Faces of Liberals

The European Liberal Forum is glad to present “Faces of Liberals“: the voices of the people behind the scenes of our Member Organisations, regarding the Conference on the Future of Europe.

“The pandemic has forced liberal democracies to put in contrast fundamental freedoms and inalienable rights that we have long taken for granted. This cultural and political contradiction is an opportunity for Europe to go back to debating about these freedoms and rights, to re-establish them in a more substantial and less ritual way.”

Giorgio Veroni, Member of the Studies Committee, Centro Luigi Einaudi

“The global emergency has raised theoretical and practical challenges in many areas and a wide-spread uncertainty affects people’s lives. In our opinion, the role that EU should play in the next future is – on the one hand – establishing correct remedies under the perspective of public health and envisioning a way out from the economic downturn; on the other hand, coping with democratic procedures under pressure over health emergency.”

Beppe Russo, Director, Centro Luigi Einaudi

“I call for a strong, united, and well-versed Europe that can take the helm in confronting one of the greatest threats of our age – the global pandemic. The pandemic represents a litmus test for the EU. More than ever, the EU needs to champion in multilateralism and a rules-based international order, and at the same time strongly reject populism, misinformation, and simplistic solutions.”

Dr. Šárka Prát, Executive Director, Institut pro Politiku a Společnost
Board Member, European Liberal Forum

“Every single European citizen contributes to what Europe is. We all share the common values of democracy, rule of law and protection of human rights. Commitment to our values requires the commitment of every voter in the European Union. This calls for a stronger European Parliament, transnational list for the EP elections, direct elections for the President of the European Commission and EU support for our non-EU neighbours. For the support for journalists and civil society organisations to actively defend our values. Because Europe is all of us. We are Europe“ 

Martine van Schoor, Head of the International Office, Stichting IDI/D66 International

“Our dream for the EU is to be a beacon of hope for every person fighting for Liberty in every corner of Europe, demonstrating solidarity and unity while defending our common values and baldly facing those who seek to undermine what is dear to us.
Covid-19 was another signal demonstrating that powers striving to undermine our common values are willingly ready to abuse even cataclysmic tragedies to achieve their mean goals and wage disinformation campaigns against the idea of strong, united Europe, undermining the aspirations of those, who are willing to return to the European family. The Future of Europe can and should be bright – and definitely should remain open. Open for new ideas, people and countries – especially for the Eastern Neighborhood countries, aspiring to join and fighting for our European future.”

George Mel, Chairman, Europe-Georgia Institute

“Turning our backs on populism and misinformation, Europe now stands on the threshold to shape a better world through constructive holistic dialogue and partnership. To bridge fragmented sections of society through integrated action and inform in creative, simple and validated methods. Thus, enable the EU’s continuing narrative for a safe, inclusive, advanced, and sustainably viable society where people wish to live, work, grow and thrive in a cohesive world.”

Christopher Gleadle, CEO, The Paddy Ashdown Forum

“The pandemic has shown that issues like public health, rule of law or the rising youth unemployment need a stronger and proactive European coordination.
For 2021, Young Liberals expect the EU to not only show more unity but also actually consult the next generation when talking about the Next Generation EU.
Let’s not lose focus from the EU’s political and structural priorities and finally launch the Conference on the Future of Europe.”

Bàlint Gyévai, Secretary General, LYMEC