ALDE Party Liberal Bulletin 01/2020

liberal

Liberals are united but keeping safe distance

FIRST ISSUE 2020

Contents Word from the President Hans van Baalen

03

Lead interview with PACE President Rik Daems

04

Thematic dossier: interview with Katalin Cseh on the front lines of COVID-19

06

Thematic dossier: Liberal responses to COVID-19

08

Word from Renew Europe

09

Working for a Europe that delivers at the European Council and European Commission

10

Our member parties have the floor: Liberal Democrats

12

Our member parties have the floor: Yabloko

13

EWA empowers liberal women in politics

14

Social media highlights

16

Movers and Shakers

18

Join us today!

19

JOIN US

IN STOCKHOLM! aldeparty.eu/congress

3-5 DECEMBER 2020 #ALDEcongress

The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) Party is the party representing liberal democrat values across Europe. With our member parties throughout Europe, we are translating the principle of freedom into politics, economics and across all other areas of our societies. The ALDE Party provides an increasingly vital link between citizens and the EU institutions. The ALDE Party is made up of more than sixty member parties and many individual members from across Europe.

Liberal Bulletin is a publication of the ALDE Party. It is published twice a year.

Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Party, EUPP Rue d’Idalie 11 – box 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium Editors: Iiris André, Anna Sjöström, Anna Wangen, Andrew Burgess, ALDE Party Publisher: Didrik de Schaetzen, ALDE Party Layout: Nadège Van Hoorde - Printing: Printdeal.be With the financial support of the European Parliament. The sole liability rests with the author.

The European Parliament is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

Word from the President

Only by working together can we overcome the biggest challenge in Europe’s history In its over 60-year long history, the European Union has never faced a bigger challenge than the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic depression. Our Union was founded on pillars of solidarity and cooperation, and we must continue to uphold these principles, even more so after the crisis. We are all in this together. We must also show solidarity with all of our neighbours.

Solidarity within as well as outside the EU has never been needed more – a true European approach is one that unites both EU Member States and all EU institutions. European Council President Charles Michel is doing a tremendous job in coordinating and bringing leaders together, and I am happy to see members of our liberal family volunteering on the frontlines.

Throughout this pandemic, I have been in close communication with our leaders in the EU institutions and leaders of our national member parties. Now is the time to invest in health policies and related infrastructure, which is why in April I co-signed a letter highlighting the need for new tools to help reduce the risks of future pandemics. We have witnessed several good examples to battle COVID-19, including that of Taiwan: it has managed to keep the infection and death rate extremely low through impressively effective and proactive measures without a lockdown, in full transparency, within the rule of law and full democracy while respecting individual liberties and full media freedom. This is one of the reasons I call for Taiwan to be fully included in the WHO, signing also a joint declaration with President of Liberal International Hakima El Haite and President of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Karl-Heinz Paqué. I am proud that the Canadian Government led by liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly supports Taiwan’s observer status in WHO, which the EU and its Member States should follow without any hesitation.

Across the world, we have seen people adjust to a new normal, with new ways of working and socialising.

I am proud that our staff at ALDE Party is dedicated and active from their homes through means of modern communication, as are our Bureau Members and the liberal family at large. I hope to meet all of you at our Stockholm Congress in early December at the latest.

We must maintain this strong solidarity and continue to work together to resolve the problems and economic downturn that this pandemic will leave us with. We must also not allow democracy to fall victim to the COVID-19 pandemic like we have seen in Poland and in Hungary. Only by joining forces can we re-build Europe and support global recovery – liberals must unite!

Hans van Baalen

ALDE Party President

/hansvanbaalenALDE @hansvanbaalen

FIRST issue 2020 03 liberal bulletin

Lead interview

Unity in Diversity

Unity in Diversity Rik Daems, a long-standing liberal and Belgian Senator, was elected President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in January 2020 for a two-year mandate. Prior to his election, he was the leader of the ALDE Group in the Assembly.

We interviewed Rik Daems on his visions, values and priorities for PACE, its member countries and Europe, before the COVID-19 outbreak hit the continent in full force. liberal bulletin 04 FIRST issue 2020

What is the main priority for PACE during this mandate?

It is imperative that we as a Parliamentary Assembly have impact.

