ALDE logo

The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (French: Alliance des Démocrates et des Libéraux pour l'Europe) is a Group in the European Parliament. It is composed of members from the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party, European Democratic Party and assorted independents. Both European political parties continue to exist. The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe is also a political group in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. ALDE logo, fair use This is a copyrighted and/or trademarked logo. ... The European Parliament is the parliamentary body of the European Union (EU), directly elected by EU citizens once every five years. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... The European Democratic Party (EDP) is a centrist European political party very strongly in favour of European integration (europeanist). It was initiated on April 16, 2004 and formally founded on December 9 in Brussels. ...

European Liberal Democrat and Reform (ELDR) party

The European Liberal Democrat and Reform (ELDR) party brings together political parties with common liberal, democratic and reform ideals from more than 30 European countries. The ELDR party is an international non-profit association (aisbl) which has its seat in Brussels (Belgium).

The role of the ELDR party is to: strengthen the Liberal Democrat movement in the EU and throughout Europe

assist Liberal Democrat politicians across Europe to become better acquainted and to define a common political vision

draw up and adopt a common manifesto for the European Parliament elections.

The European Liberal Democrats were the first to create a European political family in 1976 in view of the first European elections and established ELDR as a true European political party in 1993.

Representing millions of European voters, the ELDR party provides an increasingly vital link between citizens and the EU institutions and is continuously growing in size and significance.

Foundation

The meeting of the Parliamentary Group of the liberal democrat European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party which took place in Brussels on July 13, 2004 approved a recommendation to unite in a new group with MEPs of the European Democratic Party founded by François Bayrou's UDF, the Lithuanian Labour Party and the Italian Margherita. The two European political parties remain separate parties outside the European Parliament. The group, as originally constituted, comprised 88 members. This article discusses liberalism as a major political ideology as it developed and stands currently. ... Politics is the process by which decisions are made within groups. ... American liberalism (also called modern liberalism) is a political current that claims descent from classical liberalism in terms of devotion to individual liberty, but rejects the laissez faire economics of classical liberalism in favor of institutions that promote social and economic equity. ... The factual accuracy of this article is disputed. ... The liberal theory of economics is the theory of economics described by classical liberal authors such as Anders Chydenius, Adam Smith and the French Physiocrats. ... For the related liberal individualist philosophy, see Libertarianism. ... According to ordoliberalism, the state must create a proper legal environment for the economy and maintain a healthy level of competition through measures that adhere to market principles. ... This article is being considered for deletion in accordance with Wikipedias deletion policy. ... In political science, the label radical denotes one who desires extreme change of all or part of the social order. (Britannica Deluxe CD2000). ... Social liberalism is either a synonym for new liberalism or a label used by progressive liberal parties in order to differentiate themselves from the more conservative liberal parties, especially when there are two or more liberal parties in a country. ... This is an (partial) overview of individuals that contributed to the development of liberal theory on a worldwide scale and therefore are strongly associated with the liberal tradition and instrumental in the exposition of political liberalism as a philosophy. ... Political freedom is the right, or the capacity, of self-determination as an expression of the individual will. ... ... The philosophical concept of negative liberty refers to an individuals liberty from being subjected to the authority of others. ... Positive liberty, essentially identical with the concept of positive right, an idea that was first expressed and analyzed as a separate conception of liberty by John Stuart Mill but most notably described by Isaiah Berlin, refers to the ability to act to fulfill ones own potential, as opposed to... In common usage, the word capitalism means an economic system in which the means of production are primarily privately owned and operated for profit, with private investment of capital, and where production, distribution, and the prices of goods, services, and labor are affected by the forces of supply and demand... A free market is an idealized market, where all economic decisions and actions by individuals regarding transfer of money, goods, and services are voluntary, and are therefore devoid of coercion and theft (some definitions of coercion are inclusive of theft). Colloquially and loosely, a free market economy is an economy... A mixed economy is an economy that combines capitalism and socialism [1]. Some sources prefer the use of command economy over socialism in defining a mixed economy (see external links below). ... The examples and perspective in this article do not represent a worldwide view. ... Civil rights or positive rights are those legal rights retained by citizens and protected by the government. ... Human rights are rights which some hold to be inalienable and belonging to all humans. ... Liberal democracy is a form of representative democracy where the ability of elected representatives to exercise decision-making power is subject to the rule of law and moderated by a constitution which emphasizes the protection of the rights and freedoms of individuals and minorities (also called constitutional democracy and constitutional... This article is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... This article discusses liberalism as a major political current in specific regions and countries. ... The Liberal International is an international organization for liberal parties. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats is a regional organization of liberal and democratic political parties in Asia. ... The Africa Liberal Network is composed of 16 parties in Africa, from 14 different countries, and is an associated organisation of Liberal International, the political family to which Liberal Democratic parties belong. ... The Liberal Network for Latin America (Red Liberal de América Latina, RELIAL) is an international network founded in 2003 with the official launch taking place in Costa Rica November 2004. ... This is a list about liberalism and political parties around the world. ... Emblem of the Brussels-Capital Region Flag of The City of Brussels Brussels (French: Bruxelles, Dutch: Brussel, German: Brüssel) is the capital of Belgium, the French community of Belgium, the Flemish community and of the European Union. ... July 13 is the 194th day (195th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 171 days remaining. ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... A Member of the European Parliament (English abbreviation MEP) is a member of the European Unions directly-elected legislative body, the European Parliament. ... -1... The Union for French Democracy, also known by its French acronym UDF (Union pour la Démocratie Française), is a French center-right political party. ... The Labour Party (Lithuanian: Darbo Partija), or DP, is a new political party in Lithuania. ... Daisy-Democracy is Freedom (full name in Italian: Democrazia è Libertà – La Margherita: Democracy is Freedom – The Daisy) is a political party in Italy. ...

