment of what steps can be taken to preserve what works in Europe, while adapting to global realities.

  In short, the report looks at the parts that work well (enterprise and finance) and the parts that need to adapt to new economic realities (government and labour). The latter are especially crucial if Europe is to maintain its status as a lifestyle superpower.

  The report is full of delicious statistics and handy charts, that should facilitate fact based debate. Europhiles will revel in details such as that where the US lifts individuals out of poverty, Europe lifts whole nations out of poverty. At the same time we should question whether 7% of the world's population should really be doing 58% of the world's social protection spending, especially when not all is being spent well.

  I recommend any political party, government and think tank to invite Mr. Gill to discuss his report, both in view of crisis measures, but also in the run up to the European elections, as electoral programs are developed.

  By Lousewies van der Laan

  ELDR Vice-President

   

  The Vibrant Europe Forum is a cross-party international forum that aims to collect constructive ideas about the future of Europe, which it aims to share with political parties in the run up to the 2014 European elections.

• 0:33

  CDC celebrates 16th party Congress

   » ‎ ELDR News

  It was the first congress after the victory of Artur Mas in the Catalan elections and in a moment where the liberals in Catalonia are holding great political power. The Congress elected the new National Board for the next 4 years. The Party Leader Artur Mas was elected President of the party and Oriol Pujol was elected new Secretary General. Marc Guerrero, Eldr Vice-President, was ratified in his post at the Board. The new board will define the political strategy to lead Catalonia in this economic difficult moment in Southern Europe.

  ELDR President Sir Graham Watson MEP adressed the delegates in a video message and congratulates CDC for its efforts in driving the economy and taking measures to make real progress.

• 0:33

  Ousting of liberal United Democrats

   » ‎ ELDR News

  The United Democrats had supported the candidacy of Demitris Christofias in the Presidential elections of 2008 on the expectation that he would work effectively towards the attainment of an agreed solution for the reunifiacation of Cyprus.

  After the devastating accident in July 2011 which had destructed the main electricity generation plant in Cyprus and the havoc that had followed, the United Democrats were called into the Government to contribute to the efforts of rehabilitation that had to be undertaken primarily by the competent Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism (and of energy).

  On the assumption of office on 5th August 2011, the leader of the United Democrats , Praxoula Antoniadou Kyriacou was delivered a Ministry of power cuts. Seven months later the Ministry turned from one of despair to one of sound promise for the future of the country.

  Beyond addressing the results of the accident, the new Minister brought forward the first exploratory drilling for hydrocarbons offshore Cyprus, as a result of which natural gas was discovered for the first time in Cyprus. She then proceeded to the opening of a new licensing round based on transparent and credible procedures and on a thoroughly revised and enhanced production sharing contract.

  The discovery of natural gas in Cyprus opened new bright prospects for economic development and prosperity for current and future generations of the country, while at the same time it enhanced the image of the Eastern Mediterranean as a new potential source of natural gas to Europe which can enhance the energy security of the European Union.

  In parallel, the Minister had worked hard for preparing her country for the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the European Union, through her active and productive participation in three Council Configurations and through meetings with the competent Commissioners.

  In the end, it proved that the gas portfolio was too important to be left in the hands of a non-mainstream politician who happened to be pro-solution, a liberal and a woman.

  The United Democrats have long been acknowledged as the most dynamic pro-solution Party in Cyprus which enjoys relations of trust and cooperation with the pro-solution forces amongst the Turkish Cypriot Community. It is no wonder that, with the help of their wider liberal political family, they had even tried to build bridges of communication with Turkey so as to facilitate the building of trust that the resolution of long standing political problems necessitates.

  The United Democrats more than ever will continue to work for the reunification of their country and for the transition of Cyprus into a truly European country based on the liberal values of freedom, democracy and respect of human rights. Their responsibility in shaping a better future for their country and in contributing to the building of peaceful relations of cooperation in the area of the Eastern Mediterranean through the resolution of problems of the past becomes even greater in view of the coming Presidential elections in Cyprus in less than a year's time.

  By Praxoula Kyriacou, President of the United Democrats

   

• 0:33

  ELDR President visits Riga

   » ‎ ELDR News

  "Whatever our vision of the EU's future", said the ELDR President "it is important that we all agree on the basic ingredients for a successful economy: the rule of law, efficient capital markets and openness to new ideas". Sir Graham went on to say that whatever the cost of the firewall to protect the euro, the cost of not having the euro would be far higher. "Without the euro and the ability of the ECB to inject large sums of money onto financial markets in September 2008 to calm speculation our economies would have been knocked for six" he reminded his audience.

  He then concluded that unless all countries were prepared to undergo the difficult reforms Latvia had made "continuing high unemployment will lead to a lost generation, will likely lead to civic strife and may even lead to a return of authoritarian ideologies' and that while 'we can argue over the speed of reform, we cannot argue over the need.'

   

• 0:33

  Second March for Amnesty, Justice and Freedom

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Seven years ago already, on Christmas day 2005, we marched from Castel Sant'Angelo, passing near symbolic places as the Regina Coeli penitentiary and institutional places (Presidency of the Republic of Italy, the seat of the Prime Minister, the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate). We called for measures of amnesty and pardon, to reduce significantly the judicial overload that have suffocated tribunals for years now, and to alleviate the burden caused by the penitentiary system - in all its component: convicts, administrative and custody personnel.

  Today in Italy, in our penitentiary system - despite recent measures introduced by the Government - there are 7,000 more inmates than in 2005.
  Since then, the situation has become far more serious and gangrened. We find ourselves, as a State and a Republic, in an undeniable, technically speaking, situation of criminal flagrancy. We find ourselves in a perpetual and continued violation of every kind of ruling legislation: national, international and european; a violation provoked by over 10 millions of pending civil and criminal proceedings, and as a consequence of this our country is constantly sanctioned by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, because of the "non-reasonable duration of judicial proceedings that constitute a serious threat to rule of law".

  We noted that since then, there was not one public or private television debate on this issue, a true emergency in the country. The objectives of the second "March for Amnesty, Justice and Freedom" are the same as the first march of 2005. For these reasons we invite all promoters of the first march to come forward, for today the situation is manifestly far more serious. "We want to serve the State, we do not want to be accomplices of violence and illegality against justice and the State itself", prisons' heads declare. We all, promoters of the "Second March for Amnesty, Justice and Freedom", say without hard feeling nor hostility towards anyone that we intend to offer the further force that firstly all institutional figures must have.

• 0:33

  ELDR President visits Copenhagen

   » ‎ ELDR News

  During meetings with the respective parties leaders, the ELDR Party President discussed joint common projects and how the Danish example could help the rest of Europe to get back on track to prosperity and growth following the financial crisis.

  Commenting on current Danish politics, Sir Graham Watson said "it is always a pleasure to come to Denmark, where liberals have had a significant influence on politics for a long while. There should be little surprise that Denmark is currently leading the way in the EU. Liberal forces ensure that sustainable growth can be mixed with a dynamic work market, built on the well known concept of flexicurity in a way which should work as inspiration to many other countries in the EU and beyond".

  Tuesday's meetings aimed to build on this: "we had good meetings where we managed to discuss joint projects, both short and long term, as well as discuss the current Danish EU Presidency. They were useful to the ELDR Party", concluded the ELDR President.

  In his capacity as Chairman of the global Climate Parliament Sir Graham also met Environment Minister Martin Lidegaard to discuss the building of a European renewable energy supergrid and the EUs energy efficiency directive.

   

• 0:33

  Liberals gather to discuss Arab Spring in Barcelona

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Opening the conference together with the President of Catalonia Artur Mas, ALDE group leader Guy Verhofstadt MEP, Secretary General of the UfM Fathallah Sijilmassi, Liberal International President Hans van Baalen and the President of the Arab Alliance for Freedom and Democracy Wael Nawara, ELDR Party President Sir Graham Watson MEP stressed the importance of increasing cooperation across the Mediterranean, as well as seizing the opportunity that the Arab Spring has offered us.

  "We need to re-think the Union for the Mediterranean and bring in additional elements, such as the EBRD and the Erasmus programmes, so that we foster growth and cooperation across the region - and Europe also needs to open its markets for e.g. agricultural produce to these emerging markets" stated Sir Graham, and reminded the audience about the need for vision and ambition as regards the Arab region: "look around you in Barcelona today: 50 years ago, the country was under authoritarian rule and seriously underdeveloped. Thanks to liberal policies, today safeguarded by President Mas and his party, they have managed to turn their fortunes around and build on their potential. Just imagine where the cities and countries of Northern Africa could be in 50 years with the right policies!".

  In addition to its president, the ELDR was also represented through Vice-Presidents Marc Guerrero, Lousewies van der Laan and Astrid Thors MP. 

  The full speech of Sir Graham:

  'ARAB SPRING, ONE YEAR ON'
  LIBERAL DEMOCRAT CONFERENCE ON THE OCCASION OF THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARAB SPRING
  Dates: 29-30 March 2012

  Opening speech: Sir Graham Watson MEP, ELDR Party President
  Friday, 30 March 2012, Venue: Palau de Pedralbes at 9:15-10:00

  Fifty years ago, the people of this Iberian peninsula threw off the chains of autocratic and despotic rule. Look around you today at this magnificent city and the society they have built under a Liberal political order!

  Today we are witnessing an Arab awakening and we see first progress on what may be a long road to a better future.

  Revolutions or awakenings are no easy tasks. Fundamental change of political systems takes time. Even here in Catalonia, the reluctance of Spain to let its peoples develop freely is a remnant of a country clinging to the past.

  Who can say what will be in Morocco or Yemen, in Bahrain or Egypt fifty years from now?

  Will the current turmoil deliver what in Arabic would be called
  Nahda - Renaissance? Naksa - set back? Naqba - catastrophe?
  Or will it rather lead us to ... Najah - Success?

  Look at how things stand: elections for the first time in generations in Libya, in Egypt, in Tunisia; democratically elected parliaments sitting in Cairo and in Tunis; plebiscites on constitutional change in Morocco and Jordan!

  True, in Libya the quest for identity continues, with regional quarrels inside the country; in Syria, which first seemed beyond reform, a brutal civil war is raging; and in Saudi Arabia, struggles to overcome the suffocation of totalitarian rule are in their infancy. Much remains to be done to achieve human freedom in the Mediterranean region - not least in Cyprus, shortly to preside the European Union.

  Collectively, we see northern Africa's young people - and two of every three Arabs are under thirty - in search of an identity. After decades of suppression and exclusion, they are looking for their role in the world and, most importantly, for dignity and justice.

  And in the world outside we see Europe and North America no longer denying the democratic will of the people - as we did shamefully in Algeria or in Palestine - but embracing it.

  A good measure of najah (success) would be legal systems and judiciaries providing for equal rights of all citizens. If laws are just and fairly applied, humankind can breathe.

  The EU can help in the process of transition from autocracy to democracy. By opening our markets to agricultural produce. By easing the debt burden and offering technical assistance. And by liberalising the visa regimes which are too often today's barbed wire fences.

  If we wish to help and influence we must not give in to those who seek, in the words of the poet Thomas Gray, to 'shut the gates of mercy on mankind'.

  Here in Barcelona, home of the Barcelona process and the Union for the Mediterranean, we face our second major challenge in one generation. When western Europe saw the fall of communism in central and eastern Europe it offered its neighbours a helping hand. Twenty years later, not all those countries are state-of-the-art democracies. But without our political help and the opening of our markets, the process of change and transition would have been much less successful.

  We must do the same today with the countries to our south to make the Mediterranean once more the mare nostrum of Roman times; a market place of trade and co-operation. The young democracy movements need our support.

  We need to rethink the Union for the Mediterranean. To turn the EBRD into a euro-med development bank; to extend the Erasmus student exchange programme further to make it more available; to establish euro-med institutions of learning. Measures taken to bring the EU and Turkey closer together mustbbe replicated in the wider middle east.

  The Arab Spring is a Liberal opportunity. Let us seize the occasion and work together to ensure, in the words of the Greek poet Georges Moustaki, that the Arab Spring, le printemps arabe, becomes 'un bel ete, qui ne craint pas l'automne, en Mediterranee'.

  ENDS

• 0:33

  Debenelux - liberal cooperation

   » ‎ ELDR News

  This conference will provide an excellent opportunity for liberal politicians on the local level from Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg to get to know each other, to recognize one another's shared liberal agenda and to lay the foundations for future cooperation.

  Next to speed dating, round tables with EU regions and ample time for networking, the conference is centered around three themes: mobility and transformation, demographic transition and education & labour market. Confirmed speakers are Maastricht's mayor Onno Hoes (VVD), Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck MEP (Open Vld), Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy MEP and Kees Verhoeven MP (D66).ELDR Vice-President Lousewies van der Laan is hosting the conference.

