News

Over 70 delegates congregated in Tallinn, Estonia last weekend for the LYMEC (European Liberal Youth) Congress and Seminar organised with our Membership Organisation, the Estonian Reform Party Youth (ERPY). The Seminar dealt with LYMEC’s general annual theme of “Redrafting Europe”, specifically focusing on what needs to change on an institutional basis to make the EU more flexible, accountable and efficient. Participants in the Seminar prepared and presented a motion on reform of EU institutions to Congress.

The Congress was opened on the Friday by Taavi Roivas, the Estonian Minister for Social Affairs who gave his thoughts on the future direction of Europe, and in particular, the role young activists can play in shaping its course.

In addition to discussion of LYMEC’s general activities and finances, there was a fringe meeting on our upcoming Manifesto for the 2014 EU Parliament Elections. This ongoing consultation will take on the opinions from across our membership and will provide a clear ideological and practical point of reference in readiness for the all-important vote next May. Further fringes included discussions with International Officers and Individual Members, and an introduction to our “Brothers and Sisters” project which helps to twin and connect our Membership Organisations.

Without doubt, a main focus of Congress is policy discussion and lively and constructive motions were debated focussing on issues such as the ongoing financial crisis, bank reform, and the use of nuclear weapons.