The founding Group meeting of ALDE-ADLE, which immediately followed the ELDR meeting, elected Graham Watson MEP of the British Liberal Democrats as Group Leader. It also adopted a 10-point 'Program for Europe'. Graham Watson (born 23 March 1956) is a Member of the European Parliament for South West England for the Liberal Democrats. ... The Liberal Democrats, often shortened to Lib Dems, are a liberal political party based in the United Kingdom. ...

Program

1. Promoting peace, through a Union in the federal tradition
2. Making the EU a global player bridging the gap between its economic and political dimension
3. Opening up & democratising the European Union
4. Guaranteeing the fundamental rights of all European citizens
5. Promoting education at all levels.
6. Strengthening economic governance after the introduction of the Euro.
7. Rooting out fraud and unnecessary bureaucracy
8. Making Europe the world leader in environmental protection.
9. Making globalisation work for everyone.
10. Ensuring a full recognition and enhancement of the role of Europe’s regions

The concept of peace ranks among the most controversial in our time. ... Human rights are rights which some hold to be inalienable and belonging to all humans. ... The word citizen may refer to: A person with a citizenship Citizen Watch Co. ... The euro (symbol: €; banking code: EUR) is the currency of twelve European Union member states: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, collectively known as the Eurozone. ... Bureaucracy is a concept in sociology and political science. ... In politics and other non-technical contexts, nature or (the) (natural) environment often refers to that part of the natural world that people deem important or valuable, for any reason — economic, aesthetic, philosophical, hedonistic, sentimental, etc. ... Globalization is a term used to describe the changes in societies and the world economy that are the result of dramatically increased trade and cultural exchange. ...