We must try to make a better Europe for the 830 million citizens in the 47 member states this Assembly has. We will only achieve this if we work according to the logic of the trialogue. The Assembly asked the Committee of Ministers ten years ago to start the procedure on the Protocol concerning climate or environment. Unfortunately, this has remained on the shelf. Now, I have put the recommendation back on the agenda of the Committee of Ministers.

“The values we want

to share should help us build a better Europe and a better world together

”

The Committee of Ministers, the As s e m b l y an d t h e S e cre tar y General should work hand in hand towards a stronger link between the environment and fundamental rights. We can achieve this through a three-step approach, beginning in the Assembly on a recommendation on the subject to the Committee of Ministers; then, working in parallel on the drafting of a specific Convention and ultimately drawing up a protocol to be annexed to the European Convention on Human Rights. I know this is quite ambitious, but I will try to convince all the member states – I will make the case to all capitals.

The protocol to the Convention would enable the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg to create a level playing field, with judgments handed out in several member States.

Why are shared values increasingly important in the current European and global context?

Shared values help us understand each other better, and since our world is becoming more globalised, it is increasingly important to be able to speak to each other and to

be understood. However, it’s not only shared values that are important. It’s equally important to be aware of which values are shared. At the Council of Europe, we focus on very specific values: democracy, human rights, and the rule of law – values that are at the very core of liberalism.

But let’s not hide it, there are multiple interpretations of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, including quite illiberal ones.

So, values should somehow be linked to standards because that is how you achieve a common understanding among humans in the most transparent and, probably, the most efficient way.

Therefore, when speaking about the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, the Council of Europe refers to the highest standards that our continent has so far achieved in these fields.

Having common values is a process. This process may be very long, uncertain and painful, but we can consciously contribute to making it more transparent and goal oriented. The Council of Europe is a fine example of how an understanding of the need to have shared values on the European continent arose at the end of the World War II. After the war, a multilateral tool that can actually help us stimulate this process was set up. But of course, it is up to our societies, up to us as elected representatives and respective governments to actively engage in this process and to live up to the highest standards. We do not simply need shared values, the values we want to share should help us build a better Europe and a better world together. This is what I meant in my inaugural speech when I referred to “Unity in diversity”.

“When we coordinate

our efforts, we can achieve a lot more, act more efficiently and have a greater impact

Why is ‘trialogue’ or cooperation between different institutions so crucial to achieve results?

One of the priorities of my PACE presidency is to improve cooperation between the three bodies of the Council of Europe: the Parliamentary Assembly represents the 47 national parliaments; the Committee of Ministers speaks on behalf of member states’ governments and the Secretary General oversees the Council of Europe’s work. I call this reinforced cooperation a trialogue.

Trialogue does not mean subordination but systematic exchange and flow of information between the three key players of the Council of Europe, while each of them retains its independence, scope of responsibilities and instruments.

When we act together, we should be able to be a lot more efficient when we deal with complex subjects, such as artificial intelligence, environment and human rights, gender equality or democratic standards. By establishing a new joint procedure that the three bodies can trigger in response to a serious violation by a member state of its statutory obligations, we have already taken the first step. In the past, we have seen that such procedure was lacking.

Of course, when we coordinate our efforts, we can achieve a lot more, act more efficiently and have a greater impact. @RikDaems The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is the parliamentary arm of the Council of Europe, with 47 international organisations that uphold human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Some of its main achievements include ending the death penalty in Europe and enabling the European Convention of Human Rights.

” FIRST issue 2020 05 liberal bulletin

Thematic dossier: COVID-19

Unity in Diversity

Working on the frontlines of both COVID-19 and European politics Katalin Cseh from ALDE member party Momentum in Hungary was elected as MEP in the 2019 European elections, and was part of ALDE’s Team Europe during the electoral campaign. A trained medical professional, Katalin Cseh answered the call of Hungary’s health authorities and volunteered on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

liberal bulletin 06 FIRST issue 2020

Why did you decide to go back to practicing medicine during the COVID-19 crisis?

I believe that in times of crises, we all must do what we can to help. When the Hungarian health authorities put forward a call for medical volunteers, it felt only natural to respond. I am a physician by training and was working as a doctor prior to my election to the European Parliament last year, so I am perfectly aware of all the difficulties and issues, such as shortage of staff, our healthcare system has to deal with, even in ordinary times. We politicians often demand more action and more sacrifices from others. Now, it is time for us politicians to take action and make sacrifices. If I have the needed skills, to me it is a moral obligation to offer my services to the community that placed its trust in me by electing me to represent them.

“Now, it is time for us politicians to take action and make sacrifices

”

I currently work part-time in the emergency department of a Budapest hospital, while also fulfilling my MEP duties through teleworking. It feels great to help! COVID-19 is a tremendous challenge for our societies, and healthcare is one of Hungary’s most vulnerable points.

Our healthcare system has been weakened due to chronic underfinancing, the absence of meaningful healthcare reforms, and the vast exodus of healthcare professionals to other countries with better working conditions. The pandemic came on top of all that, so I knew that every helping pair of hands is needed in the frontlines.

How will you be able to use this experience in your work at the European Parliament?

I think it is absolutely necessary for me as a politician to have very firm anchors in my community, to know the real needs of people and to stay connected to reality.

My experience at the hospital during this crisis is a great reminder of why I decided to go into politics in the first place.

I see all the hard-working doctors and nurses, but also other essential workers: bus drivers, shopkeepers, delivery workers and others who carry the weight of our collective burden in these trying times – and who in return are seldom valued according to their merits. I know how it feels to go to work without knowing what is waiting for you there, the uncertainty, the worry – and it pains my heart that in Hungary, many workers in these sectors don’t even earn a living wage. We certainly need to reconsider our priorities.

This crisis makes it crystal clear how inequalities – in this particular case, inequalities in public health – damage the European community. If a country, a region, or even a town becomes a weak link, all of us will feel the effects. I am a firm believer of the ‘Health in All’ policy, but now we need to work on this more than ever before. The EU must strengthen its competences in healthcare and public health, so that we can respond faster and help citizens more effectively. It is truly baffling to see eurosceptic politicians complain about the shortcomings of the European response: after all, they were the ones who fought tooth and nail against granting the EU the powers that enable us to provide better assistance to those who need it the most.

From your perspective, given this crisis, what is the question we should be asking but are not?

I think we should be asking ourselves two key questions: what should Europe look like after the COVID-19 crisis? And how can we become better versions of ourselves?

As a member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Regional Development, I also participate in brainstorms on the future of the Cohesion Policy and the Multiannual Financial Framework. What we need is an ambitious package, a real European Marshall Plan that

“On the frontlines,

success is measured by the number of saved lives, not by electoral victories

”

is based on solidarity, competitiveness and that follows the priorities of the European Green Deal, so we can truly respond to the needs of our citizens. I am also involved in the drafting process of a Health Position Paper together with my colleagues from the Renew Europe Group, which I hope will strengthen Europe’s joint healthcare capacity. And not just our ability to overcome challenges caused by COVID-19, but also when it comes to preparing for future pandemics.

What is the difference in mindsets on COVID-19 between your colleagues in the European Parliament and colleagues in the medical sector?

The sense of urgency for both groups is very different. Healthcare workers don’t see resolutions, treaties or interparliamentary negotiations; in times like these, they are only interested in results, speed and effectiveness of care.

While in the European institutions we can easily spend weeks, even months, cutting red tape, setting up mechanisms and negotiating across borders, in the field it feels like help is not arriving, medical equipment is stuck at the border and there is a shortage of life-saving medicine. On the frontlines, success is measured by the number of saved lives, not by electoral victories.

We all should realise what is really at stake now, and create a stronger, faster, more ambitious, and more equal Europe. @katka_cseh csehkatalin.momentum katkacseh

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Thematic dossier

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, Liberals have taken action to save lives and protect jobs, freedoms and prosperity across Europe!

For more information and resources on the Liberal response, including our Corona Dictatorship Watchdog and our ACT campaigns, visit our special COVID-19 website section at www.aldeparty.eu/covid-19 Our bespoke COVID-19 playlist on YouTube features videos on Commissioner initiatives and member party response – don’t forget to subscribe to our channel! www.youtube.com/aldeparty

/aldeparty liberal bulletin 08 FIRST issue 2020

Word from

After last year’s successful European elections, Renew Europe has cemented our position as a central force in the European Parliament and a pro-European force committed to driving real reform.