  It is still possible to register! If you are a local politician from one of the Debenelux countries, kindly contact the D66 secretariat or your party's international secretary. For more information check the D66 website.

• 0:33

  ELDR Finnish member Keskusta creates local branch in Brussels

   » ‎ ELDR News

  In its inauguration session last week, the members elected former chair of Keskusta Helsinki, Anna Ranki, to lead the branch and its activities. "With our newly established Keskusta in Brussels, we aim to create links between European and EU affaires and national politics. Besides this we also aim to create a forum for political discussion and action among members of the party in Brussels. We look forward for good cooperation with other liberal Brussels based party sections as well as the upcoming municipal elections in Belgium" said Anna Ranki, chair person of the Keskusta in Brussels.

  On behalf of all Brussels based liberals, the European Liberal Democrats would like to welcome Keskusta into the growing network of Liberals in Brussels, Euro-Lib.

• 0:33

  Cypriots are running out of time

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Address by President of the United Democrats, Praxoula Antoniadou Kyriacou, at the 11th Congress of the New Cyprus Party, YKP
  

  The Congress of YKP takes place at a very critical time for Cyprus. The current round of talks seems to be leading nowhere; Eight years after the accession of Cyprus to the European Union, the Cyprus Presidency of the EU finds Cyprus still divided, while leaders have so far failed to utilize the discovery of natural gas in Cyprus in a way that will promote peace rather than war.

  In parallel, the economic crisis has stricken hard at the Cypriots and has emphasized the unhealthy economic links with the so called ‘'motherlands''. On one hand, it has emphasized relations of dependency and hence lack of autonomy of the Turkish Cypriots versus Turkey, and on the other hand it has indicated that the financial investments made by Greek Cypriots in Greece were excessive and risky and to the detriment of the Cypriot economy.

  The way ahead for the Cypriots does not lie in holding the hands of the motherlands but in holding the hands of each other. Such a development will transform the relationship with the motherlands from one of dependency to one of healthy cooperation between partners in peace.

  We, the Cypriots, are running out of time, my friends. We missed a true opportunity in 2004 but despite our disappointment with leaders of the time, we decided to give peace another chance. But leaders failed to respond to the new opportunity given with the resumption of talks in 2008. Instead some leaders use the Cyprus problem as a way to perpetuate their hold on power.

  We need leaders who can look into the future and see how the economy can revitalize, so that growth and jobs can be created. And we need jobs especially for the young. For a country that doesn't give opportunities to the young is a country without a future. And it is no wonder that increasing numbers of youth amongst both the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities abandon their homeland and decide to live abroad for a better future.

  We need leaders who understand that peace is more profitable than war; and that the reunification of Cyprus and the consequent normalization of relations between Cyprus and Turkey will be beneficial for both Cyprus and Turkey.

  In this regard, the discovery of natural gas in Cyprus is an opportunity of make or brake. The resolution of the Cyprus problem in a way that will be reunifying the island will allow all the Cypriots to participate in the economic development and to share the benefits that the exploitation of our country's natural wealth will bring. At the same time it will allow the normalization of relations with Turkey, so that Cyprus and Turkey can become partners in peace to the benefit of both countries. For this is the time that Europe is looking for new sources of natural gas and the area of the Eastern Mediterranean is evolving as such a new source.

  This is yet another opportunity that nature is giving to the Cypriots and we need responsible leaders to treat it as an opportunity for peace making , not as an opportunity for power building.

  And we need to remember that Europe is watching. Europe, our wider family, has been accommodating all along. But local leaders have to remember that regional power politics are beyond us. Regional power politics will only favour the Cypriots if the Cypriots themselves decide that they want to favour their country -all of their country- and not their personal or Party grasp to power.

  The United Democrats remain committed to the attainment of the reunification of our country on the basis of the bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality, and we are proud that our European Political family, the European Liberal Democrats, have unanimously endorsed this position in a resolution in November 2009.

  In this regard -and to the extent that bigger political parties have failed to lead the country towards reunification- we will intensify our political activity both in Cyprus and Europe-wide, so that our country is eventually led towards a future that generations of Cypriots have been deprived but deserve, a future of peace, cooperation, economic development, acknowledgement for the youth and transition to a truly European country.

   

   

• 0:33

  Second March for Amnesty, Justice and Freedom

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Seven years ago already, on Christmas day 2005, we marched from Castel Sant'Angelo, passing near symbolic places as the Regina Coeli penitentiary and institutional places (Presidency of the Republic of Italy, the seat of the Prime Minister, the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate). We called for measures of amnesty and pardon, to reduce significantly the judicial overload that have suffocated tribunals for years now, and to alleviate the burden caused by the penitentiary system - in all its component: convicts, administrative and custody personnel. Today in Italy, in our penitentiary system - despite recent measures introduced by the Government - there are 7,000 more inmates than in 2005.

  Since then, the situation has become far more serious and gangrened. We find ourselves, as a State and a Republic, in an undeniable, technically speaking, situation of criminal flagrancy. We find ourselves in a perpetual and continued violation of every kind of ruling legislation: national, international and european; a violation provoked by over 10 millions of pending civil and criminal proceedings, and as a consequence of this our country is constantly sanctioned by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, because of the "non-reasonable duration of judicial proceedings that constitute a serious threat to rule of law".

  We noted that since then, there was not one public or private television debate on this issue, a true emergency in the country. The objectives of the second "March for Amnesty, Justice and Freedom" are the same as the first march of 2005. For these reasons we invite all promoters of the first march to come forward, for today the situation is manifestly far more serious. "We want to serve the State, we do not want to be accomplices of violence and illegality against justice and the State itself", prisons' heads declare. We all, promoters of the "Second March for Amnesty, Justice and Freedom", say without hard feeling nor hostility towards anyone that we intend to offer the further force that firstly all institutional figures must have.

• 0:33

  Seminar on Iran

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Please find enclosed the programme:

  10.00 - Introduction
  Fredrik Malm, Member of Parliament and spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Liberal Party

  10.15-11.00 - "The International Community's policies towards Iran - Dialogue, Protest or Sanctions?"
  Idris Ahmedi, PhD Candidate, Stockholm University
  Mr. Ahmedi will talk about what the United Nations, the USA, and the European Union, are doing in order to put pressure on the Iranian regime. What further actions are available and what have already been tested? What strategy does the international community have today, and are there any dividing lines within the international community about this strategy?

  11.00-12.00 - "Women's rights and the regime's violence towards dissidents"
  Mehrangiz Kar, lawyer, author and celebrated activist of women's rights in Iran. Teacher at Brown University, Massachussets, USA. Mrs Kharsr inexhaustible struggle towards a more democratic Iran has rendered in many awards and honours.
  How does the situation look like when it comes to the recognition of human rights in Iran? In what way can Sweden and the European Union strengthen and empower the political opposition? A detailed account from a bold and brave woman, prominent within the Iranian opposition, who has written several books about the political situation in Iran.

  12.00-13.00 - Lunch at the Parliament
  Lunch will be served adjacent to the hall where the seminar is held.

  13.00-13.45 - "The Diversity of Iran"
  Dr. Miro Aliyar, Member of the Central Committee and foreign relations spokes person, Kurdistan Democratic Party Iran and Miriam Alipour, Former Member of the Central Committee, Democratic Party of Kurdistan
  Along the borders of Iran reside a number of ethnic communities. All have their own story to tell about oppression and the future for their communities. The Kurds is one of them. A community of up to ten million people, oppressed and condemned by the regime, and often forgotten by the international community.

  13.45-14.15 "Iran and Syria"
  Nathan Shachar, Correspondent, Dagens Nyheter, Sweden's largest daily newspaper
  Iran and Syria are close allies, but how does this alliance look like? How has Iran reacted against the backdrop of the Arabic Spring, and how has the Arabic Spring affected Iran's long term alliance with armed political movements/groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas?

  14.15-14.45 - "Are there opportunities for change in Iran or are we witnessing a democratic impasse?"
  Shahriar Ahy, co-founder of Solidarity Iran,
  A presentation about a nation with a rich history and past, suffering people, and a political process that has been deadlocked. How can democracy and liberalism change Iran?

  Please contact Fredrik Svensson for more information.

• 0:33

  Debenelux Shared Societies conference with liberals from border regions big success!

   » ‎ ELDR News

  MEP Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, MP Kees Verhoeven and Elbert Roest, President of the association for political representatives contributed to the meeting on behalf of D66. Onno Hoes, Mayor of Maastricht (VVD) opened the conference that was chaired by ELDR Vice-President Lousewies van der Laan. Open Vld MEP and former ELDR President Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck gave a training on local party structures and the little liberal book.

  Two members of the D66 Europe working group, Marc Enschede and Robert Schliessler, interviewed representatives of all parties present. Click here for the first interview with Maastricht Alderman Mieke Damsma (D66) en Adjunct Secretary-General of the Benelux Council Luc Willems (Open Vld), and here for the second interview with Ralf Berlingen (FDP) and Ine Hellweg, councillor in Voerendaal (VVD).

  A more extensive report will be made available soon and will also include information on possible follow-up ideas.

   

• 0:33

  ELDR President gives Azerbaijan 'nul points' for freedom

   » ‎ ELDR News

  He continues: "Azerbaijan is bound by the European Convention on Human Rights yet frequently violates its provisions. Azerbaijan participates in our Eastern partnership programme yet its election 18 months ago failed to come anywhere near our standards. In hosting the Eurovision song contest Azerbaijan wishes to be seen as a modern democracy; yet fails to allow its own citizens the freedom to sing their songs. It would score 'nul points' for freedom. The imprisonment of members of the Liberal Musavat party, the fate of the Aliyev brothers and the harassment of Leyla Yunus are among thousands of cases of blatant injustice. That is why I voted for the excellent report by Anneli Jäätteenmäki insisting on improvements in respect for fundamental freedoms before any association agreement can be signed."

  ELDR has launched a campaign called 'Douze points for freedom'. You can sign our petition on www.douzepointsforfreedom.eu !

• 0:33

  Liberal members of national and European Parliament meet with Commissioners in Copenhagen

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Co-chairing the meeting with the Liberal President of the Danish EU Affairs Committee Eva Kjer Hansen, ALDE representative and ELDR Party President Sir Graham Watson stated "it is always fruitful to exchange views, concerns and ways forward with representatives of Europe's Parliaments, who have rightly gained a clarified and enhanced role from the Lisbon Treaty", and gave account of the inspiring discissions during the meeting: "in our meeting we took stock of the state of play with regards to the digital agenda and sustainable growth, where our Liberal Commissioners are doing an excellent job at present, and established liberal ways forward on topics as diverse as the EU 2020 Strategy, the principle of subsidiarity and copyright issues. I'm much looking forward to continuing this cooperation during the upcoming Cypriot EU Presidency".

   

• 0:33

  FDP adopts new basic manifesto

   » ‎ ELDR News

  This new document provides guidelines for liberal policies at the beginning of the 21st Century taking into consideration the new challenges of a rapidly changing world. The freedom and evolvement of the individual human being remain at the core of liberal convictions. The manifesto develops ideas on the chances and challenges of individual freedom today, what values and principles are important for liberals and what priorities liberals choose as regards society, markets and states.

  The Congress came ahead of important regional elections in the federal states of Nordrhein-Westfalen and Schleswig-Holstein in May 2012 and featured speeches of the regional top candidates. FDP also elected the 14 party members representing the party at ELDR Council meetings.
  For more information in German visit the Congress website.

  ELDR President Sir Graham Watson addressed the Congress delegates on 22 April and provided a strong European support message to the party members ahead of important elections in Germany. Freedom is central to progress and development and thus Europe needs Liberals to foster this central value for Liberals.

  Sir Graham welcomed the strong vision for a greater European integration as expressed in the new basic manifesto of the party and invited and encouraged FDP to work jointly with the other liberal sister parties of ELDR to further develop this vision of a prosperous and strong Europe.
  Only liberals can provide sound policies to prevent conservatives and socialists to continue with disastrous economic policies that have led so many European countries to the abyss of disaster, the ELDR President underlined.

  Liberals will work hard and hand in hand for good governance in Europe in order to return lost confidence of the citizens. Participation in and legitimization of politics to restore confidence and to convince European citizens of greater European cooperation that is crucial to tackle the great challenges of the 21st Century, Sir Graham Watson concluded.

• 0:33

  D66 projects in Azerbaijan and Tunisia

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Both projects were supported by the International Democratic Initiative foundation affiliated to D66 and were made possible through the financial support of the Dutch Foreign Ministry MATRA program for societal transition.

  A group of seven young D66 members arrived in Baku on April 1^st, to train 30 young political activists, from  different opposition movements during a  three day seminar. The very practical courses aimed to provide campaigning, fundraising and organization management skills. D66 MEP Gerben Jan Gerbrandy,   in Baku for the EuroNest conference, spoke with the activists together with VVD MEP Jan Mulder. The D66 delegation also met with different NGO's, journalists and the Dutch ambassador. During the conference, a blog was updated on a daily basis (in Dutch). This video is a brief report of the seminar.

