The European Democratic Party co-organised and played a central role in the summit that brought together heads of state and party leaders from our democratic, liberal and centrist family at the Maison de la Poste in Brussels on 26 June. Sandro Gozi, Secretary General of the EDP, led the delegation of democrats and contributed to the adoption of the joint declaration “Freedom on the offensive”, a clear and courageous response to the populist wave and the threats to democracy in Europe.
“We are here to renew and reform the European Union. As democrats, we want to strengthen our political alliance and relaunch the European project with a more efficient, more powerful and more democratic vision. We want a Europe capable of uniting the continent and responding decisively to the new geopolitical challenges,” said Gozi during the meeting, reaffirming the commitment of European democrats to a Europe that is not content to defend the status quo, but chooses the courage of reform to guarantee freedom, democracy and the rule of law.
The presence of the EDP confirmed the strength of our family, with the participation of MEP Marie-Pierre Vedrenne for the French Mouvement Democrate, MEP Engin Eroglu for the German Freie Wähler, MEP and President of the Belgian party Les Engagés Yvan Verougstraete, MEP Oihane Agirregoitia for the Basque party EAJ-PNV, Vice-President of Italia Viva and Senator Enrico Borghi, President of the Greek Movement for Democracy Stefanos Kasselakis, President of Momentum Malta Arnold Cassola, President of the Belgian Senate Vincent Blondel, leader of Les Engagés in the Belgian Parliament Anne-Catherine Goffinet and Gerrit von Otterloo for the Dutch party 50+.
The ‘Freedom on the Offensive’ declaration sets out the priorities of democrats, centrists and liberals for the next European legislature: the construction of a European Defence Union with a strong European industry and a ‘Buy European First’ principle; the development of ethical artificial intelligence rooted in European values; the strict application of Article 7 and the suspension of EU funds to governments that undermine the rule of law; the creation of a European democracy shield against foreign interference; the simplification of the single market to accelerate the green and digital transitions; a future-oriented European budget.
At a time when extreme forces are trying to slow Europe down, democrats, centrists and liberals reaffirm that the answer is not fear but action; not entrenchment but innovation; not resignation but solidarity. With this summit, the EDP, together with Renew Europe and ALDE, reaffirms its commitment to lead Europe towards a freer, more competitive and inclusive future, with a clear and pragmatic vision equal to the global challenges ahead.
