We, representatives of the European party political youth organizations, namely YEPP, ECOSY and LYMEC, wish to urge all young Europeans to participate in the forthcoming European elections, to act and express themselves with a clear voice on Europe's future. It is our decision and our choice to give the European Parliament a strong mandate in order to face citizens' needs and demands in the next period, taking the European Union out of the institutional and economic crisis, and designing a better future for all. Participation is a democratic right which we should not denounce or neglect - because this is what makes our voices stronger.

The European Youth Forum, the Party-Political Youth Organisations and the Young European Federalists ask for a truly European debate during the EP Elections Campaign in order to allow the citizens to choose their candidates to key positions in the EU.

As young Europeans, sharing a vision of Europe based on the values of democracy, peace, human rights, solidarity, freedom and sustainable development, we recognise the success of European integration, but we stress that we can successfully face future challenges only if the EU will be able to speak and to act as a real political Union.

The presidents of European Liberal Youth (LYMEC)’s member organisations were gathered in Varna, Bulgaria, from 9 to 12 October. Young liberal leaders were due to discuss the Lisbon Treaty and the response to the Irish no, but following the continuing plunge of stock markets on 10 October, they preferred to interrupt their normal programme in order to formulate a common response to the financial crisis.

Reacting to the predictions that this crisis means the end of liberalism, European young liberal leaders stressed that liberalism is not to blame for the current crisis and that socialism is anyway no alternative. If the nationalisation of certain banks appear unavoidable to prevent contagion, these nationalisations shall indeed remain temporary.

Reacting to the recent turmoil on the world’s capital markets, the European Liberal Youth (LYMEC) calls for deliberation instead of acting for the sake of acting. During a property market boom in the United States in the last couple of years, banks were happy to lend to low-income homeowners. When property prices tumbled, they struggled to pay their mortgage, which in effect caused the banks' trouble.

European Liberal Youth (LYMEC) firmly condemns the war that has erupted between Georgia and Russia and urges both sides to cease fire and respect international law and civilians' rights.

Aloys Rigaut, President of LYMEC, commented: "We had hoped that after the Balkan war in the early 1990s, we would not see more wars of this type on our continent but unfortunately this is not the case. We are all deeply concerned about the situation, as much as about the future. Russia's military intervention outside the conflict zone of South Ossetia is a show of strength and a direct challenge to the European Union's and NATO's credibility. The urgency is to stop the hostilities and find back the path to negotiations and peace. However once this is over the EU will seriously need to rethink its relations with Russia. We need in particular to strengthen our relations with our closest neighbours, such as Ukraine and Georgia, as well as our security and defence policy. There is no grey zone here for Russia to expand".

The democratic world is today relieved by the news on the arrest of Radovan Karadzic, former Bosnian Serb wartime leader. Radovan Karadzic was the political leader of Bosnian Serb forces during the devastating war in 1990s. The troops under his command were responsible for numerous atrocities, including the massacre of over 8000 civilians in the town of Srebrenica and the four-year long siege of the capital city of Sarajevo - the longest and one of the most brutal sieges in the history of modern warfare.

A recent clash between French President Nicolas Sarkozy and EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson has cast a cloud over the debut of France's presidency of the European Union. President Sarkozy openly criticized Commissioner Mandelson on his work in regard to the WTO trade talks, threatening to veto any deal that includes a reform of EU farm subsidies by saying that he would block any WTO agreement that would sacrifice farm production on the "altar of global liberalism".

Aloys Rigaut, President of European Liberal Youth (LYMEC) reacted: 'This is a bad start of the French presidency. Under the current design of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) system, consumers suffer from high food prices, taxpayers money is spent unwisely and delevoping countries are hurt by high import tariffs. In a context of food price increases, free trade is an opportunity for lower prices, and Sarkozy's comments against liberalism are simply disgraceful'.

On June 12th, Irish voters will be presented with a ballot paper asking them whether or not they approve the EU Reform Treaty. Irish Young Progressive Democrats and LYMEC call together on all Irish voters to inform themselves about the many benefits the Treaty of Lisbon brings for Irish citizens as well as all Europeans.

Aloys Rigaut, President of the European Liberal Youth (LYMEC) stresses the fact that the new treaty makes the Union more democratic: 'For the first time ever, the directly elected European Parliament will have a say on almost all areas of EU policy. Irish as well as all other MEPs therefore will be able to put an end to the political horsetrading going on behind closed doors. The Reform Treaty puts the citizens at the centre of the European project.'

Whilst EU agriculture ministers are meeting in Brussels today for an emergency debate on the sharp rise in food and agriculture product prices on global markets, European Liberal Youth (LYMEC) wishes to take this occasion to restate its call for a disbanding of the CAP and to underline that the global food crisis only strengthens the case for such a reform.

