Liberals and Democrats adopt ‘Freedom on the Offensive’ Declaration at Leaders’ Summit

Author: Catherine Laurence Martens-Preiss
Date:

Renew Europe, ALDE Party & European Democratic Party (EDP), have adopted a bold new joint declaration, Freedom on the Offensive, at their Leaders’ Summit in Brussels; a united response to the rise of populism, democratic backsliding and external threats to the European project.
The declaration outlines a liberal-democratic roadmap for a stronger, more autonomous and values-driven European Union.
Bringing together political leaders from across the continent, the summit concluded with a shared resolve to renew the European promise, not by defending the status quo, but by going on the offensive for freedom, democracy and the rule of law.
“In a world where freedom is no longer a given and international law is trampled by reactionary actors, Renew Europe stands as a shield; unapologetically pro-European, unafraid to speak truth, and unwavering in our defence of the rule of law and democratic values,” said Valérie Hayer, President of Renew Europe.
Svenja Hahn MEP, President of ALDE Party, said: "Europe needs a 180-degree turnaround to boost its competitiveness, strengthen the single market and advance free trade, so that Europe can once again become a hotspot for innovation made in Europe. We need an economic turnaround in Europe! Today we set a clear signal that it is us Liberals that are fighting for a strong, digital economy without excessive bureaucracy. So that we can improve the lives of each European."
Sandro Gozi MEP, President of the European Democratic Party, said: "We are here to innovate and reform the European Union. We are here 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 unifying the continent and responding forcefully to new geopolitical challenges."
The Freedom on the Offensive declaration sets out Renew Europe’s priorities for the next institutional cycle, including:
* Establishing a European Defence Union backed by a strong EU-based defence industry and a “Buy European First” principle;
* Promoting ethical, human-centred artificial intelligence rooted in European values;
* Fully enforcing Article 7 and suspending EU funds to governments that undermine the rule of law;
* Creating a new EU Democracy Shield to counter foreign interference;
* Deepening partnerships with global democracies, including the United Kingdom, Norway, Canada and Iceland;
* Simplifying the single market to accelerate green and digital transitions;
* Designing a next-generation EU budget that looks forward, not back.
This forward momentum must be sustained. In the wake of recent controversy over the Green Claims Directive, Renew Europe reaffirms the importance of ambition, clear standards and a Union that leads with credibility and vision.
The summit also reaffirmed Renew Europe's commitment to strategic autonomy, not as isolationism, but as the foundation for freedom in an interdependent world.
“Noise and buzz do not make a policy and the far right will not silence us. We choose action over apathy, innovation over fear, and solidarity over surrender. This is our answer to the reactionary tide: courage, clarity, and a united Europe,” Valérie Hayer added.
Renew Europe, ALDE Party and the European Democratic Party will now carry the Freedom on the Offensive declaration forward in the European Parliament and beyond, building a coalition for change grounded in liberal and democratic values, integrity and a clear-eyed vision for Europe's future. We call on centrist parliamentarians to join us in shaping a more free and prosperous Europe.
Notes to editors:
Read the declaration adopted by the Presidents of Renew Europe, the ALDE Party and the European Democratic Party here.