  In the weekend of April 13^th, the Young Democrats organized a conference in Tunis; the first project in Tunisia led by a political youth organization. The aim of this congress was to share experiences about politics in different countries, but also to learn from the experienced trainers. The participants consisted of 30 members of liberal oriented Tunisian youth organizations and 10 Young Democrats.  The group was eager to learn about democracy, to discuss liberalism and to listen to first-hand experiences regarding the Jasmine Revolution. D66 MEP Marietje Schaake discussed human rights, youth involvement in politics and many other issues. The Belgian Thomas Leys and Lebanese Rabih Fahkredinne, both board members of IFLRY, gave trainings on how to build political youth organizations, fundraising and campaigning. Dennis Hesseling (Van Mierlo Foundation and IDI spoke about social liberalism and how parties can transform their vision for the future into party positions. Click to watch the video report and read the blog (in Dutch) about this project.

  Both projects were organized in cooperation with IDI, IFLRY and several other organizations. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation contributed to the Tunisian project, as well as the VVD.

  Concluding, the cooperation of different organizations in these projects appeared to be a success. New relations have been established, potential partnerships have been explored so in the near future new projects can be set up. Active members of D66 and the Young Democrats have gained experience with this type of projects, being able to contribute to liberal capacity building in  Baku and Tunis. Follow-up to both projects is on its way, for example in the alternative song festival taking place on May 26^th .

• 0:33

  ELDR Council meeting in Yerevan

   » ‎ ELDR News

  The council at its meeting on Friday 11 May adopted the two resolutions below:

  • Resolution on the reunification of Cyprus
  • UN Arms Trade treaty

   

  On Sunday, a series of thematic fringe events will also take place on the subjects of democratisation in the Southern Caucuses; energy security in Europe - from a liberal perspective; effective liberal policies for climate and resource management; and gay rights issues in the Southern Caucuses.

  Draft programme of the ELDR Council meeting.

• 0:33

  Statement on the Lorca earthquake anniversary

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Speaking from Armenia where they are both attending the Council of
  European liberals, the Leader of ELDR, Sir Graham Watson said: " The
  image of the people of Lorca marching through the streets is very
  revealing. Clearly, not enough has been done to respond to the people's
  needs and I urge the Spanish authorities to provide effective political
  leadership to ensure the plight of those people affected by the
  earthquake is resolved quickly."

  The President of CDL, Sean O'Curneen Cañas said: " For too long now,
  there have been too many excuses given to the people of Lorca. They need
  action and results. It is unacceptable that the different authorities
  have been unable to overcome bureaucratic obstacles. More and more
  people across Europe are becoming aware of the problem and I will
  continue to raise awareness as long as the situation persists."

• 0:33

  European liberals deeply concerned by developments in Belarus and Russia

   » ‎ ELDR News

  On election night, more than 600 people were arrested, and at least 25 civic activists and political opponents of the regime now stand accused of "mass disorders" and risk up to 15 years of imprisonment. 23 of them are still detained in remand prisons: among them not only presidential candidates and politicians, but also journalists, intellectuals and our liberal partners.

  Moving on to Russia; not only are there fundamental reasons to question the sentence of Mikhail Khodorkovsky to an additional six years of imprisonment - but European Liberals are also critical of the current state of human rights and freedom of assembly in Russia.

  The day after the Khodorkovsky sentence, opposition party leader Boris Nemtsov was detained together with 130 others in Moscow and St. Petersburg, and had to spend 15 days in prison for "disobedience of police", a token sentence that runs against the right of freedom of speech and assembly, one of the cornerstones of the European system which is also deeply embedded in the statutes of the Council of Europe, to which Russia is member.

  These developments are completely unacceptable for European Liberals, and in the case of Russia naturally a far cry from President Medvedev's pledge of an increasing need for a society based on the rule of law. Markus Löning, ELDR Vice President and German Government's special representative for Human Rights, strongly underlined this position in an interview with the German news programme Tagesthemen.

  We therefore call on both the Belarusian and Russian authorities to release anyone detained for using their right to express their views in a peaceful and legal way, and in the specific case of Belarus of an investigation into the so-called "mass disorder" to be conducted in a proper and politically unbiased way.

• 0:33

  Joint Statement on situation after the elections in Belarus

   » ‎ ELDR News

  The European liberals call on the Belarusian authorities to release anyone detained for the expression of critical views regarding the outcome of the election and to avoid the reappearance of the practice of imprisonment of political opponents. We demand that the investigation into the so- called "mass disorder" be conducted in a proper and politically unbiased way. We strongly demand a clear roadmap for democratic reform and free and fair elections to be developed by the Belarusian authorities with assistance of the international institutions.

  Anne Brasseur (ALDE-PACE), Guy Verhofstadt (ALDE-EP), Annemie Neyts (ELDR) and Hans Van Baalen (LI)

  Please click here to see the pdf

• 0:33

  Estonia's Euro zone accession; Hungary, a serious breach to freedom of speech etc...

   » ‎ ELDR News

  If this message is not displaying properly, please click here   Liberal achievement Estonia’s Euro zone accession The Liberal coalition, led by Prime Minister, Andrus Ansip, (leader of ELDR member, Reform Party) has brought Estonia into the single currency after the Baltic country joined the euro zone on 1 January 2011. “The accession will bring greater integration within the EU and euro zone and a closer collaboration on financial issues between the Estonian government and the other European liberal leaders whose countries are already members of the single currency”, commented Annemie Neyts, President of the ELDR Party. “Additionally, financial stability afforded by the euro zone will certainly provide small EU member states like Estonia’s Baltic neighbours, Latvia and Lithuania, a strong incentive to join the euro zone”, envisaged Neyts.       Liberal family FDP kicks off the political year 2011 Since the mid 19th Century, German liberals have been gathering for their traditional meeting on the occasion of the Epiphany on 6 January. Party leader and German Foreign Minister, Guido Westerwelle and FDP’s secretary general, Christian Lindner, used this year’s meeting to prepare the ground for important regional elections in Germany this spring. Westerwelle called upon the more than 1000 party members and guests in attendance to highlight the initial successes of the German federal government and campaign for strong liberals to prevent parliamentary left majorities, including the communists.      Civil rights European liberals deeply concerned by developments in Belarus and Russia The liberal forces of Europe strongly deplore the dismal developments on human rights in parts of Europe during the past couple of weeks. Beginning with Belarus; what could be perceived at the outset as slight progress in allowing several candidates to run against Aleksander Lukashenko in the Presidential elections soon turned into the direct opposite. To know more.     Culture Turku and Tallinn European Liberal Capitals of Culture Estonia's capital city, Tallinn, together with Turku in Finland, have been chosen as the representative towns of European culture for 2011. European Liberals congratulate the Mayor of Tallinn, Edgar Savisaar, (ELDR member: Centre Party of Estonia) for winning this accolade. “The celebrations should be an occasion to spread around a culture of freedom and liberty so deep rooted in Estonia and so close to the liberal thought” Annemie Neyts, President of the ELDR Party commented. Talking about culture,  Dutch Liberal MEP,  Marietje Schaake (Democraten 66, Netherlands) here in the picture has lent her support to an European Parliament initiative for a European heritage label to support cultural treasurers. Check it out.      Civil rights A serious breach to freedom of speech Liberals in the European Parliament organized a public hearing on Tuesday 11 January to find out more about Hungary’s new media law which, according to ALDE Group Leader Guy Verhofstadt is “a serious breach to freedom of speech.” Liberal European Commissioner Neelie Kroes said "the recently adopted Hungarian Media Act raises specific concerns regarding its compliance with the EU Audiovisual and Media Services Directive and, more generally, regarding the respect for the fundamental media freedoms such as freedom of expression and media pluralism." Mrs Kroes said that “the European Commission is taking this very seriously. We will make a legal assessment based on the Hungarian text of the law.” The English version of the law can be found here.     Liberal highlights ELDR Focus Year 2011 The theme of the 2011 ELDR Party Focus Year is the EU budget for the period 2014-2020 and will explore issues associated with how the EU generates and spends its money. We will be collecting input from prominent European and national liberals as well as academics and those who simply want a say in how the EU uses its money and where it comes from. Stay tuned for more information about the launch of the Focus Year 2011 and how you can join the debate!     Next events 04/02 The European Summit in Brussels 24/03 European Summit in Brussels 24/06 European Summit in Brussels Contact ELDR Party Rue MONTOYERstraat 31 (7th floor) BE - 1000 Bruxelles - Belgium T +32 2 237 01 40 F +32 2 231 19 07 info@eldr.eu - www.eldr.eu     www.eldr.eu   If you no longer wish to receive e-mail newsletter, please click here ( efelgueroso@eldr.eu )

  

• 0:33

  EUROPEAN LIBERALS - JOINT STATEMENT on situation after elections in BELARUS

   » ‎ ELDR News

  If this message is not displaying properly, please click here     JOINT STATEMENT on situation after elections in BELARUS Liberals in Europe and worldwide have closed ranks to make a strong call upon the Belarusian government to release all journalists, opposition candidates and civil society representatives who face continued detention. For liberal parties and their representatives in the European and national parliaments the brutal repression of the peaceful demonstrations following the presidential elections on 19 December 2010 is completely unacceptable. Find the common declaration of the Presidents of four liberal organisations below.   ALDE Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe ALDE European Parliament ELDR Liberal International   The liberal forces of Europe strongly condemn the violent repression of political protest in the aftermath of the Presidential elections in Belarus on 19 December 2010 when more than 600 people were arrested. At least 25 civic activists and political opponents of the regime are accused of "mass disorders" and risk up to 15 years of imprisonment. 23 of them are still detained in remand prisons: among them not only presidential candidates and politicians, but also journalists, intellectuals and our liberal partners. The European liberals call on the Belarusian authorities to release anyone detained for the expression of critical views regarding the outcome of the election and to avoid the reappearance of the practice of imprisonment of political opponents. We demand that the investigation into the so-called "mass disorder" be conducted in a proper and politically unbiased way. We strongly demand a clear roadmap for democratic reform and free and fair elections to be developed by the Belarusian authorities with assistance of the international institutions. Anne Brasseur ALDE - PACE Guy Verhofstadt ALDE - EP Annemie Neyts ELDR Hans Van Baalen LI       Next events 04/02 The European Summit in Brussels 04/03 ELDR Youth forum in CEE, Wroclaw Poland 24/03 European Summit in Brussels Contact ELDR Party Rue MONTOYERstraat 31 (7th floor) BE - 1000 Bruxelles - Belgium T +32 2 237 01 40 F +32 2 231 19 07 info@eldr.eu - www.eldr.eu     www.eldr.eu   If you no longer wish to receive e-mail newsletter, please click here ( efelgueroso@eldr.eu )

  

• 0:33

  CONGRESS IN ROME, ITALY

   » ‎ ELDR News

  The Congress will be held in the autumn of 2011. More information will follow.

  For queries about the Congress please contact Robert Plummer, rplummer@eldr.eu, in the ELDR Party secretariat.

   

   

• 0:33

  Council in Dresden, Germany on 20-21 May 2011

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Council meeting will take place on Friday afternoon and will be followed by a social event. On Saturday morning a thematic seminar will take place. More information will follow.

  For queries about the Council meeting please contact Robert Plummer, rplummer@eldr.eu, in the ELDR Party secretariat.

• 0:33

  European Liberals support democratic evolution in Tunisia

   » ‎ ELDR News

  "Unfortunately, we have seen so many times that revolutions of various colour or sort have been initiated for the right reasons, only to then be overtaken by repressive or even criminal forces. Let's hope that this Jasmine revolution will turn out to be what the Tunisian people truly cherish and deserve: a path towards liberal democracy and prosperity", commented ELDR Party President Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck MEP.

  The developments in Tunisia now need to be monitored very closely, and this is an apt occasion for the EU's High Representative Catherine Ashton to step up and show bold leadership. It remains unclear how Tunisia will be able to manage the transition process. The EU must do its utmost to support an inclusively moderated process that will lead to the establishment of liberal democracy based on the rule of law and individual freedoms that were for so long absent in this country. For the sake of the Tunisian people and own self-interest, the EU must give high priority to support a stable development in the country.

  "The most important thing now is that the situation does not get out of hand. We hear reports of gangs creating havoc, and forces close to Ben Ali are likely to cling to power. The EU should offer support in this delicate interim situation, so that security can be ensured and the purpose of the Jasmine revolution can be sustained by organizing democratic elections by and for the Tunisian people" continued the ELDR Party President. "I expect High Representative Ashton to rise to the occasion and meet the challenge of the situation with a collective, strong EU response. That is not only to the benefit of Tunisia, but could have positive repercussions throughout the region" concluded Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck MEP.