Aloys Rigaut, President of LYMEC, stressed: 'At a time when EU citizens are all suffering a deep loss of purchasing power with the rise of food prices, it is totally unacceptable that the EU continues to apply very high import tariffs on agricultural products from the rest of the world. With such policy the CAP is not only keeping EU food prices artificially high but also is preventing the agricultural sector of developing countries to mature and grow'.

On the 9th of May 1950, Robert Schuman presented his proposal on the creation of an organised Europe. This proposal, known as the "Schuman declaration", is considered to be the beginning of the creation of what is now the European Union. Today, May 9th represents a symbolic opportunity for us as European to reflect on our past achievements and future challenges.

LYMEC joins this years Europe day celebrations and wishes to congratulate all fellow Europeans.

Last weekend the European Liberal Youth (LYMEC), official youth organization of the European Liberal Democrat and Reform (ELDR) Party, held its biennial election congress in Barcelona. After 4 years at leadership of LYMEC Roger Albinyana i Saigi (Joventut Nacionalista de Catalunya) was not seeking reelection.

The 170 delegates, coming from all across Europe, elected Aloys Rigaut (Jeunes MR, Belgium) as new LYMEC President. Asked about his priorities for the next months, Aloys Rigaut named the upcoming European Parliament elections in June 2009: "Together we can turn next year's EP elections into a success for liberals. I want to see the ELDR Party and LYMEC at the vanguard of a more political Europe. It's up to us to professionalise European politics and get the EU out of apathy".

Alexander Plahr (Junge Liberale, Germany) was elected Vice-President. Sibel Redzheb (Youth Movement for Rights and Freedoms, Bulgaria) was elected Treasurer. Majda Zeherovic (Young Liberals, Bosnia-Herzegovina), Riku Eskelinen (Center Youth, Finland), Mette Lykke Nielsen (Radikal Ungdom, Denmark) and Dries Holvoet (Liberal Flemish Students Organisation, Belgium) complete the new bureau.

European Liberal Youth LYMEC has learned with shock and disbelief of the great frauds perpetrated by some Members of European Parliament and uncovered by the work of the auditors. We are proud that an ALDE MEP, Chris Davies, was the first one to speak out on this issue and call for full public inquiry into these frauds.

Sunday's unilateral declaration of independence by the government of Kosovo is the result of a diplomatic stalemate. Progress had been made with the good work led by former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari and the successful execution of the parliamentary elections held in November 2007. However, the recommendations laid out in the Ahtisaari report, which proposed granting Kosovo independence under international surveillance with specific provisions to guarantee the rights of the Serb minority and which was adopted by the government of Kosovo, were dismissed by Serbian authorities as an unfair and untimely intervention into internal matters - leading to the current situation.

The European Commission announced on 4 February a proposal to extend the financing of the "Community Tobacco Fund" until 2010. This Fund is financed through a tax over tobacco production subsidies: 5% of the amount of subsidies is set aside for awareneess-raising campaigns about dangers of tobacco.

EU ministers have agreed in 2004 to phase out EU tobacco production subsidies by 2010, but production-linked subsidies are replaced by other ("decoupled") payments and tobacco growers will not be disqualified from these subsidies. The reality is therefore that the EU will continue to subsidise tobacco producers, even after 2010.

In addition to the official signing of the Lisbon Treaty and of the agreement on sending a 1800-strong police and civilian mission to Kosovo, EU leaders gathered in Lisbon on 14 December have approved a declaration on globalisation, widely seen as a bargain between the UK and France, as Mr Sarkozy needed Mr Brown's approval for his own idea to set up a reflection group on the borders of Europe.

European Liberal Youth – LYMEC particularly welcomes the signature of the Lisbon Treaty and intends to play an active role in the ratification process of this Treaty, as mandated by its member organisations at the occasion of its Executive Committee on 7-8 December in Stockholm (Programme of Action 2008).

Last week, EU Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel unveiled her so-called "health check" of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), which fine-tunes the 2003 reforms and contributes to the discussion on future priorities in the field of agriculture, in the context of the budgetary review 2008/2009. It is designed to kick off a wide-ranging six-month consultation: the European Commission is due to return next spring with legislative proposals, which could be adopted by the end of 2008 and come into effect immediately.

Brussels/Bucharest: 27 November 2007


The European Liberal Youth (LYMEC), youth organization of the ELDR Party and ALDE Group in the European Parliament, wishes to express support for the event the Youth Organization of the “Our Moldova” Alliance will organize on November 28th 2007 on the topic of the country future perspectives to become a member of the European Union.

LYMEC believes the future of Moldova lies inside the European Union and encourages the liberal politicians in this country to put more effort in changing the current approach of the Moldovan authorities over the talks with the EU.

European Liberal Youth LYMEC joins the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in European Parliament in expressing its relief and satisfaction over the new EU Treaty agreed in Lisbon.

Commenting on the outcome of last night’s negotiations at the summit, LYMEC President, Roger Albinyana I Saigi, stated: “Europe has traveled a long journey from the proposed Constitutional Treaty until arriving finally today to the Treaty of Lisbon. The agreed Treaty is not perfect. It does not make Europe as effective, coherent and citizen-friendly as we would want her to be, but the Treaty nevertheless takes us significantly forward and enables Europe to continue to both deepen and enlarge.”

