Against a backdrop of rising populism and increasing threats to democratic norms across the continent, the European Democratic Party (EDP) stepped into the spotlight at the Renew Europe Leaders Summit held at the Maison de la Poste in Brussels. Bringing together liberal, centrist, and Democratic leaders from across the EU, the summit marked a significant moment of unity and purpose for those committed to advancing the European project. At the heart of the meeting was the adoption of a powerful joint declaration, “Freedom on the Offensive,” a document that serves as both a battle cry and a blueprint for the future of Europe.
Leading the EDP delegation, Secretary General Sandro Gozi delivered a stirring address that reaffirmed the party’s commitment to a more efficient, powerful, and democratic Union. “We are here to renew and reform the European Union,” he said. “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.” Gozi’s words reflected a sense of urgency shared by summit attendees, who view the current political climate as a defining test for the EU’s liberal democratic foundations.
The joint declaration leaves little doubt about the seriousness of that test. “It is the best of times, it is the worst of times. We have never been wealthier and healthier in human history. And yet it feels like we have never been so anxious and frustrated. Populists have decided to fan the flames of discontent. We, Liberals and Democrats, have decided to hold our heads high and embrace our heritage,” the text reads. It goes on to call for Europeans to reclaim their autonomy, stressing that freedom is not simply the absence of conflict but the capacity to act, choose, and grow. Key proposals adopted at the summit include the establishment of a European Defense Union, a robust EU defense industry with a “Buy European First” principle, and a clear path to ending dependence on Russian fossil fuels. The declaration also calls for ending the unanimity rule in EU decision-making, framing it as a fundamental step to unlocking European action. “We’re a democracy, not a vetocracy,” it states.
The EDP and its allies also took a firm stand on upholding the rule of law. The declaration urges the full application of Article 7 procedures against Hungary and heightened scrutiny of Slovakia, and calls for the suspension of EU funds to autocratic regimes. It pledges to defend judicial independence, press freedom, and civic participation, and backs the establishment of an “EU Democracy Shield” to combat foreign interference.
Summing up the summit’s determined tone, Valérie Hayer, Chair of the Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, declared, “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.”
As the European Union faces increasing internal and external pressures, the Renew Europe summit was a moment of clarity for those determined to defend its founding values. The European Democratic Party and its partners are not content with standing guard; they are stepping forward to lead. With “Freedom on the Offensive,” they offer a bold and pragmatic vision for a Europe that is freer, stronger, and united in purpose.