• 0:33

  Hungarian Liberals hold extraordinary congress

   » ‎ ELDR News

  The congress unanimously presented serious criticism about the politics of the current government which meticulously strives to eliminate the system of checks and balances created only 20 years ago with the purpose to ensure the rule of law and controllability of political actions.

  New legal acts put to effect retrospectively, infringement of the rights and jurisdiction of the Constitutional Court; near eradication of the role of the Fiscal Council; creation of a Media Council with members exclusively delegated from the governing party, standing above all legal control; a new Media Act seriously limiting the freedom of opinions - these actions confirm that the Fidesz party has learnt nothing of the faults of its previous mandate; instead, it is about to forget and deny all the values that it stood for as part of the Democratic Opposition of 1989.

  The liberals keep encouraging members of private pension funds to retain their membership; not be intimidated by racketeering. By 2014 at the latest, a fair and decent government, made up of new, democratic forces, and which will not intend to degrade the rule of law, is going to be able to initiate the repeal of recent actions that are infringing on legal and moral norms.

  At the congress, Imre Mécs, a 1956 freedom fighter, founder of the party and former MP announced that he reactivated his membership and put forward his hope that his act was just the beginning of a new process that later on many would follow.

  "Our freedom is much too young for us to forget all the things we could lose if we let it get strangled" - said Mr Viktor Szabadai, executive chairman of the party, when closing the congress debate.

  15 January 2011

  Alliance of Free Democrats - The Hungarian Liberal Party

   

• 0:33

  Liberal Eyes Jan 201 - Become a member of the ELDR Party!

   » ‎ ELDR News

  If this message is not displaying properly, please click here Become a member of the ELDR Party! From Tuesday 1 February it will be possible! Associate Membership for individuals will be a sign of support to the European liberal values of freedom and individual responsibility, democracy and the rule of law, respect for human rights and tolerance. For ELDR, it is a new way to engage interested European citizens in the role and activities of our Party. You can sign up as associate member from 1st of February through filling in a form on the ELDR website, www.eldr.eu . NEWS STORIES UK Nordic Baltic Summit reinforces liberal approach There was a strong liberal presence at a UK Nordic Baltic Summit that took place in London on 19 and 20 January to discuss how best to foster economic growth, job creation, and wellbeing in the current economic climate. Attending the summit was three of ELDR’s prime ministers; Andrus Ansip (Estonia), Mari Kiviniemi (Finland) and Lars Løkke Rasmussen (Denmark).   LIBERAL FAMILY Mouvement Reformateur to elect new President This week the Belgian ELDR member party Mouvement Reformateur is holding Presidential elections to find a successor for Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Didier Reynders who at the same time has been holding the office of Party President. LIBERAL FAMILY Hungarian Liberals hold extraordinary congress The Alliance of Free Democrats – The Hungarian Liberal Party held its extraordinary congress on 15 January 2010. The congress unanimously presented serious criticism about the politics of the current government which meticulously strives to eliminate the system of checks and balances created only 20 years ago with the purpose to ensure the rule of law and accountability of political actions.   ELDR ACTIVITIES ELDR Vice President to visit Paris Upon invitation of the French political party Alternative Libérale, Graham Watson MEP will launch his book “Building a Liberal Europe: The ALDE Project” in the Assemblée Générale in Paris, France, on Thursday 27 January. LIBERALS Bonino is the most appreciated Italian politician Emma Bonino, leader of the Radicali Italiani, climbed to the top of the list of most appreciated Italian politicians with 44% of voters preferences, according to the last Italian polls. “Considering the political isolation of the Radicali Italiani, and the fact that Emma is on TV much less than Berlusconi and the other opposition leaders this is a real liberal achievement”, commented Mario Staderini Secretary General of the party.   LIBERAL ACTIVITIES ELF Conference- Migration: Europe’s Challenge and Opportunity How can Europe improve the economic integration of immigrants, profit from successful examples of migration and reverse xenophobic and populist trends? The European Liberal Forum is organising a conference on this issue on 7 February 2011 10h00-11h30 to the European Parliament to discuss solutions and new approaches.  Amongst the participants, Cecilia Malmström, Commissioner for Home Affairs. NETWORKING Liberal networking drink in Brussels Continuing the successful sessions of the international liberal networking drinks, Brussels based liberals will gather again in the Kitty O’Shea’s Irish pub (Bvd Charlemagne) from 18h30 on Tuesday 1 February 2011. Drinks are pay as you go. However, this time the Brussels chapter of the UK Liberal Democrats are offering a round of drinks. You are kindly invited to join us.       UPCOMING EVENTS 27/01 Conference"Building a Liberal Europe : The ALDE Project" with Graham Watson 04/02 The European Summit in Brussels 17/02 39th Congress of "Partito Radicale Nonviolento Transnazionale e Transpartito" www.eldr.eu CONTACT ELDR Party T +32 2 237 01 40 F +32 2 231 19 07 info@eldr.eu - www.eldr.eu Facebook fan page Twitter fan page If you no longer wish to receive e-mail newsletter, please click here

  

• 0:33

  UK Nordic Baltic Summit reinforces liberal approach

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Prime minister Rasmussen, (Venstre) commented, " The summit was a great success. We exchanged ideas on the important common challenges that our economies face - not least the need to speed up growth and create new jobs in order to maintain and develop our welfare societies. 

  "Representatives from business and civil society were closely involved in the discussions and many interesting ideas were presented. In particular, I appreciated the consensus among the nine countries that the transformation of our societies into low-carbon economies should be a high political priority, which at the same time will create a wide range of commercial possibilities for private businesses."

  Liberals are strong advocates of long-term economic growth and in achieving this see a clear need for Europe to become an efficient low-carbon economy with increased investment in technologies that are efficient and help to meet long-term energy requirements and which will in turn create new jobs.

  Simultaneously, the nature of Europe's demographic structure, characterised by an increasingly ageing population, is a potential hurdle to economic prosperity and employment opportunities as European economies recover from recession. Europe's Liberal Democrats consider policies are needed that actively engage both older and young people in society and working life, with liberal reforms of our labour market, healthcare and pension systems, in order to safeguard people's right of self-determination to create and pursue their opportunities.

  See ELDR's recent publication on demographic change for further views on this issue, including our policy priorities.

  There are plans for a follow-up UK Nordic Baltic conference in Sweden in 2012.

• 0:33

  Mouvement Reformateur will elect a new President

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Two candidates have emerged. The younger candidate is Charles Michel, currently Minister for Development Aid. He would like the MR to "bring together people, convince and get things moving". The other candidate is Daniel Bacquelaine, Leader of MR's Group in the Belgian House of Representatives whose key campaign words are "to pacify, be daring, and win together."

  The Jeunes MR, the youth movement, launched a Memorandum  [www.jeunesmr.be]  to make a contribution to the election campaign. They believe it is important for the MR to position itself more clearly as a liberalparty and give more influence in decision-making to the grassroots members.

  MR members can express their preference for Party President through postal ballot until Friday 28 January. The new President will have a four year mandate and shall start office on 14 February 2011.

  More information: www.mr.be

   

• 0:33

  Fianna Fail elects new party leader

   » ‎ ELDR News

   

  ELDR Party President, Annemie Neyts congratulated Mr Martin, former foreign minister, on his election as the new leader of Fianna Fail and paid tribute to out-going leader Brian Cowen. “Fianna Fail is a major player in Irish and European politics and I look forward to working with Micheál Martin to strengthen liberal democrat values. The forthcoming Irish elections will be a challenging time, as is the case for all parties that have been in office during the economic crisis, but I am confident that Fianna Fail will present a strong program for government to the Irish electorate”. 

  “I also express my respect for Brian Cowen for the dignified way in which he has handled the economic and financial crisis in Ireland and put the good of the country above his own political standing. Brian Cowen brought Fianna Fail into the European Liberal Democrats, a decision that has given both ELDR and Fianna Fail a stronger voice on the European stage, and I thank him for his dedication to the ELDR Party”.

  A general election in Ireland is expected to take place by the end of March at the latest with Brian Cowen set to stay on as prime minister until the election.   

   

   

• 0:33

  We are now seeking a Head of Communication!

   » ‎ ELDR News

   

  The European Liberal, Democrat and Reform (ELDR) Party is the third largest European political family, bringing together parties with common liberal, democrat and reform ideas from more than 30 European countries. Its role is to strengthen the liberal democrat movement throughout Europe, assist liberal democrat politicians to become better acquainted and to define a common political vision and communicate it effectively to European citizens.

  The Brussels-based Secretariat of ELDR supports the activities of the party, organises its meetings, manages its external communication, facilitates European policy development and networking amongst liberal parties. To support our growing activities, we are now seeking a Head of Communication

  Important notice:

  Following a problem with our server, applications received between 23 and 25 December 2010 have been lost.

  We apologize to the people who applied on those dates and kindly ask them to send again their application to the e-mail address: eldr@skynet.be.

   

   

   

  The mission:

  -       The Head of Communication will be responsible to develop and implement an efficient communication strategy which increases the visibility of ELDR, both internally (members) and externally (media, decision makers etc.) and raises its political impact in coherence with the global ELDR strategy;

  -        Collaborate actively with the party's political unit and provide the ELDR President and Secretary General with sound advise on all communication-related issues including media;

  -       Spokesperson for the ELDR party with media and other external actors;

  -       Manage and coordinate the work of the 2/3 communication team members ensuring accuracy and coherence of messages in various communication tools and activities. (website, publications, e-newsletter, press releases and conferences, thematic campaigns, seminars etc).

   

  Pre-requisite qualifications :

  -       A University degree (Political sciences, History, Economics, Law...).

  -       Demonstrate interest and understanding of party politics. S/He should be a member of or close to a liberal (ELDR) party.

  -       Several years of professional experience in Communication including internet communication tools, events, and media relation. Relevant experience acquired in other sectors is welcome.

  -       Fluent English and French (spoken and written).

   

  The ideal candidate profile :

  -       A self-motivated person, able to demonstrate initiative and to work with autonomy;

  -       A strategic thinker able to drive projects and to bring them to conclusion;

  -       A team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills;

  -       A motivating people manager, able to develop the team members;

  -       With some experience at European level, has a thorough understanding of European politics and the workings of the EU institutions.

   

  We offer :

  -       The opportunity to build visibility in a dynamic and developing environment;

  -       An international job based in Brussels with some travel, mainly in Europe.

  -       Being part of a small team (11) of dedicated people working in a professional and friendly atmosphere;

  -       An interesting compensation package.

  For more information see www.eldr.eu

  To apply, please send a detailed curriculum vitae and a letter of motivation by 30 January 2011, by e-mail to : Eldr@skynet.be

  
  

   

• 0:33

  European Liberals supportive of Arab calls for freedom

   » ‎ ELDR News

  European Liberals recently expressed their firm support of the Tunisian people to establish an open and democratic society by the so called Jasmine Revolution and now see the need to support also the Egyptian's people equally legitimate aspirations for freedom and democracy.

  Inspired by the scent of jasmine, particularly the Egyptian people have gone to the streets in the past few days voicing their opinion and opposing the current, authoritarian state of play -  as also rightly analyzed by the Middle East regional director of the liberal Friedrich Naumann Stiftung.

  In the view of European Liberals, this is yet another sign of the urgent importance of the EU acting coherently and decisively, to ensure that the situation does not get out of hand, as well as assist in the potential interim situation arising after the departure of an authoritarian ruler and the first democratic elections.

  The ELDR Party expects the European Foreign Ministers, convening in Brussels on Monday, to make this situation a priority and come out with clear action, to ensure peace, democracy and stability in Europe's geographical vicinity.

  "I can only reiterate my call from last week on Tunisia: the EU needs to offer support in these delicate situations, so that the true will of the people can be listened to. The ELDR Party has long called for the need for increased cooperation around the Mediterranean, commented ELDR Party President Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck MEP, and concluded "These uprisings in the EU's immediate surroundings could constitute the litmus test for the Union's newly established External Action Service. I trust High Representative Catherine Ashton to seize the occasion and come out with concrete support following Monday's meeting of Foreign Ministers".

• 0:33

  BECOME A MEMBER OF ELDR PARTY!

   » ‎ ELDR News

  "The launch of Associate Membership for individuals is another step in the continuing development of the ELDR Party from a network of liberal parties into a fully fledged European political party," said ELDR Secretary General Federica Sabbati. She continued: "Once there will be truly pan-European election campaigns and European candidates in the elections for the European Parliament, ELDR will be ready to involve its associate members in our election campaign activities."

  Membership is 25 € per year which will give you:

  1)      An Associate membership card,

  2)      Home delivery of the quarterly ELDR newspaper,

  3)      The ELDR electronic newsletter.

  4)      Personalised invitations for selected events.

  Furthermore, associate members will be able to participate and be a candidate in online elections that will select the delegate(s) representing associate members at the yearly ELDR Congress.

