Written by Ruben Friewald
On the first weekend of April 2025, the members of LYMEC gathered in Zagreb, Croatia, for the organisation's Spring Congress, which this year took place in the elegant conference room of the Hotel Dubrovnik. The two-day event featured numerous plenary sessions, training sessions, discussion forums and informal programs that enabled the exchange of ideas between young liberals – both in a political and friendly way.
The Croatian capital, Zagreb, proved to be an excellent venue. Zagreb’s historic city centre, its thousand-year-old culture and its vibrant, evolving spirit provided the perfect backdrop for the congress’ discussions. As part of the Hungarian delegation, this city is also particularly close to me, and it was a joy to be able to spend time there with my liberal friends. The congress dinners organized as part of the program – at the Pivovara Medvedgrad craft brewery and the Sol Tapas restaurant – also offered a great opportunity for networking and getting to know Croatian gastronomy.
A highlight of Congress for me was the adoption of the urgency resolution submitted by my delegation which strongly condemned the ban on Pride events in Hungary as contrary to European liberal values and fundamental human rights. The proposal received strong support from member organisations across Europe, and its adoption sent a clear message: liberal youth in Europe stand up for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community – even if they are under attack in their own countries by Viktor Orbán.
The adoption of the resolution was not only a political but also a moral victory for us, and an important confirmation that the Hungarian liberal voice matters in the LYMEC community. It served as a personal point of pride to see the resolution pass with overwhelming support and no opposition. I would also like to highlight other resolutions which had a similar focus on rights and democracy. Such as the resolution which condemned the recent arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul, and the growing authoritarianism of the Turkish government in its attacks on civil society and protestors.
Among the guests of honour at the congress were Valérie Hayer, President of Renew Europe, and Yevheniia Kravchuk, Member of Parliament for Ukraine, who spoke about the future of liberal Europe and the importance of Ukrainian integration. Several prominent liberal figures in Croatian political life - including Dario Hrebak and Dalibor Paus - also spoke, showcasing the range of progressive, liberal voices that are represented in the region.
The LYMEC congress in Zagreb was more than just a regular political event. It was inspiring to see how committed hundreds of young liberals are to the causes of freedom, equality and human rights. For the Hungarian delegation, this event will be particularly memorable – not only for the professional success, but also for the community experiences. We are proud to have been able to make our voices heard in Zagreb, and to have been welcomed so warmly by our liberal friends.
Libertas Reports: LYMEC’s 2025 Spring LYMEC Congress in Zagreb