LYMEC Spring Congress 2025

16 April 2025 by

Office LYMEC

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This year's Spring Congress in Zagreb, Croatia was a great success for all involved.

 

" This is our time. This is our moment to act. We are the generation "

that will not back down. We are the generation that will defend

democracy with strength and with unity.

  - Ines Holzegger, LYMEC President

Summary:

This Spring Congress showcased the collective energy of young liberals tackling the most urgent issues facing Europe today.

From touching debates on current crises in Serbia, Türkiye and North Macedonia; to the condemnation of human rights abuses in Hungary on the LGBTQ+ community there; to reaffirming liberal commitment to supporting Ukraine - there was lots to talk about. Young liberals emphasised European resillience and courage in fighting back against illiberal nationalism.

New challenges such as digitalisation, AI, and cybersecurity were discussed with long-term strategy in mind. Youth voices took centre stage as delegates shared innovative ideas and voted on policy resolutions shaping the future of Europe. Guest speakers and Bureau members also touched on the critical juncture we face as Europeans today.

LYMEC President, Ines Holzegger, rallied young liberals and reiterated the importance of European unity in the face of increasing trade wars and isolationism. This Congress was full of enriching debate, impactful speeches and new alliances - with one new associate member and a new full member of LYMEC voted in: PSG Serbia and Youth Bloc Belarus. Fighting for democracy has never been more important, and this Congress proved liberal determination is stronger than ever.

We hope you enjoyed Zagreb, and that you are looking forward to the next Congress in Bratislava, Slovakia, this November!

Motions:

With such an ever-changing political environment at the moment, it was no surpise that a range of policy resolutions featured at this year's Spring Congress. From increasing authocratisation, to mounting human rights challenges, to questions of European resillience, it made for a very thought-provoking discussion.

After the following motions were passed, LYMEC, therefore, calls for:

4.24: Fostering a Thriving Tech Ecosystem and Supporting Young Entrepreneurs in the EU

To implement initiatives to retain talent, promote access to capital and resources for growth in Europe. To enhance digital infrastructure in the EU including internet speed, cyber security, and innovation hubs. To harmonise digital regulation and unify the technology industry, as well as reducing the bureaucratic hurdles for faster approval process and innovation.

9.78: Defending Democracy in Türkiye: Condemning the Arrest of Ekrem Imamoğlu and Political Repression against the Opposition and Civil Society

To defend the rule of law, judicial independence, opposition figures, journalists and civil society actors in Türkiye, and to release Imamoglu and grant a fair trial. To escalate pressure on the EU to terminate Türkiye’s EU accession procedure on grounds of severe violations of democratic principles; but to leave the door open for renewed EU accesion negotiations post-Erdogan.

5.08: Protecting the Budapest Pride march and the freedom of assembly in Hungary

For ALDE, RENEW and the European Commission to publish a statement of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community in Hungary, as well as the members of Parliament there who were fired for protesting, as well as continued awareness-raising. For the European Commission to launch an infringement procedure against the Lex-Pride law.

9.72: Secure the Eastern Flank: Secure the Union

To reaffirm EU member states' commitment to the mutual defence clause and urgently increase defence spending and investment, especially on the Eastern Flank. To boost cooperation with democratic and strategic allies sharing international values and jointly stand together against those who threaten that alliance. For all European countries to continue heavily supporting Ukraine.

3.30: The EU in cybersecurity: moving from Windows 95 to the AI of the future

To develop European cyber intelligence training programmes and deploy a roadmap for AI in defence and cybersecurity for the future. To attract European companies and strengthen innovation as well as fostering public-private cooperation to enable the EU to benefit from AI advantages.

9.71: For a Free Tibet

To condemn human rights violations and grant political asylum to Tibetan dissidents. To ensure regular dialogue between the EU and Central Tibetan Administration to seek peaceful conflict resolution. To also protect the Tibetan language, religious institutions, civil society actors, freedom of movement, press freedom and diplomatic personnel.

1.37: Defending Europe in times of need

To foster intra-EU cooperation and military interoperability, including joint procurement. To incentivise private investment in the defence industry and push European member states to increase defence spending to 3.5% of the GDP for long-term readiness. To standardise military planning with improved coordination between European institutions, NATO and member states.

6.19: Establishing Standards for Ethical and Sustainable Fast Fashion in the EU

To hold E-commerce liable under EU legislation to protect consumers from chemicals and ultra-fast fashion risks. To raise awareness about companies like Shein and Temu, who must be held responsible. Fair competition rules must be set to ensure those outside the EU are not exploiting lower environmental standards.

9.76: A coalition of the trading; leading by example

To ratify existing EU trade agreements and rapidly sign free trade deals with Mercosur and Mexico. To pursue more free trade agreements with democratically-inclined countries, and cooperate with those unfairly targeted by the U.S., such as Canada or Mexico. To reform the WTO as a global protector of trade.