  Sign up as an Associate member!

   

• 0:33

  European Liberals congratulate the Egyptian people to their determination for freedom

   » ‎ ELDR News

  "The scenes from Cairo's central Tahrir square remind us of the "Montagsdemonstrationen" on Berlin Alexandersquare in the autumn of 1989. There is now clearly the chance for a moderated transition process involving the Egyptian society as whole and to draft a new constitution based on these  liberal democratic values and to prepare free and fair elections", commented ELDR Party President Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck MEP. "Europe has to critically admit that we have not done enough in the past to support such a process. Singling out two bad options - autocracy or Islamism - is too simple", she continued.

  European Liberals call again upon the EU's high representative for Foreign Affairs, Catherine Ashton, to raise her voice more clearly and to stretch out our hand on behalf of Europe to support the facilitation of a transition process at which end Egyptians can determine their political will. "It is in Europe's greatest interest to ensure political freedom and stability in its southern neighborhood and to support a new Egyptian government living in good relations to all its neighbors. The outcome of Monday's Foreign Affairs Ministers meeting in Brussels was on the whole satisfactory. I am however afraid that the ordinary citizen does not have a habit of reading technical conclusions from the European Council. Catherine Ashton should take a more proactive stance on this issue, so that people do not wrongly accuse the EU for not doing anything", President Neyts-Uyttebroeck concluded.

• 0:33

  Charles Michel elected new President of Mouvement Réformateur

   » ‎ ELDR News

  The new MR president will officially take office on 14 February 2011, succeeding Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Didier Reynders, who, according to the party's statutes, will remain the leading person of the French speaking Belgian liberals in the federal government.

  Born on 21 December 1975, Charles Michel is a graduate of law at the Free University of Brussels and the University of Amsterdam, and lawyer at the bar of Brussels, since 1998.

  He started his political career in the Young Liberals before becoming provincial councilor of Brabant Wallon from 1994 to 1999 and federal parliamentarian from June 1999 to October 2000. He left the House of Representatives in October 2000 to take office as Walloon Minister for Interior Affairs, a function he held until July 2004. Re-elected as federal parliamentarian in that month, he remained so until December 2007 - when he was MR spokesperson at the same time. He then become Minister for Development Cooperation and is also the present mayor of the city of Wavre.

• 0:33

  Annemie Neyts takes an active stance on developments in the Arab world

   » ‎ ELDR News
  In last week's Plenary session in the European Parliament, she called for the need for the EU to urgently re-think its policy on favouring stability over all other considerations to prevent disruption and chaos in authoritarian regimes. That only leads to instability, chaos and human tragedies. The EU instead needs to increase its support for democratic movements  and political parties to ensure that they can play a significant role in the run up to fair and free the elections.

  That message also echoed earlier statements of support for developments in Tunisia and Egypt earlier in the week from European Liberals, who continue to take an active interest in that the Arab world could finally transform into liberal democracies.

   

   

• 0:33

  European Parliament - hearing to get European political parties more involved in EU politics

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck, President of the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (ELDR), spoke of the challenges the parties face: "The ELDR is about to start a recruitment campaign as the momentum for encouraging people to become members of a political party is not as strong as it was until some time ago."
  

   

   

• 0:33

  Androulla Vassiliou on Europe sounds alarm on illiterate, early school-leavers

   » ‎ ELDR News

  One in five 15-year-olds in Europe lacks the basic reading and writing skills needed on the job market, compared with six percent in Korea, 10 percent in Canada and 14 percent in Japan, the European Commission said.

  "We are frankly failing these children and we must act now," commissioner for education Androulla Vassiliou told the press.

  In the EU, 14.4 per cent of students leave school after compulsory education, and the EU aims to reduce the rate to fewer than 10 per cent by 2020.

  Reducing the share of early school leavers across Europe by just 1 percentage point would create nearly half a million additional qualified young people each year. Most EU countries have made progress in reducing the number of young people leaving school with low qualifications, but more needs to be done," Education Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou added. To know more

   

   

• 0:33

  Clean Tech Region Östergötland

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Muharrem Demirok, Centre Party Vice Mayor of Linköping explains: "What we have achieved here is what most cities only now aim for in a distant future." Lib Dem Councillor Victor Chamberlain from Manchester added: "This was a great opportunity to see an example of how growth of the economy does not have to contradict meeting environmental targets - on the contrary, environmental technology is a growth engine for Linköping." Steintje van Veldhoven MP, spokesperson for green issues for D66, called for more cooperation on the green issues on the liberal agenda in Europe. The D66 is heading an ELDR project between the Centre Party, the Liberal Democrats and the D66 about making use of good examples across the borders in Europe. "Making better use of each other's good examples is a great way to fight climate change, instead of reinventing the wheel over and over", Steintje van Veldhoven comments.

   

  There are few diesel fumes in the city of 145.000 - all 90 buses, as well as 2.500 of the city's cars, run on renewable biogas, produced locally from waste. Furthermore, 400 km of bicycle paths encourage locals to leave their car in the garage. The extensive waste-to-energy project that has been developing for the past 30 years has been combined with massive expansion of district heating within the city. These initiatives have put Linköping at the forefront of the Clean Tech project in Sweden.

• 0:33

  Arab world developments; Member parties activities...

   » ‎ ELDR News

  If this message is not displaying properly, please click here NEWS STORIES Democratic developments in the Arab world Following popular uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, ELDR Party President Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck MEP has taken an active role in encouraging freedom and democratic developments.   ELDR MEMBERS ACTIVITIES Sweden - Clean Tech Region Östergötland “Green Cities – Reality or Utopia?”, was the topic for a seminar at the Centre Party annual event for Local Politics with guest speakers from the D66 and the Liberal Democrats. “What we have achieved here is what most cities only now aim for in a distant future.” LIBERAL ACTIVITIES Importance of liberal local politics Political parties are only successful if they are permanently present on the ground, genuinely engage with fellow citizens and address local challenges. A new ELDR / FNF brochure provides insights about best practice examples on political party building within the liberal family.   LIBERAL POLICIES Androulla Vassiliou - Europe sounds alarm on illiterate The Liberal European Commissioner for education launched last week an action plan to reduce the proportion of early school leavers. DEVELOPING STORY European Parliament – European political parties more involved in EU politics A recent hearing on 26 January by Parliament's Constitutional Affairs Committee debated the many legal, political and financial problems relating to developments of European political parties.   ELDR MEMBERS ACTIVITIES Charles Michel elected new President of Mouvement Réformateur, Belgium For the first time, members of the Mouvement Réformateur (MR) were called to elect their new president by postal ballot. A rigorous procedure was put in place, controlled by an observer. Almost 54% of the party members participated in these elections, which saw two candidates contest the leadership. LIBERAL NETWORK ELF Seminar: “Migration: Europe’s Challenge and Opportunity” On Monday the European Liberal Forum held a seminar with, among others, EU commissioner for home affairs Cecilia Malmström. The event, “Migration: Europe’s Challenge and Opportunity” focused on the important role that migration can play in responding to Europe’s changing demography and a comparison of migration trends in selected EU member states. Read more about demographic change and Commissioner Malmström’s views in the ELDR Party’s recent publication on this subject.       UPCOMING EVENTS • 17/02 39th Congress of "Partito Radicale Nonviolento Transnazionale e Transpartito" • 04/03 ELDR Youth forum in CEE, Wroclaw Poland • 24/03 European Summit in Brussels www.eldr.eu CONTACT ELDR Party T +32 2 237 01 40 F +32 2 231 19 07 info@eldr.eu - www.eldr.eu Facebook fan page Twitter fan page If you no longer wish to receive e-mail newsletter, please click here

  

• 0:33

  Prospects and challenges for modernisation of Russia

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Commenting on the current state of play in Russia, Mikhail Kasyanov, leader of PDU and former prime minister of the country, said that this is an important twelve months for Russia with parliamentary elections taking place in December and the presidential election in March 2012. "Russian people are starting to see that the promises made by President Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin are not being kept and they want more freedom and prosperity, which is not being delivered by the current government. However, it remains to be seen if the elections will really be 'elections' in the European sense" stated Mr Kasyanov, alluding to the fact that opportunities for democratic opposition parties to participate in elections are still heavily restricted with the concept of free and fair elections seemingly remaining a goal rather than a reality, the realisation of which is essential if Russia is to become a modern, democratic society.

  Reflecting on past developments before looking ahead to the role that the EU can play in the development of Russia, Sergey Mitrokhin, leader of Yabloko, observed, "the doors to democracy opened following the collapse of communism in Russia, but these have rapidly been closed and the democratic agenda that was promised in the past has not been implemented" Mr Mitrokhin added that, "the EU needs to be a source of cultural and social values that can flow into Russia, including joint education programmes and student exchanges. Implementation of such initiatives will aid the democratic development of the country and in turn facilitate its modernisation".

  Kristiina Ojuland MEP (Reform Party, Estonia), ALDE spokesperson on EU-Russia relations said that the European Parliament is keeping a close eye on developments in Russia and at the initiative of the liberal democrat group in the Parliament a resolution stressing the importance of the rule of law in Russia will be discussed during next week's plenary session in Strasbourg. "We believe that a modernisation of Russia should not only entail economic and market reforms but also calls for greater democracy, political freedoms, and respect for human rights and the rule of law. I would very much welcome a prompt resolution by the European Parliament on the situation regarding the rule of law in Russia."

  This conference built on discussions that took place when an ELDR Party delegation visited Moscow in June 2010 for a high level conference and meetings in which Russia's future relationship with the EU was the focus of the debate. 

• 0:33

  Liberals fully support the transition process in the Arab world

   » ‎ ELDR News

  If this message is not displaying properly, please click here     Liberals fully support the transition process in the Arab world European Liberals welcome wholeheartedly the overdue resignation of Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak. "It was the Egyptian people's determination, courage and will for freedom that paved the way for a transition towards a truly free society", comments ELDR Party President Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck MEP, and continues "Tunisians and now Egyptians sent a powerful signal to both the Arab region and the world at large: The Middle East can be transformed from within and by its own will. The military has now to live up to its promise that their takeover of power is purely transitory". The resignation of the former Presidents has been step 1 and now step 2 has to follow and will be even more important. Great challenges await these countries. A society based on principles of constitutional liberalism has to be formed. Free and fair elections are only one step towards a real liberal society. The ELDR Party will do what it can to support its liberal partners in Egypt throughout this transition process – notably naturally its allies, members of the Liberal International, the Democratic Front Party and El Ghad – and urge other European stakeholders to do the same. With the Arab world in its immediate vicinity, Europe must understand these developments and rise to the occasion. It has to play a crucial role and greatly step up its efforts to support the establishment of the rule of law, and help building a system to ensure civil and economic rights for which a pluralistic political party system and a functioning market economy are crucial. Drafting a new constitution, formulating political party laws and building a pluralist society does take time and requires careful work and patience from all actors involved. Europe knows this from experience and can for this reason provide a lot of assistance. As the ELDR Party President concludes, European Liberals expect the EU institutions to start working immediately there is no time to lose: "The wave of Tunisian refugees and other Africans entering Italy over the weekend could not be more powerful a signal that the EU must now develop a comprehensive economic and social partnership with the Mediterranean that will create a real perspective for a future in dignity and economic prosperity for the people in North Africa".     Next events  17/02 39th Congress of "Partito Radicale Nonviolento Transnazionale e Transpartito" 04/03 ELDR Youth forum in CEE, Wroclaw Poland 24/03 European Summit in Brussels Contact ELDR Party Rue MONTOYERstraat 31 (7th floor) BE - 1000 Bruxelles - Belgium T +32 2 237 01 40 F +32 2 231 19 07 info@eldr.eu - www.eldr.eu     www.eldr.eu   If you no longer wish to receive e-mail newsletter, please click here ( efelgueroso@eldr.eu )

  

• 0:33

  Liberals fully support the transition process in the Arab world

   » ‎ ELDR News

  The resignation of the former Presidents has been step 1 and now step 2 has to follow and will be even more important. Great challenges await these countries. A society based on principles of constitutional liberalism has to be formed. Free and fair elections are only one step towards a real liberal society. The ELDR Party will do what it can to support its liberal partners in Egypt throughout this transition process - notably naturally its allies, members of the Liberal International, the Democratic Front Party and El Ghad - and urge other European stakeholders to do the same.

  With the Arab world in its immediate vicinity, Europe must understand these developments and rise to the occasion. It has to play a crucial role and greatly step up its efforts to support the establishment of the rule of law, and help building a system to ensure civil and economic rights for which a pluralistic political party system and a functioning market economy are crucial. Drafting a new constitution, formulating political party laws and building a pluralist society does take time and requires careful work and patience from all actors involved. Europe knows this from experience and can for this reason provide a lot of assistance.
  