Thanks to your hard work last year, the EPP and S&D groups no longer have a majority between them to govern the EU agenda. We have exploited this to be in the driving seat in the Parliament, pushing a radical and reformist pro-European agenda. The Renew family is working together throughout all the institutions of the European Union. Our leaders in the Council, the Commissioners, the MEPs in the Group and the Presidents of our Party’s like ALDE, all are working closely together to maximise our influence and Renew Europe.

response, in order to protect jobs and our economies, while ensuring that our rebuilding from this crisis is based on sound foundations.

As the tragedy of the COVID-19 pandemic unveiled across Europe, the Renew Europe Group led calls for solidarity and a united European response to the health crisis, to save lives and protect our healthcare and key workers. We successfully pushed the Commission to put in place emergency funding, a temporary employment fund, and the joint procurement of medical equipment.

In the field of new technologies, we are acutely aware that Europe risks falling behind in the development of AI and other technologies. We need to support European SMEs and ensure they have access to the support and funding they need to thrive. As ever, this must be balanced with the right to individual privacy for consumers, which as liberals, is in our DNA.

In response to the huge economic challenges raised by the pandemic, we are leading the negotiation of a united

The exploitation of the COVID-19 pandemic to attack fundamental rights shows that our instinct and determination to defend the rule of law is needed now more than ever. In Hungary and Poland, we see right-wing populists undermining the rule of law and democratic institutions.

This assault on our common values cannot be allowed to continue, which is why Renew Europe is determined to continue to campaign for EU sanctions against Hungary, whilst putting conditions on the use of EU money by linking European money to the rule of law.

To address climate change, we need to fundamentally alter the ways our economies and societies function. The relatively meagre reduction in

emissions during the coronavirus lockdown showed how difficult it will be, but with willingness and creativity, we see an opportunity for transformational change and we must take it.

While eurosceptics failed to fulfil their ambitions at the elections last year, there is absolutely no room for complacency. The tragedy of Brexit shows us that EU membership is reversible. We need to learn the lessons from Brexit and move Europe forward so that it is more capable, not only to deliver peace, prosperity and security for all of its citizens, but also to make sure our continent is at the forefront of the great transformations of our time.

This is why a priority for Renew Europe has been to secure a Conference on the Future of Europe, led by citizens, to look at how we can reform.

More than ever, we need to show that Europe adds real value to the lives of our citizens. As politicians and campaigners, we all have an important role in the coming months to reinvent Europe.

I count on you!

Dacian Cioloș President of Renew Europe

FIRST issue 2020 09 liberal bulletin

Working for a Europe at the European Council Since the very beginning of the 2019-2024 mandates of the European Council and the European Commission, the European Council President Charles Michel and the six Commissioners of our political family – Margrethe Vestager, Vĕra Jourová, Didier Reynders, Kadri Simson, Janez Lenarčič and Thierry Breton – have been tirelessly working for a stronger Europe that delivers. Below, we present just a small selection of some of their activities in 2020!

@CharlesMichel

Charles Michel President of the European Council

• Meetings with Heads of State of Non-EU countries December-March

• Renew Europe Pre-Summits December-March

• UN Climate COP25 December

@vestager

Margrethe Vestager Executive Vice-President for Europe fit for the Digital age

• Conference on the future of Europe February

• Strategy for Europe fit for the digital age February

• EU funds for projects on media and freedom of speech March

• EU industry and SMEs strategies with Thierry Breton March • Temporary Framework for State aid March

• EUCO special summit on long-term budget (MFF)

• White Paper on an Instrument on Foreign Subsidies June

• EUCO online Summits on EU coronavirus response Spring 2020

• EU-Western Balkans Zagreb Summit May

liberal bulletin 10 FIRST issue 2020

Vĕra Jourová

Vice-President for Values and Transparency

• 5G toolbox with Thierry Breton February

• The Berlin Conference on Libya January

February

@VeraJourova

• Follow-up work on White Paper on Artificial Intelligence Autumn • Digital Services Act Autumn

