Liberal Europe Blog

In 2024, Armenia’s foreign policy underwent a significant transformation. What was once a cautious balancing act between Russia and the West is now evolving into a decisive shift towards European integration. This change is driven by a combination of internal aspirations and external pressures, marking a new chapter in Armenia’s geopolitical journey.

In 2024, the world faced an unprecedented wave of natural disasters, from tropical cyclones to severe droughts, leading to the highest number of displacements in 16 years. These events not only exacerbated food crises but also inflicted massive economic losses. Now, more than ever, investing in clean energy, water, and climate services is crucial to overcoming these challenges and fostering resilient communities.

During a recent visit to Ukraine with the ALDE Party and the Alliance of Her, I joined the largest delegation of women to enter the country since the full-scale invasion. Hosted by the Servants of the People party, the political force behind President Zelensky and many courageous liberal women, our experience was both emotionally draining and profoundly moving. 

In many ways, ASEAN countries are caught in the same cycle as the European Union. They are trapped in the geopolitical struggle between the US and China. China exhibits the same ‘divide and conquer’ strategy in the region as it does with EU Member States

Reclaiming liberalism means rethinking how we engage with voters, redefining liberty, and using modern tools like social media to reach people where they are. It’s not only about doing the exact opposite of what the populist movement is doing but taking a lesson from their playbook and applying it to ours.

Protecting civil society is the bedrock of freedom of speech, organization, and debate. It fuels tolerance, strengthens democracy, and builds a better society.

When regimes abandon rule of law, they become security liabilities overnight. Imagine: A NATO army where promotions depend on loyalty tests, not competence, migration deals signed with leaders who tear up constitutions before breakfast and a Middle East mediator whose courts can declare any opponent a “terrorist” on demand. 

There is a golden opportunity for the EU not just to replace America in Europe but also to take the vacant place that America is leaving around the world

The future of Africa-Europe relations must go beyond trade agreements. It is not just about market access, tariffs, or investment flows, it is about forming a truly equitable partnership.

The future of Africa-EU relations depends on bold actions today. We need to move away from traditional donor-recipient dynamics and embrace a real partnership based on mutual benefit. If we step up, we can build a future where Africa and the EU thrive together—as equal partners, economic allies, and co-owners of the future. 

As liberals in Europe we have nothing left to lose and everything to gain. Now is the time to be bold. 

The third annual Techno-Politics Forum organised by the European Liberal Forum, took place on 20 November this year in Brussels, bringing together around 150 participants from European institutions, academia, industry and tech-enthusiastic community.