  As the ELDR Party President concludes, European Liberals expect the EU institutions to start working immediately there is no time to lose: "The wave of Tunisian refugees and other Africans entering Italy over the weekend could not be more powerful a signal that the EU must now develop a comprehensive economic and social partnership with the Mediterranean that will create a real perspective for a future in dignity and economic prosperity for the people in North Africa".

• 0:33

  Liberals initiate resolution on rule of law in Russia

   » ‎ ELDR News

  The resolution states that, as a member of the Council of Europe, Russia has signed up to fully respecting European standards as regards democracy, fundamental and human rights and the rule of law and the Russian authorities must therefore comply with all rulings of the European Court of Human Rights.

  Furthermore, the resolution calls upon the European Council and Commission to offer Russia practical assistance and expertise with a view to enhancing the independence of the judiciary and of law enforcement agencies and improving the ability of the judicial system to withstand political and economic pressure.

  Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck MEP, ELDR Party President and foreign affairs coordinator for the liberal democrat parliamentary group commented, "Russia is an important partner for the EU and we are not going to turn a blind eye to the human rights violations and corruption that still pervades Russian society. The resolution sends this clear message to the Russian authorities and comes at an important time with momentum building towards parliamentary elections later this year."

  Welcoming the adoption of the resolution, Mikhail Kasyanov, leader of ELDR member party the People's Democratic Union and former prime minister of Russia said "It is important that the resolution was supported by the representatives of all major European political parties. It means that assessments of the situation in Russia by us, the democratic opposition, is shared by the EU political establishment. This is the signal to be heard by the Russian leadership. Unless violations of the Russian Constitution and international obligations stop, it will have the most negative impact on Russia's relations with its key partner in the international arena."

  Kristiina Ojuland MEP, (Reform Party, Estonia), ALDE spokesperson on EU-Russia relations, who was involved with the preparation of the resolution added, "We consider Russia to be an important partner to the EU; therefore we expect Russia to respect her international obligations and protect the constitutional rights of her citizens. Violations of human rights, civil liberties as well as the rule of law have become commonplace in Russia.  It is hard to envisage foreign or domestic business investments in such climate."

  Reflecting on the wider context of Russia's relationship with the EU, ELDR Vice President, Graham Watson MEP (Liberal Democrats, UK) stated "Many of us in the European Parliament see Russia as part of the great family of European nations and after the fall of the Berlin wall we had hoped we would see Russia move closer to the European Union. Sadly that has not happened."

  Read the full resolution adopted by the European Parliament

  Read a report from a recent liberal conference about the prospects and challenges for the modernisation of Russia

• 0:33

  Estonian elections

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Leading government party Reformierakond have done well over the past term and has led Estonia to both OECD and Eurozone membership and are therefore now intensely campaigning to retain the role as the country's leading party, and for Andrus Ansip to continue as Prime Minister of Estonia. The current polls are looking promising for Reformierakond. According to Postimees, one of the country's biggest newspapers, Estonia's two-party ruling coalition is believed to increase its majority in Parliament.

  Reformierakond, Party of current Prime Minister Ansip, is estimated to score around 40 % of the votes, and is thereby likely to increase its current 30 seats in the 101-member Riigikogu, would these be the final scores also on voting day.

  Opposition party Keskerakond and Party Leader Edgar Savisaar, Mayor of the European Capital of Culture 2011, Tallinn, are too doing very well, scoring around 30 % in the polls, which would also result in increased parliamentary representation.

  European Liberal Democrats are pleased to see that Reformierakond and Keskerakond are predicted to score well in the national election. While campaigning on competing platforms and expressing differing views on liberalism, the two parties are sure to bring the best out of each other on the campaign trail!

• 0:33

  Estonian elections

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Leading government party Reformierakond have done well over the past term and has led Estonia to both OECD and Eurozone membership and are therefore now intensely campaigning to retain the role as the country's leading party, and for Andrus Ansip to continue as Prime Minister of Estonia. The current polls are looking promising for Reformierakond. According to Postimees, one of the country's biggest newspapers, Estonia's two-party ruling coalition is believed to increase its majority in Parliament.

  Reformierakond, Party of current Prime Minister Ansip, is estimated to score around 40 % of the votes, and is thereby likely to increase its current 30 seats in the 101-member Riigikogu, would these be the final scores also on voting day.

  Opposition party Keskerakond and Party Leader Edgar Savisaar, Mayor of the European Capital of Culture 2011, Tallinn, are too doing very well, scoring around 30 % in the polls, which would also result in increased parliamentary representation.

  European Liberal Democrats are pleased to see that Reformierakond and Keskerakond are predicted to score well in the national election. While campaigning on competing platforms and expressing differing views on liberalism, the two parties are sure to bring the best out of each other on the campaign trail!

• 0:33

  General election in Ireland: "the most important in a generation"

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Article by Micheál Martin, Leader of Fianna Fáil

  There is no doubt about it but this is the most important election faced by our country in a generation. Apart from what it means for Ireland, I think it will also have implications beyond our own borders, across the entire European Union.

  Ireland is recovering from a sharp and deep recession caused by a property and banking collapse. The problems we face, and solutions to them, are shared by millions of others across our continent. Responsible politicians know there is no ducking of hard decisions. Delay only makes things more difficult. However, these times are exactly when the divisions between responsible politics and dangerous populism are thrown into sharp relief. 

  Because of this, I think it is up to all of us across Europe to work harder to connect the realities of national issues with what people experience in their daily lives. Communication is the life blood of the public sphere and people need to know exactly how their elected representatives are responding to their needs.

  The Irish people, like other right thinking Europeans, are rightly angry over the causes of the recent economic turmoil. Alongside this, however, they are also looking for credible solutions to the issues involved.

  Of course, none of the answers to the current problems are easy or straightforward. In Ireland, there is some divergence in approaches. The two main opposition parties cannot agree on how the fiscal deficit is to be bridged. Labour (Socialists) wants to stretch the deficit cutting timeline to 2015 while Fine Gael (EPP) favours the agreed 2014 target. They differ too on the balance between spending cuts and taxation increases. Fine Gael's growth predictions have recently come in for some unfavourable scrutiny, after it was revealed that their figures conceal a deep cut in the number of health workers that will cost €1billion to fund.  Somewhat implausibly, the nationalist Sinn Féin party (European United Left) says that no spending cuts or additional taxes should be imposed at all. 

  Fianna Fáil is offering a detailed recovery plan which sets out the details of how we propose to restore the economy, create jobs, and fundamentally reform politics in Ireland.

  I believe we have already taken most of the very difficult decisions on the economy (we have already achieved a fiscal adjustment of €21 billion of the €30 billion required). These measures are already bearing fruit. Last year, for instance our export sector had its strongest performance on record.

  Our plan for jobs needs to be implemented primarily for the sakes of those unemployed. A reduction in unemployment is also vital to demonstrate how our democratically elected parliament can respond to the needs of the people.

  Lastly, our plan for political reform in Ireland is the most radical offered by any party in any election in our history. In composing our political reform platform we looked to systems across Europe which have managed to blend parliamentary accountability and effectiveness with greater expertise at Government level. I really believe this kind of cross-pollination of political ideas and cultures, to the benefit of all European citizens, is a greatly understated benefit of the European movement as a whole. 

   

• 0:33

  Liberal breakfast "Breaking the glass ceiling - More gender diversity through quotas?"

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Anticipating the 100th celebration of the International Women's Day, Liberal MEP Antonyia Parvanova will discuss this topic with Liberals in Brussels. You are kindly invited to join the discussion. Please RSVP to register.brussels@fnst.org

• 0:33

  European Liberals call for international measures to stop atrocities in Libya

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Many in the world community hesitated and only backed reform movements in Egypt and Tunisia once the outcome seemed to be clear. "Libya now presents a critical test to the international community and the European Union in particular", the ELDR President said. "So far the Libyan regime only offered civil war and a blood bath".

  The UN Security Council must now strongly condemn the development take immediate steps such as imposing targeted sanctions against Muammar Qaddafi and family members as well as others involved in the repression, including an immediate assets freeze or imposing an international embargo to prevent the sale and delivery of any military equipment.

  The Qaddafi era is now seemingly coming to its end but the future is highly uncertain for the Libyan people. Much less a homogenous society than e.g. Tunisia and Egypt, Libya might face a dangerous vacuum that needs quickly to be filled in order to make a proper transition into democracy.

  "Both the EU and the US have to urgently and comprehensively develop a strategy towards North Africa that will prevent the region from slipping into chaos and that is in the very interest of the Europeans, too. Libya may well be one of the world's largest oil producers. But we cannot let such interests blindfold us. Fundamental human rights always comes first", states the ELDR Party President

  Therefore, European Liberals will shortly take initiatives to coordinate European activities on political party assistance, and urge others to play their part in ensuring that the people of Northern Africa can successfully secure the freedom they are fighting for.

• 0:33

  ELDR Newsletter: ELDR Focus Year 2011: Refining the EU Budget - Reforming Europe!

   » ‎ ELDR News
  Click here to see the latest newsletter

  

   

• 0:33

  ELDR congratulates new Liberal President of Kosovo

   » ‎ ELDR News

  If this message is not displaying properly, please click here     ELDR congratulates new Liberal President of Kosovo  Yesterday, on Tuesday 22 February 2011, ELDR Member Party Alliance for a New Kosovo (AKR) Party Leader Behgjet Pacolli was elected President of the Republic of Kosovo by the newly assembled Kosovo Parliament, following the decision by AKR to join the coalition government led by Prime Minister Hashim Thaci’s Democratic Party PDK. In this coalition, AKR will also gain the posts of Deputy Prime Minister and three Ministries: Mimoza Kusari Lila will become Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Ferid Agani Minister of Health and Agim Ceku Minister of Defence. “It is always satisfying to see Liberals doing well and getting into important positions. Elections are about winning – and sometimes you have to be pragmatic to succeed”, commented ELDR Party President Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck MEP following the news. “What Kosovo urgently needs is a greater connection to Europe, and I am positive that AKR will have a good liberal influence on the future of Kosovo, and the direction of Prime Minister Thaci’s party”. For further reading, see last week’s press release by European Liberals on the occasion of Kosovo’s Independence Day.       Contact ELDR Party Rue MONTOYERstraat 31 (7th floor) BE - 1000 Bruxelles - Belgium T +32 2 237 01 40 F +32 2 231 19 07 info@eldr.eu - www.eldr.eu     www.eldr.eu   If you no longer wish to receive e-mail newsletter, please click here ( efelgueroso@eldr.eu )

  

• 0:33

  President of European Liberals on Libya: EU must follow calls of liberal governments

   » ‎ ELDR News

  If this message is not displaying properly, please click here     President of European Liberals on Libya: EU must follow calls of liberal governments European Liberals utterly condemn the escalation of violence in Libya. “This is appalling”, expressed ELDR Party President Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck MEP. “A regime that shoots and bombs its own people has lost any legitimacy it might have had”, she said. European Liberals fully support German Foreign Minister and liberal party leader Guido Westerwelle’s call for sanctions on Libya, co-initiated with the Finnish liberal-led government. “There is yet again a failure of a unified European position, let alone common EU action”, comments the ELDR Party President. “The Qaddafi era is at its end but some European governments still struggle to live up to our standards of liberal values. Condemnation of violence must now be backed by concrete action.”, concluded Neyts-Uyttebroeck. To read more on European Liberals views on Libya, click here. Note to the editor: Liberals have been calling for urgent and coherent actions throughout the Arab liberation: Liberals fully support the transition process in the Arab world Annemie Neyts takes an active stance on developments in the Arab world European Liberals congratulate the Egyptian people to their determination for freedom European Liberals supportive of Arab calls for freedom European Liberals support democratic evolution in Tunisia     Contact ELDR Party Rue MONTOYERstraat 31 (7th floor) BE - 1000 Bruxelles - Belgium T +32 2 237 01 40 F +32 2 231 19 07 info@eldr.eu - www.eldr.eu     www.eldr.eu   If you no longer wish to receive e-mail newsletter, please click here ( efelgueroso@eldr.eu )

  

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  We are now seeking a Head of Communication!

   » ‎ ELDR News

  The European Liberal, Democrat and Reform (ELDR) Party is the third largest European political family, bringing together parties with common liberal, democrat and reform ideas from more than 30 European countries. Its role is to strengthen the liberal democrat movement throughout Europe, assist liberal democrat politicians to become better acquainted and to define a common political vision and communicate it effectively to European citizens.

  The mission:

  -       The Head of Communication will be responsible to develop and implement an efficient communication strategy which increases the visibility of ELDR, both internally (members) and externally (media, decision makers etc.) and raises its political impact in coherence with the global ELDR strategy;

  -        Collaborate actively with the party's political unit and provide the ELDR President and Secretary General with sound advise on all communication-related issues including media;

  -       Spokesperson for the ELDR party with media and other external actors;

  -       Manage and coordinate the work of the 2/3 communication team members ensuring accuracy and coherence of messages in various communication tools and activities. (website, publications, e-newsletter, press releases and conferences, thematic campaigns, seminars etc).

   

  Pre-requisite qualifications :

  -       A University degree (Political sciences, History, Economics, Law...).

  -       Demonstrate interest and understanding of party politics. S/He should be a member of or close to a liberal (ELDR) party.

  -       Several years of professional experience in Communication including internet communication tools, events, and media relation. Relevant experience acquired in other sectors is welcome.

  -       Fluent English and French (spoken and written).

   

  The ideal candidate profile :

  -       A self-motivated person, able to demonstrate initiative and to work with autonomy;

  -       A strategic thinker able to drive projects and to bring them to conclusion;

  -       A team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills;

  -       A motivating people manager, able to develop the team members;

  -       With some experience at European level, has a thorough understanding of European politics and the workings of the EU institutions.

   

  We offer :

  -       The opportunity to build visibility in a dynamic and developing environment;

  -       An international job based in Brussels with some travel, mainly in Europe.

  -       Being part of a small team (11) of dedicated people working in a professional and friendly atmosphere;

  -       An interesting compensation package.

  For more information see www.eldr.eu

  To apply, please send a detailed curriculum vitae and a letter of motivation by 20 March 2011, by e-mail to : Eldr@skynet.be

   

   

   

   

• 0:33

  European Liberals: Kosovo and Europe need to connect

   » ‎ ELDR News

  If this message is not displaying properly, please click here     European Liberals: Kosovo and Europe need to connect The European Liberal Democrat and Reform (ELDR) Party time and again has stressed that the only possible solution for the conflict over Kosovo would be the recognition of Kosovo’s independence. Therefore, we welcomed Kosovo’s declaration of independence in 2007. However, at the same time we believe that Kosovo’s independence can only be successful if it adheres to European values and rules; its communities are at peace with each other; and friendly relations exist with its neighbouring states. More than ever, Kosovo and Europe need to connect. A number of hurdles are however remaining. Liberals have urged the five remaining EU member states to recognize the country. This should be done as soon as possible, to end the unfortunate jeopardy of Kosovo’s future – especially in view of that the International Court of Justice of the United Nations cleared the way for independence by declaring in 2010 that it “did not violate international law or any applicable laws of international law”. It is now imperative that Kosovar authorities cooperate fully with the Council of Europe to establish clear conclusions on what happened in Kosovo in the direct aftermath of the armed conflict and before the international forces gained control of the area. Not only does ELDR believe that this will help the reconciliation process between the Albanian and Serbian communities of Kosovo – but by properly cooperating Kosovo’s reputation in the European Union will also increase. Furthermore, European Liberals have every understanding for the Kosovar people’s hopes for visa liberalisation. While we endorse Kosovo’s chances – there are still European benchmarks to fulfil. Many of Kosovo’s neighbouring countries have however succeeded in this strive. If Kosovo continues working on this and ultimately reaches the targets – European Liberals consider it natural for them to also take part in this scheme. For all of these issues to succeed, however, it is high time for Kosovar politics to connect to the European discourse. In this strive, Kosovar Liberals have led the way. ELDR, which for years has included among its members the Liberal Party of Kosovo, and more recently the Alliance for New Kosovo (AKR), has actively engaged Kosovan politicians in its European activities. This has had a strong impact on that Europe’s liberals are in favour of a European perspective of Kosovo as an independent multi-ethnic and multi-religious country. Therefore, the ELDR Party has also urged the EU institutions and the Council of Europe to consider the European perspective and process of integration of Kosovo and its Western Balkan neighbours into the EU during the next round of European enlargement. With the emerging news of ELDR Member AKR now joining the government and Party Leader Behgjet Pacolli becoming President of Kosovo, European Liberals have good faith in that Kosovo will be able to make good progress towards European values and identity. Such progress will be needed – both for Kosovo’s development and for the further fulfilment of a free and democratic European continent.     Next events  04/03 ELDR Youth forum in CEE, Wroclaw Poland 24/03 European Summit in Brussels 24/03 ELDR Prime Ministers meeting Contact ELDR Party Rue MONTOYERstraat 31 (7th floor) BE - 1000 Bruxelles - Belgium T +32 2 237 01 40 F +32 2 231 19 07 info@eldr.eu - www.eldr.eu     www.eldr.eu   If you no longer wish to receive e-mail newsletter, please click here ( efelgueroso@eldr.eu )

  

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  ELDR congratulates new Liberal President of Kosovo

   » ‎ ELDR News

  In this coalition, AKR will also gain the posts of Deputy Prime Minister and three Ministries: Mimoza Kusari Lila will become Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Ferid Agani Minister of Health and Agim Ceku Minister of Defence.

  "It is always satisfying to see Liberals doing well and getting into important positions. Elections are about winning - and sometimes you have to be pragmatic to succeed", commented ELDR Party President Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck MEP following the news. "What Kosovo urgently needs is a greater connection to Europe, and I am positive that AKR will have a good liberal influence on the future of Kosovo, and the direction of Prime Minister Thaci's party".

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  Nonviolent Radical Party transnational transparty held Congress

   » ‎ ELDR News

  By highlighting the conditions in which they and their people find themselves, one common goal and action was decided: to actively promote -starting from a truly federalist and expanded European Union- the nonviolent struggle for democracy and human rights all over the world, to uphold the rule of law and to activate the existing international and national institutions towards this end. 

   
  The Congress, through interventions of Marco Pannella, Emma Bonino, Saad Eddin Ibrahim and Cherif Ferjani and many more found confirmation in the recent uprisings in the Arab world that democracy is not a right solely reserved for Western states.  
   
  The Congress voted unanimously a General Motion committing the Party to reconvene for the second and conclusive session of the 39th Congress within nine months, with the goal of defining specific action, proposing a structural reform of the Party and the election of the new board. 
   
  The Congress commits the board to convene a second session to be held within November 2011 in order to mobilise all the internal forces who animate popular, nonviolent and democratic uprisings also of those who are engaged in the search for truth on the Iraq war. The Congress invites all members to bring new subscriptions to the Radical Party, as human rights, freedom and democracy can be better upheld with the help of new subscriptions.

  More information:  [www.radicalparty.org]

   

• 0:33

  We are now seeking a Head of Communication!

   » ‎ ELDR News

  The European Liberal, Democrat and Reform (ELDR) Party is the third largest European political family, bringing together parties with common liberal, democrat and reform ideas from more than 30 European countries. Its role is to strengthen the liberal democrat movement throughout Europe, assist liberal democrat politicians to become better acquainted and to define a common political vision and communicate it effectively to European citizens.

  The mission:

  -       The Head of Communication will be responsible to develop and implement an efficient communication strategy which increases the visibility of ELDR, both internally (members) and externally (media, decision makers etc.) and raises its political impact in coherence with the global ELDR strategy;

  -        Collaborate actively with the party's political unit and provide the ELDR President and Secretary General with sound advise on all communication-related issues including media;

  -       Spokesperson for the ELDR party with media and other external actors;

  -       Manage and coordinate the work of the 2/3 communication team members ensuring accuracy and coherence of messages in various communication tools and activities. (website, publications, e-newsletter, press releases and conferences, thematic campaigns, seminars etc).

   

  Pre-requisite qualifications :

  -       A University degree (Political sciences, History, Economics, Law...).

  -       Demonstrate interest and understanding of party politics. S/He should be a member of or close to a liberal (ELDR) party.

  -       Several years of professional experience in Communication including internet communication tools, events, and media relation. Relevant experience acquired in other sectors is welcome.

  -       Fluent English and French (spoken and written).

   

  The ideal candidate profile :

  -       A self-motivated person, able to demonstrate initiative and to work with autonomy;

  -       A strategic thinker able to drive projects and to bring them to conclusion;

  -       A team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills;

  -       A motivating people manager, able to develop the team members;

  -       With some experience at European level, has a thorough understanding of European politics and the workings of the EU institutions.

   

  We offer :

  -       The opportunity to build visibility in a dynamic and developing environment;

  -       An international job based in Brussels with some travel, mainly in Europe.

  -       Being part of a small team (11) of dedicated people working in a professional and friendly atmosphere;

  -       An interesting compensation package.

  For more information see www.eldr.eu

  To apply, please send a detailed curriculum vitae and a letter of motivation by 20 March 2011, by e-mail to : Eldr@skynet.be

   

  
  

• 0:33

  Liberal breakfast "Breaking the glass ceiling - More gender diversity through quotas?"

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Antonyia Parvanova, Member of the European Parliament, Vice-President of the Alliance of the Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) and Coordinator of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality in European Parliament, was the speaker of the event.

  It was pointed out in the debate that self-regulation in business has not brought more equality of representation of men and women in leadership positions, and that society and the economy would probably benefit from greater gender diversity.

  It is hard to find consensus among the 27 EU member states on possible solutions, as there are different views on equality and different opinion on quotas, which is an issue that raises many issues of principle and divides. Most of the people in favour of quotas at this meeting saw them as a temporary tool to use in order to fuel positive trends in equal representation of women and men, and a change that would benefit both sexes.

   

   

   

   

• 0:33

  Election success for Estonian Liberals

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Reform Party polled 28.6% of the votes which is enough to see the party win 33 seats in the 101 seat parliament and retain their position as the leading party in government. Reform Party is set to return to coalition with the conservatives, as was the case in the last parliament, with Andrus Ansip, leader of Reform Party, remaining as prime minister.

  This would mean that the Centre Party, which scored an impressive 23.3% and returns with 26 MPs, would be the strongest opposition party.

  Commenting on the election result, ELDR Party President, Annemie Neyts MEP said, "Estonia is a fine example of a country that embodies the spirit of European cooperation. Estonia faced challenging times at the onset of the economic and financial crisis, but managed to implement necessary reforms and kept the country on track to join the European single currency, which it did this January. I am delighted that the citizens recognise the good work that Estonian liberals undertook in the last parliamentary term and I wish both of ELDR's member parties well in their coming mandates." 

   

• 0:33

  European Liberals engage in dialogue with students on liberalism

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Different renowned academic experts on political party systems joined the workshop to discuss features and present developments of political parties in Central-Eastern Europe.

  The participants were selected on the basis of an essay competition asking for reflections on the performance of liberal parties since the fall of the Iron Curtain.

  An increasing number of events involving young Europeans directly in activities of the ELDR Party is also an attempt to develop ELDR into a true pan-European party organization.

  Apart from the seminar, ELDR organized in cooperation with the university of Wroclaw a public panel debate at the university to discuss present challenges of the European Union particularly against the background of the upcoming Polish presidency. ELDR Party President Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck was joined on the panel among others by Jaroslaw Bajaczyk of the Department of the EU Presidency Coordination, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

  Around 130 interested students followed the debate at lunch time of a Saturday interested in the panelists' opinions on how Poland will be able to balance the different positions on the future of the European currency or how the EU will ensure a balance between the Eastern Neighborhood policy and a new Mediterranean strategy of the Union.

• 0:33

  ELDR – believing in a gender equal society

   » ‎ ELDR News

  European Liberals believe that economic independence is the basis for the independence of women. Women still face lower pay, more insecure work prospects and are too rarely represented in top-level positions. For instance, figures from the European Commission display clear facts: the pay gap between sexes in Europe is still 17, 5 percent and women are far more likely to face poverty. What is more, in the EU, women currently only make up some 12% of board members in the biggest publicly-listed companies across the EU and only 3% of board chairs. Although representing 60% of University graduates, women in the main continue to be under-represented in economic decision-making posts.

  Although we find education a basis for a well-functioning society and access for women to universities key for longer-term achievement of gender equality - the above-mentioned figures make the current situation quite unsatisfactory. In addition, especially higher-level education remains out of reach for women in some European countries and especially female migrants and women from ethnic minorities are still all too often left outside the education system.

  ELDR has stated that they support positive action in favour of women if the candidates are equally qualified and that access to all levels and types of education and vocational training, especially life-long training, must be guaranteed to young girls and women. Access to education must allow women to have equal access to qualified jobs, with a particular focus on women from ethnic minority groups. ELDR also points out that education material must be free from gender-based stereotypes.

  Structures in society

  When it comes to reconciling work and family, ELDR points out that women still on average do more of the house work, have a bigger risk for unemployment and are more likely to work part time.

  ELDR emphasizes the importance of awareness activities when it comes to reconciling work and family and that it should reach out to both men and women - ELDR supports the modification of the gender roles in families and the sharing of responsibilities within the home. It should be possible to share the parental leave and this should be encouraged. Family care services and more flexible working hours should be available to make it possible to combine work life with family life.