• European Gender Equality Strategy March • Coronavirus response: rule of law & figthting disinformation with Didier Reynders March - April • Coronavirus response: guidance on data protection with Didier Reynders April • Democracy Action Plan Autumn

that delivers and European Commission

@dreynders

Didier Reynders

Commissioner for Justice

• Annual EU-wide sweeps January

@KadriSimson

Kadri Simson

Commissioner for Energy

• European Green Deal – energy perspective December

• Citizens’ dialogues in Austria & Croatia February • Coronavirus response: rule of law & fighting disinformation with Vĕra Jourová March - April • Coronavirus response: guidance on data protection with Vĕra Jourová April • 2020 Annual Rule of Law Report Autumn

• EU-Japan fusion Energy collaboration February • European Climate Law

@JanezLenarcic

Janez Lenarčič

Commissioner for Crisis Management

• International donors’ conference for Albania February

• EU Humanitarian Aid in Syria and Turkey March

@ThierryBreton

Thierry Breton Commissioner for Internal Market

• Open platforms to collaborate on cyber threats January

• European Data Strategy with Margrethe Vestager February

• Coronavirus response : EU Civil Protection Mechanism • Agreement on tourism • Energy System Integration accommodation data & rescEU March Strategy Summer sharing March March

• Hydrogen Strategy Summer • Renovation wave initiative Autumn

• Off-Shore Energy Strategy Autumn

• Revision of the TEN-E regulation by the end of the

• Coronavirus response: medical supplies’production & toolbox for tracing apps March - April • Review of NIS Directive Autumn

year

To keep updated on all their activities, visit their Twitter accounts and follow updates from the European Commission and the European Council.

FIRST issue 2020 11 liberal bulletin

Our member parties have the floor

Stronger together – even after Brexit The cost of a no-deal Brexit would be immense, Alistair Carmichael, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Brexit and Foreign Affairs, writes in this op-ed. As Brexit negotiations are at our doorstep, ALDE Party member Liberal Democrats voice their dedication to continue working for strong cooperation between the UK and the EU. Liberal Democrats are pro-EU because we are internationalist.

We know that we are so much stronger together than we could ever be alone.

The Conservative government’s decision to take us out of the European Union means that the country faces new and unprecedented challenges going forward into this new decade.

Under Boris Johnson, it is very likely that we will see environmental standards lowered and workers’ rights weakened as the UK prepares to leave the Single Market and Customs Union. Being torn out of vital frameworks such as Euratom and Europol adds insult to injury, as our ability to share with and learn from the EU community is being dramatically decreased.

None of this was on the ballot paper in 2016, and that is why we will continue to fight for the closest possible relationship with our European friends. At every step of the Brexit process, Liberal Democrats

“We will continue to fight for the closest possible relationship with our European friends

”

liberal bulletin 12 FIRST issue 2020

will amend legislation, speak truth to government and work to highlight the enormous benefits we risk throwing away through Boris Johnson’s version of Brexit.

During the transition period, the Liberal Democrats’ focus will be on maintaining the UK’s position in shared European projects and frameworks, including the level playing field, and on preventing a catastrophic no-deal Brexit at the end of the transition period.

We will fight for an extension of the transition period so that a comprehensive agreement can be reached on trade and security issues. We firmly believe that the UK is best prepared to tackle the international issues we face by working closely together with our European allies and neighbors in international organisations like the European Union, and that such international co-operation significantly enhances our power to improve the lives, safety and security of the British people.

In light of the Coronavirus pandemic, securing an extension to the transition period is even more vital than ever before. The UK Health Secretary has admitted that stockpiles for mitigating the damage of a “No deal Brexit” were being re-directed for the Coronavirus threat, even though Ministers confirmed a “No Deal Brexit” could now come as early as June 2020. The impact of a No Deal Brexit would be immense, at a time when our NHS, jobs, and the economy are already under so much pressure.

Communication with our European neighbours is as important and ever. We must be able to focus on discussions about how we can

“The UK may be leaving the EU, but the Liberal Democrats will always be European

”

co-operate against the Coronavirus, which does not recognise national borders.

The Liberal Democrats will continue our rational, liberal approach to the UK’s relationship with the EU, including defending the rights of the three million EU citizens living in the UK. We have been the strongest pro-European voice throughout the Brexit process, leading the fight for a People’s Vote and to stop Brexit, and we will continue fighting for this essential relationship.