Group Members

This is a List of Members of the European Parliament serving in the sixth term (2004-2009). ... The Liberal Forum (de: Liberales Forum, or LiF) is a small liberal party in Austria. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... The Vlaamse Liberalen en Democraten or VLD (Flemish Liberals and Democrats) is a Flemish liberal party, created in 1992 from the former PVV and a few other politicians from other parties. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... The Mouvement Réformateur (MR) is a Belgian French-speaking liberal party, favoring a united Belgium. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... The Democratic Party (Greek: Dimokratikon Komma) is a political party in Cyprus, founded in 1976 by Spyros Kyprianou. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... The Liberal Party (Liberale Parti, also known as Venstre) is a major free market liberal party in Denmark. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... Det Radikale Venstre (literally: The Radical Left, but officially translated by the party as Danish Social Liberal Party), is a social liberal party in Denmark. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... The Centre Party of Estonia (Eesti Keskerakond or Kesk) is a centrist, liberal party in Estonia. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... The Estonian Reform Party (Estonian: Eesti Reformierakond) is a free market liberal party in Estonia. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... Categories: Politics stubs | Liberal related stubs | Liberal parties | Finnish political parties | Nordic Agrarian parties ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... The Swedish Peoples Party (Svenska folkpartiet (SFP) in Swedish or Ruotsalainen kansanpuolue (RKP) in Finnish) is a Swedish minority and mainly liberal party in Finland. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... The Union for French Democracy, also known by its French acronym UDF (Union pour la Démocratie Française), is a French center-right political party. ... The European Democratic Party (EDP) is a centrist European political party very strongly in favour of European integration (europeanist). It was initiated on April 16, 2004 and formally founded on December 9 in Brussels. ... Categories: Politics stubs | Liberal related stubs | German political parties | Liberal parties ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... Party logo The Alliance of Free Democrats (Hungarian: Szabad Demokraták Szövetsége, or SZDSZ) is a liberal party in Hungary, led by Gábor Kuncze. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... Marian Harkin is a Irish politician. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... Daisy-Democracy is Freedom (full name in Italian: Democrazia è Libertà – La Margherita: Democracy is Freedom – The Daisy) is a political party in Italy. ... The European Democratic Party (EDP) is a centrist European political party very strongly in favour of European integration (europeanist). It was initiated on April 16, 2004 and formally founded on December 9 in Brussels. ... The Italy of Values-List Di Pietro (Italia dei Valori - Lista Di Pietro) is a liberal party and anti-corruption political movement in Italy, headed by former magistrate and Clean Hands campaigner Antonio Di Pietro. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... This article is part of or related to the Liberalism series Categories: Politics stubs | Liberal related stubs | Liberal parties | Italian political parties ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... The European Republican Movement (Italian: Movimento Repubblicani Europei) of Italy is a small liberal party, part of the Olive Tree coalition but affiliated to ELDR. Its leader is Luciana Sbarbati, a former member of the Partito Repubblicano Italiano. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... Latvian Way (Latvian: Latvijas Ceļš) is a very liberal party in Latvia. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... The Labour Party (Lithuanian: Darbo Partija), or DP, is a new political party in Lithuania. ... The European Democratic Party (EDP) is a centrist European political party very strongly in favour of European integration (europeanist). It was initiated on April 16, 2004 and formally founded on December 9 in Brussels. ... This article is part of or related to the Liberalism series Categories: Politics stubs | Liberal related stubs | Liberal parties | Lithuanian political parties ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... The Democratic Party is a liberal party in Luxembourg, led by Claude Meisch who took over from Lydie Polfer. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... The Volkspartij voor Vrijheid en Democratie (VVD), literally Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy, is a free market liberal party in the Netherlands. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... Democraten 66 (D66), is a social liberal party in the Netherlands. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... The Democratic Party () is a liberal party in Poland, publicly announced on February 28 and formally established on May 9, 2005 as an enlargement of the Freedom Union (Unia WolnoÅ›ci), which it legally succeeds. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... Liberal Democracy of Slovenia or LDS (Slovenian: Liberalna demokracija Slovenije) is the liberal and former ruling political party of Slovenia. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... Convergence and Unity (Convergència i Unió, CiU) is a political party in Catalonia, Spain. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... The Basque Nationalist Party is a political party in the Basque region of Spain. ... The European Democratic Party (EDP) is a centrist European political party very strongly in favour of European integration (europeanist). It was initiated on April 16, 2004 and formally founded on December 9 in Brussels. ... selfish selfish,are you selfish too? The Liberal Peoples Party or Peoples Party Liberals (Folkpartiet liberalerna) is a liberal party in Sweden. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... The Centre Party (Centerpartiet) is a political party in Sweden. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... The Liberal Democrats, often shortened to Lib Dems, are a liberal political party based in the United Kingdom. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ...