  We nowadays do have a growing number of institutional mechanisms for the advancement of women, in forms of monitoring, research and evaluation. As touched upon in an adjacent article (Liberal Breakfast), some European countries have inserted quotas to manipulate the speed of growth in gender diversity - with mixed, yet interesting, results.

  Violence against women

  One of the most worrying issues is violence against women, with human trafficking as its most appalling feature, with hundreds of thousands of women annually sold and humiliated - but also all too many women facing violence in their own homes. European Liberal Democrats naturally consider this completely horrendous, and call on the EU to coordinate with relevant bodies within its Member States and EU applicant countries to take effective actions and combat this horrible form of modern slavery.

  Where are we now?

  When evaluating the developments over the years, European Liberals find reason for both rejoice and worry. Undoubtedly, many important steps have been taken over the years. Conditions for thousands of women have become better - and in general, European countries offer better opportunities for women to empower themselves and form their own destiny than ever before.

  At the same time - equally undoubtedly - enormous challenges still lie ahead of us; in Europe as well as globally. What is important is to keep the issue on the agenda in order not to lose the interest in and importance of gender issues.

  For Liberals, it is important that the individual is offered the freedom and liberty to make his/her own, informed decisions in life. Naturally, this goes for women and men alike - and European Liberals firmly stress that a society that hampers its women's abilities to work thereby hampers a huge potential for societal growth.

  Established in 1999, the European Liberal Women's Network (ELWN) brings together female politicians and activists from liberal, democrat and reform parties in Europe within the ELDR Party. Under the leadership of ELDR Vice President Vesna Pusic MP (HNS, Croatia), the ELWN strives to arrange topical events and work towards a freer world with a larger share of gender equality.

  If you feel that you have great ideas for the ELWN to implement and think about, please feel free to contact: trainee@eldr.eu.       

   

• 0:33

  We are now seeking a Head of Communication!

   » ‎ ELDR News

   

  The European Liberal, Democrat and Reform (ELDR) Party is the third largest European political family, bringing together parties with common liberal, democrat and reform ideas from more than 30 European countries. Its role is to strengthen the liberal democrat movement throughout Europe, assist liberal democrat politicians to become better acquainted and to define a common political vision and communicate it effectively to European citizens.

  The mission:

  -       The Head of Communication will be responsible to develop and implement an efficient communication strategy which increases the visibility of ELDR, both internally (members) and externally (media, decision makers etc.) and raises its political impact in coherence with the global ELDR strategy;

  -        Collaborate actively with the party's political unit and provide the ELDR President and Secretary General with sound advise on all communication-related issues including media;

  -       Spokesperson for the ELDR party with media and other external actors;

  -       Manage and coordinate the work of the 2/3 communication team members ensuring accuracy and coherence of messages in various communication tools and activities. (website, publications, e-newsletter, press releases and conferences, thematic campaigns, seminars etc).

   

  Pre-requisite qualifications :

  -       A University degree (Political sciences, History, Economics, Law...).

  -       Demonstrate interest and understanding of party politics. S/He should be a member of or close to a liberal (ELDR) party.

  -       Several years of professional experience in Communication including internet communication tools, events, and media relation. Relevant experience acquired in other sectors is welcome.

  -       Fluent English and French (spoken and written).

   

  The ideal candidate profile :

  -       A self-motivated person, able to demonstrate initiative and to work with autonomy;

  -       A strategic thinker able to drive projects and to bring them to conclusion;

  -       A team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills;

  -       A motivating people manager, able to develop the team members;

  -       With some experience at European level, has a thorough understanding of European politics and the workings of the EU institutions.

   

  We offer :

  -       The opportunity to build visibility in a dynamic and developing environment;

  -       An international job based in Brussels with some travel, mainly in Europe.

  -       Being part of a small team (11) of dedicated people working in a professional and friendly atmosphere;

  -       An interesting compensation package.

  For more information see www.eldr.eu

  To apply, please send a detailed curriculum vitae and a letter of motivation by 20 March 2011, by e-mail to : Eldr@skynet.be

   

  
  

   

• 0:33

  Icelandic Progressive Party meets ELDR Leadership

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Gudmundur Steingrimsson, Member of Parliament, and Valdimir Valdemarrson, international officer of the Progressive Party, met with Annemie Neyts, President of ELDR, and Graham Watson, Vice President, and discussed Iceland's possible future in the European Union and their party's cooperation with ELDR.

  The Progressive Party is a member of the Liberal International and their youth wing is a member of IFLRY. Current chairman of the party is Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson. The Progressive Party has in most elections been the second largest party in the country and in the last elections in 2009 they got 14, 8 percent of the votes.

   

• 0:33

  United Democrats in Electoral Alliance to support solution of Cyprus problem

   » ‎ ELDR News

  The Liberal Democrat Party of Cyprus, is making a strategic and historic move in cooperating with the ruling party AKEL, through the participation of the President of the United Democrats in the electoral list of AKEL in Nicosia.

  The electoral alliance aims to further strengthen and encourage President Christofias in his efforts to achieve an agreement for the reunification of Cyprus on the basis of the 23^rd May and July1st 2008 agreements between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, as these have also been endorsed by the ELDR resolution on Cyprus of November 2009.

  The President of the ELDR Party, Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck, responded to the informative letter of the President of the United Democrats, Praxoula Antoniadou Kyriacou that ''the European Liberals ... share your views that the country is at a critical moment, where the status quo represents no adequate answer''. ''Reaching credible long-term targets sometimes implies taking pragmatic steps on the way- and....we are confident that you will contribute with liberal principles and convictions to the Cypriot society and to this electoral alliance''.

   ''The President of the Republic has played a wise role trying to facilitate a final solution to the Cyprus problem. Liberals should support this decision-and as was adopted by European Liberals as recently as during the 2009 ELDR Party Congress in Barcelona, the European Liberal family warmly endorse all steps that would lead to an improvement of the locked situation on the island of Cyprus.''

• 0:33

  Lib Dem's hold spring conference

   » ‎ ELDR News

  Speaking at the conference, Nick Clegg, Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister, highlighted that while working to get the UK's finances back on track the party has also ensured the protection of spending on schools, science and health care and is increasing the money available for overseas aid. "We won't turn away from the task of fixing the deficit. But nor will we ever turn our backs on the world's poorest people. We are not just fixing the deficit. We are laying the foundations of a stronger Britain and a fairer world"

  Conference delegates debated and adopted motions on a number of issues including; reform of the National Health Service; access to the courts and legal advice; and the strategy, positioning and priorities for the future growth of the party. 

  In his keynote speech Mr Clegg reiterated the principles that guide him and fellow Liberal Democrats in the coalition government, "I never forget that we are a party of fairness, freedom, progress and reform. We cherished those values in opposition. Now we're living by them in Government."

  Visit the Liberal Democrats website to read more about the spring conference and the motions adopted.

   

• 0:33

  European Liberals express whole-hearted sympathy for affected people in Japan

   » ‎ ELDR News

  We however take re-assuring note that the Japanese rescue services seem to have been functioning very well once the first signs of devastation started to emerge, and that the country is doing everything in its might to adverse the effects, inter alia already coordinating with European rescue teams and experts.

  The ELDR Party would also like to acknowledge the need for longer-term support for Japan in this regard, and expects the European Union to be ready to offer assistance, where necessary.

   

• 0:33

  YABLOKO arranges international conference devoted to gender equality in Moscow

   » ‎ ELDR News

  The conference opened by a minute of silence in memory of the victims of a terrible tragedy in Japan.

  The conference was opened by Mrs. Kristiina Ojuland, MEP, the ALDE group, Ms. Galina Mikhalyova, Chair of YABLOKO's Gender faction and Co-Chair of the Council for Consolidation of Women's Movement in Russia, Dr. Grigory Yavlinsky, founder of the YABLOKO party and member of YABLOKO's Political Committee, and Mr. Sasha Tamm, Director of Representation of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Moscow.

  "The European experience of overcoming gender discrimination is very important for us, as 20 - 30 years ago the situation there was roughly as we are having in Russia today. The world has been actively solving the problems of equality of men's and women's rights, but Russia has been moving against the mainstream," Galina Mikhalyova told welcoming the delegates.

  "YABLOKO is the only Russian party involved in the solution of gender problems and having a detailed gender programme. Also 28 per cent of YABLOKO Bureau members are women, and 20 per cent of women head YABLOKO's regional branches. This almost corresponds to the European. But de to our present situation of a non-parliamentary party we can hardly influence the policies of the Russian government here," she added.

  After welcoming the participants of the conference on behalf of the European Parliament and the European Liberals Democrats and Reformers Party (ELDR) Mrs Kristiina Ojuland conducted a presentation "The European Experience in Gender Mainstreaming". The data based on the research conducted in 27 EU member states at about 27,000 respondents in February - March 2011. According to 44 per cent of women-respondents of the poll, the administrations and enterprises should foster equality between men and women and fight against stereotypes; 29 per cent spoke about the need to encourage training and support which would allow women to take more responsibilities in enterprises and public administrations; whereas 20 per cent insist in introduction quotas for women in the boards of directors and other governing bodies. 

  In 1952 there were only 1.3 per cent of women in the European Parliament. However, in 2011 this figure rose already to 34.8 per cent. The Swedish Parliament demonstrates the highest share of women - 47 per cent - from 27 EU member states. The second place is taken by Finland with 42 per cent of women in the parliament and Estonia with 21 per cent of women. Malta has the lowest share of women in the parliament -9 per cent.

  YABLOKO's founder Grigory Yavlinsky stressed that Russia lacked equality of citizens before the law, not to mention gender equality. Speaking about the gender equality he stressed the following: "There is a law submitted to the Russian parliament and targeted at hampering gender discrimination. The law was submitted in 1995. However, it was not examined and the parliament did not want to adopt it. This is an issue of political culture and the policies."

  Yavlinsky also stated that the key problems Russia's women have to face now was home violence and economic discrimination. "That is why we are ranked 55^th in the world as of gender equality and 99^th as of women's participation in politics. Women's wages in Russia are normally only 60-70 per cent of men's wages," he noted.

  "But it would be unfair to say that this is the only problem here. We have a system of deprivation of rights in Russia: economic, political, social and human rights are infringed," said Yavlinsky.

  Sasha Tamm, head of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, told that "inside the FDP there has been a discussion about a 40 per cent quotas for women" [in the party]. There are such quotas in other German parties (e.g., the Greens have a 50 per cent quota for women). "There is an opinion that if men and women are speaking about equal rights, there issues of quotas should not be raised at all, and if there are elections there should be competition there," he added.

  "In Germany our Chancellor is a woman and she gets the same salary as the previous Chancellor, who was a man. But it is not far from being so in other sectors of economy. That is why such topics are extremely important for discussions," Sasha Tamm noted.

• 0:33

  European Liberal Democrats call for bold action on North Africa

   » ‎ ELDR News

  1.    The international community needs to put an end to the violence and avoid civil war.

  Leaders who deliberately target their own population should be stopped with all available means, and prosecuted in international criminal courts. The world cannot accept another genocide. The peoples of the Arab world deserve better.

  European Liberals endorse the decision by the UN Security Council to protect civilians by all means necessary. We expect the EU to act swiftly, decisively and coherently to ensure this - and this should also go hand-in-hand with a longer term strategy. The initial signals have not been encouraging, with European governments giving contradicting messages. This is not the time for playing in the sandbox - letting bilateral relations take precedence over a common EU voice is not a fruitful way forward.

  2.    Arab peoples calls for freedom should be heard - need for substantial increase in trade and education.

  The Arab populations succeeded - single-handedly - to remove long-time dictators. While this is impressive, they will be in need of immediate assistance very soon.

  For European Liberals, this is the chance of the century for democratic development in this part of the world. Hampered by state control for so long, we now need to reach out our hand to these societies.

  The EU should consider an equivalent of a Marshall Plan for the Arab World, as well as to considerably lower barriers for free trade to involve them progressively into the EU's Single Market. Arab students should also be offered scholarships to European schools.

  3.    Europe should humbly acknowledge its pre-revolutionary failures - but not let that hinder us to do the right post-revolutionary things and stand by and offer assistance where asked for.

  With its geographical vicinity and intertwined history, Europe will have a role to play in Arab developments - both when it comes to development of society - but also in handling the streams of refugees that are likely to arrive on Europe's shores.

  In Tunisia and Egypt, Constitutional revision is around the corner. In most parts of post-revolutionary Maghreb, the people's will is admirable - but the channels for it, political parties, are weak.

  Europe needs to step up here with funds and assistance. It should not interfere in developments, but it should offer genuine help when requested - and a particular emphasis should be put on strengthening civil society. This help should go out to all parties on a non-discriminatory basis.

  Note to the editor: On 11 April 2011, the European Liberal Democrat and Reform (ELDR) Party is convening a range of actors dealing with development and political party assistance in the Arab world to Brussels to discuss the European approach and role in these developments.

  More information will follow on www.eldr.eu closer to the event.