To be successful in this fight, our close relationship with Renew Europe and our sister parties will be essential. Given that the UK is now outside of many key diplomatic channels, the unofficial and voluntary communications between our parties will be even more central to ensuring that we maintain integration on a party-to-party level. We will therefore do all we can to protect and enhance these relationships and communications and would welcome all efforts to help us do this. The UK may be leaving the EU, but the Liberal Democrats will always be European. We will always seek to keep our place at the heart of our European party.

A challenge or a chance for democrats? This op-ed is written by Nikolai Rybakov, chair of the Russian United Democratic Party Yabloko since 2019. Yabloko is an ALDE full member and the oldest democratic party in Russia and continues fighting for a modern European state.

In Russia, COVID-19 has caused no less panic than in Europe. A quarantine regime has been virtually introduced in the country. The socalled All-Russia vote was scheduled to take place on 1 July, when according to the Kremlin’s plans, Russia’s citizens would approve constitutional amendments legitimising the de facto lifetime rule of Vladimir Putin. We at Yabloko want this vote and these amendments abolished altogether.

In recent months, the Presidential Administration has been looking to find legal grounds for prolonging the 20-year rule of Putin. His next presidential term, which by law was to be the last, expires in 2024.

On 15 January, Vladimir Putin unexpectedly proposed to amend the Constitution, which had to imply redistribution of powers between different authorities.

On 10 March representatives of the ruling United Russia Party proposed giving Putin the right to enter two new presidential terms after the updated Constitution comes into force. An upgrade of the Basic Law was used as an excuse not to ‘count’ his presidential terms under the current version of the Constitution. This event was popularly called “nullification”.

Now Putin will be able to be elected as president until 2036.

And just like that: a constitutional coup took place in Russia. In a short space of time, we witnessed the dismantling of the legal basis of the Russian state in its post-Soviet version. Instead of creating a state with stable procedures and regulations, a certain system has been built, and institutions are replaced by the President and the clans around him. The updated Basic Law is Putin’s rather than Russia’s Constitution.

At the same time, Putin does not look like a man who wants to stay in power. It is evident that he is tired, yet hesitant to leave. He clearly does not trust his own environment: personal friends, whom he made powerful oligarchs.

The drop of the government’s and Putin’s ratings has been a steady trend in recent years, a price of an unpopular pension reform. However, public discontent does not translate into effective political pressure on the authorities.

A significant part of society remains depoliticised and is simply afraid of change. The activities of almost the entire opposition part of the political class are reduced to hatred with the only slogan “Putin, leave!”. Only the Yabloko party offers society a positive programme of political change and a vision for the future, insisting that the actions of the opposition take place under political slogans.

For 15 years, the Russian democratic opposition has had no representation in the federal parliament

“In a short space of

“The return of democrats to the State Duma may bring a completely different political reality

”

and has been fighting mainly in the streets. The Kremlin does not consider this tactic dangerous, as it does not carry significant political consequences for it. That is why Yabloko insists on participation in the elections and winning mandates in the parliaments of different levels. There will be parliamentary elections in Russia before the next presidential election, and these elections may give a chance for civil society. The return of democrats to the State Duma may bring a completely different political reality. Recently, this was demonstrated by Yabloko in Moscow. In 2019, in the wake of growing discontent, the party obtained its largest faction in the history of the Moscow City Duma. During six months of work, Yabloko’s deputies have made Moscow parliament’s activity public and put pressure on the Moscow Mayor’s Office. This can happen all over Russia.

Russian history has demonstrated that times of political unrest and dead ends threatening a complete collapse of the country have suddenly turned into periods of social progress, democratisation and a turn towards Europe. Vladimir Putin’s constitutional coup and his “coming-out” as a quasi-monarch is not so much a cause for despair as a challenge and a chance for democrats.

time, we witnessed the dismantling of the legal basis of the Russian state

”

FIRST issue 2020 13 liberal bulletin

Our member parties have the floor

Constitutional coup in Russia: political turmoil is a chance for democrats

European Women’s Academy empowers liberal women in politics We believe a fair, free and open society, as well as a prosperous and sustainable Europe, requires men and women to be equal in power, leadership and decision-making. That is why in 2016, the ALDE Party launched the European Women’s Academy (EWA) of political leadership and engagement with the support of the European Liberal Forum and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. Through this unique platform, we support liberal women in politics at all levels of government across Europe. Our goal is to be a leading resource and influential voice in achieving gender equality in decision making and political representation across Europe.