ALDE in PACE (Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe)

The rapid expansion of the Council of Europe has brought new responsibilities for the political groups. Between 1990 and 1995 alone, the Council of Europe was enlarged to include Albania, Andorra, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia and additional delegations with special guest status regularly take part in the sessions in Strasbourg. The political groups have shown that they have the potential to play an effective introductory role, especially with regard to parliamentarians from the new member States as well as for those with guest status. While the Council of Europe currently comprises 46 member States, the policy of the Assembly, with its 630 members (315 representatives and an equal number of substitutes) is formulated principally in conjunction with the five political groups: Socialist Group (206 members), Federation of Christian Democrat Parties of Europe (EPP) (182 members), Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) (98 members), European Democrat Group (EDG) (78 members) and the Group of the Unified European Left (UEL) (32 members). The rules of Procedure have also taken account of the growing importance of the political groups. The Ad Hoc Committee of chairmen of Political Groups which assists the President of the Assembly in reaching decisions was created in March 1993. Since January 1995 the Group Chairs have had the right to sit and vote in the Bureau and the Standing Committee of the Assembly.

The earliest minutes of Liberal Group meetings in the archives date from 1974. At that time Frederik Portheine (Netherlands) was leader of the Group which comprised 30 members, no more than 13 of whom attended the meetings. It was customary for Liberal Group members to hold only one meeting during the week of the Strasbourg part-session. In those days the Bureau was composed of the Chairman and the Secretary General. In August 1978 a secretary was appointed who today is still responsible for dealing with administrative matters. In autumn 1980, Manfred Vohrer (Germany) was elected to succeed Frederik Portheine. Having acted as Secretary General of the Group since becoming a member of the Council of Europe in 1973, he was well qualified to take over the post of Chair. In 1983 Manfred Vohrer decided not to stand for re-election and left the German Bundestag. Bjorn Elmquist (Denmark) was elected by the Group to succeed him. Under Bjorn Elmquist's chairmanship, membership increased significantly in the space of a few years, rising from 35 to 50 members. At the end of 1990 Bjorn Elmquist lost his seat in the Folketing. In May 1991 the Group elected Daniel Tarschys (Sweden) as its new Chair. A leading expert on east European questions, the high esteem in which he was held both within the Assembly and by central and east Europeans led to a further increase in Group membership. Since his election as Secretary General of the Council of Europe on 12 April 1994, the Group has been led by Sir Russell-Johnston (United Kingdom). In 1999 Lord Russell-Johnston was elected President of the Parliamentary Assembly (1999-2002). The Group supported Kristiina Ojuland (Estonia) to preside the LDR Group. In 2002 she was appointed Foreign Minister in her country. The same year Matyas Eörsi (Hungary) gained support of the group members to become its seventh President.

Until the mid-1980s the Group's official name was “Liberal Group”. As the word “liberal” does not have the same connotations in all languages, the new Group members in particular called for additions to the name which would make the Group's political ideals universally and unequivocally recognizable. After lengthy discussion, it was finally agreed that the Group should be called the “Liberal, Democratic and Reformers' Group’” (LDR). The “Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe” (ALDE) emerged on June 20, 2005 to become full legal successor of the LDR-Group. This title makes it clear that the Group's members are not only convinced democrats devoted to liberal values but they are committed to creating better cooperation between european liberals to build stronger Europe respective of human rights in all its member states. Technological progress maintains society in constant flux so that individuals' attitudes to society are also changing.

