After passing 13 resolutions, young liberals proved once more that we are not just talking about change; we are actively making a difference in the European sphere.

Delegates gathered in Bratislava, Slovakia, for this Congress, which also saw the election of the LYMEC Delegation to the ALDE Party Congress 2026 take place. We elected Martina Barrés Sabartés as LYMEC Representative to IFLRY, voted on Financial, statutory matters, as well as Membership issues for our network. 

The Bureau of the organisation presented their work from the last 6 months, and the upcoming activities leading to 2026 and the 50th Year of LYMEC, which will be celebrated throughout next year. 

Before Congress started, we were delighted to see a great turnout and engagement with the LYMEC Training Session, hosted by FNF Europe. The training session focused on building trust in political environments and how to work with teams, led by Martijn Bolkenstein as trainer.

LYMEC Delegation to ALDE Congress Election

The new LYMEC delegation for next year’s ALDE Party Congress in Vienna, Austria, mixes fresh voices and experienced representatives. 

Delegates chose to elect:

Estelle Jaggi (Young Green Liberals of Fribourg, Switzerland);

Emil Laanemets (ERPY, Estonia);

David Grasveld (LHG, Germany);

Sebas Overbeek (JOVD, Netherlands);

Huub Hoven (Jongliberalen, Belgium);

Maarten Tollenaar (Jonge Democraten, Netherlands);

Andrei Tatur (Attīstībai Youth, Latvia);

Ilija Jerković (PSG Youth, Serbia);

and Joy Kamel (Jeunes MR, Belgium).

Congratulations to all!

Resolutions

39 Resolutions were submitted at this Congress, a record! With 13 of them adopted, they consolidate our Policy Book and our vision for a stronger European Union, calling out humanitarian catastrophes, protecting minorities from hate across Europe and harnessing European economic power and infrastructural potential. 

The new resolutions further reflect the youth’s impact on European politics. As young European liberals, we are constantly pushing for progressive ideas and change to act on the key issues of our time. This congress was no different, thanks to the dedication of our members.

The resolutions passed were as follows:

1. Privacy
2. Is it a bird, is it a plane? It’s a Russian drone - protecting the European airspace from drone attacks
3. Connecting Europe: Completing the High-Speed Rail Union
4. Recognition of the Rights to Sexual Reproductive Health and Abortion
5. Towards a Fairer and More Efficient European Asylum System 
6.  No freedom without equality: tackling transphobia and discrimination across Europe 
7. A Call for a Lasting Ceasefire in Gaza, Accountability Under International Law, and a Durable Two-State Solution for the People of Israel and Palestine
8. Cold Front: A new era of security in the Arctic
9. Preserving democracy and protecting European values through the new EU budget 
10. Crime and Punishment - make Russia pay for its war
11. Strengthening European energy interconnection to Safeguard Security of Supply and Prevent Blackouts.
12. Europe’s Collective Defence
13. A Continent for opportunities: A liberal strategy for development cooperation with Africa

For further information, please consult the LYMEC​ Policy Book (Will be updated in the following weeks)

Speaker highlights

Valerie Hayer, MEP, President of RENEW Europe Group 

“LYMEC has been a long-standing champion of our European values.”

Lucia Plaváková, MP and ALDE Vice President

“I see the liberal movement is alive and full of energy thanks to you all.” 

Zora Jaurová, MP, National Council of Slovakia and Vice-President of Progressive Slovakia

“Because our young people want a free and democratic future, and we will stand by them.”

Jules Maaten, Regional Director FNF Europe

“If we expect renewal, it has to come from the youth organisations.”

Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, MEP RENEW Europe

“In a world of conflict and disinformation, we Europeans must remain strong and united, open to debate and provide bold European solutions that we all face.”

Thanks to all our partners for this event, including Renew Europe and FNF Europe.

Renew Europe Group                                                                          Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF)