The traditional Mouvement Démocrate back-to-school university was held in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue from 26 to 28 September, with the active participation of the European Democratic Party in parallel with this event with its Europe Days. For three days, the south of France became the beating heart of the pro-European debate, with a packed programme of round tables, debates and initiatives open to citizens. The EDP stand, which was always lively and busy, provided a space for direct and continuous dialogue, confirming the party’s central role as a bridge between institutions and civil society.
A highlight was the plenary debate ‘Are the United States still our allies?’, in which Sandro Gozi, EDP Secretary-General and MEP for Renew Europe, took part. Alongside experts and figures from the academic and political world, Sandro Gozi stressed the urgent need to redefine transatlantic relations on the basis of reciprocity and shared responsibility, in line with the vision of a more autonomous and active Europe in the global balance of power.
Alongside him, the other French MEPs from the EDP – Laurence Farreng, Christophe Grudler and Marie-Pierre Vedrenne – led several thematic debates. From industrial transition to the future of trade agreements, from youth policies to the role of universities, their contribution demonstrated the French delegation’s ongoing commitment to an inclusive, competitive Europe capable of protecting rights and opportunities.
During these days, the European Democrats also facilitated fruitful exchanges with Serbian representatives, demonstrating a willingness to engage in openness and dialogue beyond the borders of the European Union. In addition, a significant meeting took place with the Walloon Minister for Health and the Environment from our Belgian party, highlighting the importance of transnational cooperation and the driving role played by EDP members in strengthening ties between different European countries. These initiatives illustrate the party’s ability to bring together a variety of actors around democratic values and to enrich the European debate through the diversity of its interlocutors.
President François Bayrou closed the proceedings with a speech recalling the need to strengthen the European project as a bulwark of freedom, growth and social justice. He forcefully recalled that ‘seeing the leader of the world’s leading power unilaterally decide that our products would be subject to special customs duties and that the European Union would comply […] was a dark day’, emphasising that the construction of an autonomous and respected Europe remains the primary objective of those who believe in the European ideal. His presence reaffirmed the continuity and strength of the link between the MoDem and the EDP, a partnership that finds its natural home in the Renew Europe group and which fuels the daily construction of a Europe that is closer to its citizens.
This year’s edition demonstrated that the European Democratic Party is not only an authoritative voice in the halls of Brussels and Strasbourg, but also a leading player in regional engagement and dialogue with citizens. This commitment will continue in the coming stages, with the aim of placing the values of democracy, solidarity and shared responsibility ever more at the centre of the European debate.