The history of the Group would not be complete without mentioning here a man who, by a happy coincidence, joined the Assembly at just the right time. Hardly any other parliamentarian has had a greater and more lasting influence on the Council of Europe as a whole. The ALDE Group is still proud today that Peter Sager was a Liberal. A former member of Swiss National Council, Peter Sager was a member of the Council of Europe from 1984 to 1991. As founder and director of the Swiss Ost-Institut in Berne, he saw it as his principal task in life to combat all forms of totalitarianism. Those members of the Socialist Group in the Assembly whose position resembled too closely that of communism were the first to realize that he took this task seriously, that he was, in addition, a fearless protagonist of pluralist democracy and that he could not be blinded or misled by any form of propaganda. As a result he was quickly branded a mindless communist-hater. Yet, despite this, he quickly won an amazing degree of respect in the Assembly. When Michael Gorbachev took office as General Secretary in the Soviet Union in 1985 and the signs of glasnost and perestroika became clearer, Peter Sager emerged as a powerful optimist and eloquent advocate of opening the Council of Europe to the countries of central and eastern Europe. His thesis was that the Council of Europe was the only body with which the countries of Central and Eastern Europe could co-operate once they had decided to throw off communism. As an intergovernmental institution, the Council of Europe possessed the structures needed gradually to familiarize countries new to democracy with political pluralism, the principle of the rule of law, the laws of the market economy and respect for human rights. When Michael Gorbachev, the first east European Head of State to address the Assembly, set out, in one of the most memorable speeches ever given in Strasbourg, his concept of a Common European Home wherein conflict would no longer be settled through force or the threat of force and where all peoples would be free to choose their social system at their own discretion without having to face interference from an ally, the way was clear for closer co-operation between the Council of Europe and the countries of eastern Europe. What should this co-operation take, as these countries could not become members over night? In his time Peter Sager found an ingenious solution in the creation of 'special guest status', with Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Russia and Ukraine.

As some Countries of Central and Eastern Europe still have a tedious way to go towards democracy, the ALDE Group is proud that its members may play key roles in political institutions of these States, contributing to implementation of the important values of the Council of Europe. In October 2005, Serhiy Holovaty, Vice-President of the ALDE, was appointed Minister of Justice in Ukraine. The country is now facing crucial period of its independence. As we all hope that democratic values will win in Ukraine, we believe that appointment of dedicated liberals to key positions may contribute to further transformation and democratization in our member states.

As the third largest Group, the Liberals have a major voice in the appointment of the President of the Assembly and the Secretary General. Originally the Presidency rotated every three years: a Socialist was followed by a Christian-Democrat who in turn was followed by a Liberal. Under this system there have been three Liberal Presidents, each separated by a period of six years:

1960 - 1963 Per Federspiel Denmark

1969 - 1972 Olivier Reverdin Switzerland

1978 - 1981 Hans J. de Koster Netherlands

Following the appointment of a member of the conservative European Democratic Group, rather than a Socialist, to succeed Hans J. de Koster, the Presidency now rotates between four political groups on the basis of an agreement drawn up and signed in spring 1986 by the Socialists, the Christian-Democrats and the conservative European Democrats and joined to in 1994 by the LDR Group. The agreement provides for a rotation system whereby the President continues to be chosen from the larger groups (Socialists and Christian Democrats) at six year intervals and from the smaller groups (LDR and European Democrats) at 15 year intervals. Under this agreement, a Liberal president Lord Russell-Johnston, United Kingdom, (1999 - 2002) led the Assembly into the new millennium.

The most notable success in the history of the group has undoubtedly been the election in 1994 on the first ballot, by a very slim majority, of Daniel Tarschys to a five-year term of office as Secretary General of the Council of Europe. This was achieved thank to an agreement passed between LDR and PPE and EDG. It is becoming increasingly difficult for candidates from the smaller groups to win against candidates from the larger parties. In 2004 Kristiina Ojuland, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia at the moment, tried to run for Secretary General against candidates from the two largest political groups, Socialists and EPP. As she did not assure for herself strong support of allies, her mission did not succeed.

Although the ALDE is mainly composed of inveterate individualists, its work demonstrates that these individualists stand together and are capable of fighting for a common goal. They are especially strong and unyielding when it comes to defending democratic freedom and respect for human rights.