9.75: Standing up for Justice: Supporting the Serbian Student Protests

The Serbian students’ peaceful protest must be supported by ALDE and RENEW, the violence must be condemned, calling for the fulfilment of student demands and promotion of the rule of law. The European Commission should put pressure on Serbia and hold a high standard for democratic principles for those seeking EU membership.

9.73: In solidarity with the people of Georgia

To Condemn the Family Values Bill and establihs EU-wide visa sanctions on members of the Georgian Dream Party. To increase EU member states pressure on Georgia to withdraw anti-democratic legislation and for Georgia to be removed from safe state lists.

9.74: Resolution on Strengthening EU Foreign Aid to Countries in Crisis

For the EU to boost international aid to compensate for national reductions in affected regions. For 0.7% of GDP to be given to development cooperation from EU member states in line with the UN target. For the EU to allocate financial support where withdrawal of aid left a dangerous gap in democratic rebuilding efforts and conflict resolution. For the EU to take a global leadership role in aid policy and to ensure this area is not cut to finance defence funding.

2.59: Strengthening Peacebuilding across Europe: Recognising and Reinforcing our Commitment to Conflict Resolution

As the U.S. withdraws from mediator roles, the European Commission should fill this vacuum and finance peacebuilding through the European Peace Facility. Private investment should be incentivised and security threats should be addressed to advance democratisation. To educate the next generation on the history of European violence and peace processes to encourage continued pan-European desire for peace.

9.77: End the Systemic Corruption: Justice for Victims of Kočani Tragedy

To support peaceful protest free of intimidation, with pressure put on the government of North Macedonia from the European Commission to fulfil the voters’ demands. To push an anti-corruption initiative and for the European Council and Commission to ensure all countries seeking EU membership respect human rights and freedoms.

*For further information on all of our updated Policy Resolutions passed at Spring Congress 2025, consult our Policy Book.

New members:

Associate Membership: Youth Bloc Belarus

Youth Bloc Belarus was officially accepted as an Associate Member of LYMEC at the Spring Congress. Founded in 2019, Youth Bloc has grown

from a electoral movement into a group of activists focused on non-formal education, liberal values, and media outreach.

Despite being labelled “extremist” by the Lukashenko regime, they continue to advocate for democratic reforms and youth empowerment. Their

mission is to build a modern, democratic, and free Belarus.

With strong support from the delegates — 185 in favour, 0 against — LYMEC welcomed Youth Bloc into the liberal family.

Full Membership: PSG Youth Serbia

At the Spring Congress, PSG Youth Serbia was granted full LYMEC membership. Having been associate members since the Riga Congress 2023,

they’ve actively engaged in trainings and capacity building, growing into a strong liberal voice in Serbia.

They highlighted their commitment to rule of law, freedom, and EU integration — values they see as vital in a country still struggling with

democratic transition. Amid ongoing protests in Serbia, some members have faced arrest, underlining the urgency of their mission.

With 201 votes in favour, PSG Youth’s full membership marks a new chapter for liberalism in Serbia.

Speaker hightlights:

Valerie Hayer, MEP, President of the RENEW Europe Group

Though unable to join in Zagreb, Valerie emphasised the need for Europe to step up, secure its future, and continue supporting Ukraine. She believes the ReArm Europe plan is just the beginning of Europe assuming a stronger geopolitical role in the international system.

Yevheniia Krachcuk, Vice President, ALDE Party, MP Servant of the People

Yevheniia called on young liberals to be vocal defenders of democracy against rising illiberalism. She urged young liberals to “go into politics, take responsibility, talk to people.”

Jouni Ovaska, Vice President, ALDE Party, MP Keskusta

Joining virtually from the campaign trail, Jouni praised LYMEC’s role in uniting young liberals to tackle key issues like security, defence, and human rights. He commended the support shown to Hungarian liberals and urged youth to keep shaping Europe’s future.

Dario Hrebak, MP, President of the Hrvatska Socijalno-Liberalna Stranka

Dario welcomed delegates to Zagreb while reflecting on his own start in LYMEC. He emphasised the importance of including young people in political decision-making, while stressing that it is not enough to believe in freedom, but it must be lived and protected every day.

Krunoslav Lukačić, MP, President of the Croatian’s People Party, Liberal Democrats

Praising the energy of young liberals, Krunoslav celebrated Croatia hosting the Congress and said youth is the inspiration Europe needs to face today’s challenges.

Sander Janssen, Lead Trainer, VVD International

Sander shared a personal reflection on his journey from JOVD and LYMEC, calling them his “first political love.” He reminded delegates that though the fight for democracy is tough, liberals stand united.