We have supported over 100 women to pursue their political ambitions since the launch, but we know our work is far from over. Our 2020 programme, beginning in September, comes at a critical moment in European politics, as women continue to face much greater barriers to be taken seriously and to succeed in politics than their male peers.

Gender inequality in politics is not right. It is not smart. Right now, women make up only 30.2% of European National parliaments. Only four out of the 27 EU member states are led by women.

Defending liberal principles of equality and inclusiveness have never been more important or more urgent. Supporting liberal women to engage as equals in decision-making and achieve their political goals is one of the most powerful and effective ways to do this.

That’s why this year we will significantly increase our ambition for EWA. In addition to providing our annual learning opportunities, we will be increasing the scale and impact of EWA by building up our influence and visibility, expanding our reach and the resources we offer, as well as increasing the profile of our network of alumnae and allies.

2020 will be a big year for EWA – watch this space!

If you want more information on the EWA programme including how you can get involved, please contact Adam Vink, ALDE Party Project Manager for EWA, at avink@aldeparty.eu aldeparty.eu/european-womens-academy

liberal bulletin 14 FIRST issue 2020

“courage [The biggest takeaway from EWA is] courage… the to stand up, to believe what you’re saying is

important, that your opinion counts, your opinion can change things, that your opinion can make a positive change for both men and women… EWA is about making you a better politician, a better person at delivering change.

Erin, Fianna Fáil – Ireland

”

“helps We need more women in politics and the EWA really prepare women to get into politics… If there still is this little doubt - can I do it, am I good enough for it?

- then EWA will get you across the line and will support you in really getting you there.

”

Susanne, D66 – Netherlands

“

As a mayor in Sweden, this was a time to think about - why me, why am I into politics - and how to communicate this with citizens so they know why I’m so passionate about my position.

”

Malin, Centerpartiet – Sweden

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Social media highlights Facebook /aldeparty

liberal bulletin 16 FIRST issue 2020

Twitter @aldeparty

Instagram @aldeparty

FIRST issue 2020 17 liberal bulletin

Movers & Shakers Inés Arrimadas

@InesArrimadas

Elected to lead ALDE member Ciudadanos in March, Inés Arrimadas is the first woman to lead a nationwide party in Spain. She is also the party spokesperson in the Spanish Congress of Deputies. Starting in youth politics in 2011, Arrimadas was elected to the Catalonian Parliament just a year after. Among her goals, she wants to strengthen the voice of her party.

Andreas Glück

@Andi_Glueck

A trained physician, Andreas Glück from ALDE member FDP in Germany signed up as a medical volunteer in the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the importance of working together to master the crisis.

Glück, former member of the Parliament in Baden-Württemberg, has been an MEP following his election to the European Parliament in 2019.

Momentum Mozgalom

@momentumhu

Hungarian ALDE member Momentum led by András Fekete-Győr has fought tirelessly against the Authorisation Act and for liberalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading by example by volunteering in communities, sharing face masks, thanking emergency workers, launching a crisis phone line and offering free language classes to help students affected by the crisis.

liberal bulletin 18 FIRST issue 2020

@debackerphil

Philippe De Backer

Minister from Belgian ALDE member Open Vld and a former MEP, Philippe De Backer leads the special taskforce dedicated to fighting COVID-19 in Belgium. Appointed to this role in March, De Backer’s priorities included increasing the testing capacity, supplying protective gear and adapting regulations for companies to produce sanitisers to avoid any shortage.

@MLPLiberalisok

Liberálisok

ALDE member Liberálisok in Hungary continues to fight for a liberal and democratic Hungary. During the COVID-19 crisis, the party led by Anett Bősz, a member of the Hungarian National Assembly, has with the opposition sought to include a timeline in Viktor Orbán’s Authorisation Act and hold his government accountable.

@Sophie_Wilmes

Sophie Wilmès

Sophie Wilmès, Prime Minister of Belgium since October 2019, is the country’s first female head of government. Starting in politics in 2000 as a local Councillor of ALDE member Mouvement Réformateur, Wilmès has since then held several key political roles, including ministerial positions. Improving the everyday life of citizens has always been the leading motivator for Wilmès.

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