Members of the ALDE (PACE) Group

 Albania Mr DULE, Vangjel Andorra Mr FARRE SANTURE, Joan Albert Mrs GARCIA PASTOR, Eva Armenia Mr ARSENYAN, Gourgen Mr KOCHARYAN, Shavarsh Mr MARGARYAN, Grigory Mrs NAGHDALYAN, Hermine Azerbaijan Mr HUSEYNOV, Rafael Mr KERIMLI, Azer Mr MOLLAZADE, Azim Mr VAKILOV, Vagif Belgium Mrs DEFRAIGNE, Christine Mr GORIS, Stef Mr MONFILS, Philippe Mr VERSNICK, Geert Mr WILLE, Paul Bosnia & Herzegovina Mrs HADZIAHMETOVIC, Azra Bulgaria Mrs ATANASOVA, Anelya Mrs ILYAZ, Fatme Mr IVANOV, Lachezar Mr LOUTFI, Younal Mrs STANTCHEVA, Darinka Croatia Mr BANAC, Ivo Mr DORIC, Miljenko Cyprus Mrs PERICLEOUS PAPADOPOULOS, Antigoni Czech Republic Mr JARAB, Josef Denmark Mr MADSEN, Jens Hald Mr OSTERGAARD, Morten Mrs SEVERINSEN, Hanne Estonia Mr IVANOV, Sergei Finland Mrs ANTTILA, Sirkka-Liisa Mr KAIKKONEN, Antti Mr LAUKKANEN, Markku France Mr BADRE, Denis Mr GOULET, Daniel Mr ROCHEBLOINE, François Mr SALLES, Rudy Georgia Mr ARVELADZE, Giorgi Mr BERDZENISHVILI, Levan Mr BOKERIA, Giga Mrs KALANDAZDE, Nino Mrs KURDADZE, Irine Mrs NADIRADZE, Maia Mrs NAKASHIDZE, Nino Mrs TEVDORADZE, Elene Germany Mr LEIBRECHT, Harald Mrs LEUTHEUSSER-SCHNARRENBERGER, Sabine Hungary Mr EÖRSI, Matyas Mr SZALAY, Gabor Iceland Mrs FRIDLEIFSDOTTIR, Siv Mr JONSSON, Birkir Jon Ireland Mr DALY, Brendan Mr DAVERN, Noel Mrs ORMONDE, Ann Mr WRIGHT, G.V. Italy Mr DANIELI, Franco Mr PISCITELLO, Rino Mr PROVERA, Fiorello Latvia Mr BERZINS, Andris Lithuania Mr BUCEVUCIUS, Saulius Mr CEKUOLIS, Jonas Mr JAKAVONIS, Gediminas Mr MIKUTIENE, Dangute Luxembourg Mrs BRASSEUR, Anne Mr GOERENS, Charles Macedonia Mr KRSTEVSKI, Zoran Mr ZERNOVSKI, Andrej Moldova Mr BRAGHIS, Dumitru Netherlands Mr DEES, Dirk Mrs NIJS, Annette Mrs VEENENDAAL, Jelleke Norway Mrs OVERAAS, Eli Sollied Romania Mr FENECHIU, Relu Mr MEREUTA, Mircea Mr MIUTESCU, Gheroghe Adrian Mr VOSGANIAN, Varujan San Marino Mr MASI, Tito Slovakia Mrs BRESTENSKA, Beata Slovenia Mrs LAVTIZAR-BEBLER, Darja Spain Mr GASOLIBA, Carles Mr MENDOZA, José Mr TXUEKA, Inaki Sweden Mrs BARGHOLTZ, Helena Mr ERTSBORN, Jan Switzerland Mr DUPRAZ, John Mr KAUFMANN, Hans Mr MARTY, Dick Mr RANDEGGER, Johannes Mr REIMANN, Maximillan Mr SCHMIED, Walter Mr STAMM, Luzi Ukraine Mr HLADIY, Mykhailo Mr KLYMPUSH, Orest United Kingdom Mr HANCOCK, Michael Mr HARVEY, Nick Mr RUSSELL-JOHNSTON, Lord Mrs WILLOTT, Jenny 

External link

• Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe
• Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe in PACE
• European Liberal Democrat and Reform (ELDR) Party

Pan-European political parties
European Democratic Party | European Free Alliance | European Green Party | Party of the European Left | European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party | European People's Party | Party of European Socialists A European political party, or formally a political party at European level, is a type of political party organization in the European Union, eligible to receive funding from the Union. ... Image File history File links European_flag. ... The European Democratic Party (EDP) is a centrist European political party very strongly in favour of European integration (europeanist). It was initiated on April 16, 2004 and formally founded on December 9 in Brussels. ... The European Free Alliance (EFA) is a grouping of various political parties in Europe who believe in either full political independence (statehood), or some form of devolution or self-government for their country or region. ... European Greens (or the European Green Party) is the name of the European Green Party, a political party at European level. ... The European Left party is a political party at European level and an association of communist and socialist political parties in the European Union It was formed in January 2004 for the purposes of running in the 2004 European Parliament elections. ... The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (founded in 1993) is a liberal party, active in the European Union, uniting liberal and centrist parties around Europe which together represent more than 20 million European voters and is an international non-profit association incorporated under the laws of Belgium. ... The European Peoples Party is a Christian democrat-conservative political party at European level founded in 1976. ... Logo of the Party of European Socialists The Party of European Socialists (PES) (French: Parti socialiste européen (PSE); German: Sozialdemokratische Partei Europas (SPE); Spanish: Partido socialista europeo (PSE); Italian: Partito socialista europeo (PSE)) is a European political party whose members are 30 social democratic, socialist and labour parties of...
Confederations of national political parties in Europe
European Christian Political Movement | European Democrat Union | Nordic Green Left Alliance The European Christian Political Movement (ECPM) is an European political association for reflection and working on Christian-democratic politics in Europe from an explicit Christian Social view. ... The European Democrat Union is the European wing of the International Democrat Union. ... The Nordic Green Left Alliance (NGLA) is a green and socialist political party at the European level founded in Reykjavík on February 1, 2004. ...
Groups in the European Parliament
EPP-ED | PES | ALDE | Greens-EFA | EUL-NGL | IND/DEM | UEN See also ED subgroup, Non-Inscrits Party groups in the European Parliament combine the MEPs from European political parties, informal European political blocs, and independents. ... The European Parliament is the parliamentary body of the European Union (EU), directly elected by EU citizens once every five years. ... The European Peoples Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats is a group in the European Parliament. ... Logo of the Party of European Socialists The Party of European Socialists (PES) (French: Parti socialiste européen (PSE); German: Sozialdemokratische Partei Europas (SPE); Spanish: Partido socialista europeo (PSE); Italian: Partito socialista europeo (PSE)) is a European political party whose members are 30 social democratic, socialist and labour parties of... The European Greens–European Free Alliance (The Greens/European Free Alliance; Greens/EFA; French: Le Groupe Verts/Alliance libre européenne; Les Verts/ALE, German Fraktion der Grünen/Freie Europäische Allianz) is one of the parliamentary groups in the European Parliament. ... The European United Left–Nordic Green Left is a socialist and communist political grouping within the European Parliament. ... The Independence and Democracy (IND/DEM) group, formed July 20, 2004 is a euro-sceptic political group with 36 MEPs. ... The Union for a Europe of Nations is a nationalist and (mostly) euro-sceptic party grouping with seats in the European Parliament. ... EPP-ED logo The European Peoples Party - European Democrats is a group in the European Parliament. ... Non-Inscrits (English: Non-Attached; the English name is also official, but the French name is prevalent even in English texts) are Members of the European Parliament who do not sit in one of the political groups. ...
Related articles: table of political parties in Europe by pancontinental organisation, elections in the European Union The majority of major political parties in Europe have aligned themselves into the pan-European political organisations listed below. ... Elections in the European Union gives information on election and election results in the European Union. ...