Over 40 presidents and leaders of liberal youth organisations from across Europe gathered from 4th till 7th October in Copenhagen, Denmark, to discuss a liberal response to climate change.
Young liberal leaders agreed that climate change represents today a serious threat that demands an urgent global response. Besides its vast human and environmental impact, climate change is also predicted to cause great economic damages that can be only avoided by early preventive action.

Whilst the first reading by the European Parliament of the controversial proposal of EU directive on 'the full accomplishment of the internal market of Community postal services' is scheduled this week, the European Liberal Youth - LYMEC - wishes to restate its firm belief in a full and swift liberalisation of EU postal services.

Europe’s young liberals, almost 150 of them, gathered in Berlin this past weekend at their annual congress.

The congress’ theme "The World is Changing: What about Europe?" was addressed in three separate policy papers adopted by the congress and covering a wide range of proposed reforms: from building the internal coherence and democratization of the EU through a new short-term treaty (replacing the unsuccessful Constitutional treaty), to the need for greater investments in research and development and a more united and proactive role for Europe in the world.

European Liberal Youth (LYMEC) will meet from 20 to 22 April 2007 in Berlin, Germany for the annual congress. In the symbolic place of Europe’s reunification, young liberals from all over Europe will discuss Europe’s role and challenges in a fast changing world.
The Congress’ theme "The World is Changing: What about Europe?" will be analysed through three separate panel discussions on the future of Europe, Europe’s competitiveness (as seen through research and innovation) and Europe’s role in the world.

Brussels 03/03/2007: The European Liberal Youth - LYMEC - conference organized on March 1st in the European Parliament with the support of the ALDE group was focused on the topic "No visa. Europe is our home". Almost one hundred participants attended the event and examined the visa facilitation prospects for citizens of European countries not yet members of the EU.

On February 13th, young liberals from more than twenty European countries will publicly manifest against the burdensome and complicated visa procedures which negatively affect the youth mobility on the European continent.

This initiative is part of a European wide campaign launched last year by the European Liberal Youth (LYMEC) in support of visa abolishment for students and tourists between EU countries and their European neighboring states.

A Libyan court has sentenced last 19 December five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor to death by firing squad for intentionally infecting over 400 children with H.I.V. The medical workers were originally sentenced to death in May 2004. However, after energetic protests by international human rights groups, Bulgaria, the US and the EU, Libya's Supreme Court overturned the death sentences and ordered a new trial. In addition to independent scientific evidence that the infections were caused by bad hygiene at the Benghazi hospital, there is also evidence of mistrial, with two of the five nurses saying that they were tortured into confessing.

European Liberal Youth (LYMEC) welcomes European Commission’s proposal to develop an integrated energy and climate change package with the aim to cut emissions for the 21st Century. The European Commission, with the crucial input from the liberal commissioner on energy Andris Pielbags, has proposed a comprehensive package of measures to establish a new Energy Policy for Europe to combat climate change and boost the EU's energy security and competitiveness. The package of proposals set a series of ambitious targets on greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy and aim to create a true internal market for energy and strengthen effective regulation.

LYMEC president, Roger Albinyana i Saigi, spoke yesterday at the leaders meeting of the ELDR party and demanded a new technical EU treaty that can solve the immediate challenges that Europe faces in the short-term such as enlargement towards the SEE countries, and cooperation within the area of home and justice affairs, and foreign and security affairs.

Albinyana also suggested, in view of connecting the citizens with the EU, that a constitution for Europe has to be drafted by a constituent assembly directly elected by EU citizens. He pointed at 2009’s European Parliament elections as a good occasion on which to initiate this process.

BRUSSELS 05/12/06: EU Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, set out yesterday new proposals to strengthen and further develop the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP).

The European Liberal Youth (LYMEC), youth organization of the ELDR Party and ALDE Group in the European Parliament, wishes to express its satisfaction with some of the strong statements contained in the Commission’s Communication about the absurd bureaucracy of visa procedures for EU neighbours, but at the same time wishes to stress its fundamental disagreement with parts of the general ENP strategy outlined in that Communication.

Today in Vilnius, European Liberal Youth (LYMEC), together with its members in Lithuania - Lithuanian Liberal Youth (LLJ) and Young Liberal Centrists (LCUJ) - and the Young European Federalists (JEF), built up a huge symbolic visa wall resembling the Berlin Wall and demanded an immediate removal of the current visa regime dividing Europe.

The European Liberal Youth (LYMEC) welcomes with great joy the nomination of two new liberal commissioners on behalf of Romania and Bulgaria, Mr. Leonard Orban and Mrs. Meglena Kuneva. Both of them have played an important role in achieving the European integration of their countries as chief negotiators with the European Commission.

Brussels, 26/09/06: European Liberal Youth has launched a Europe-wide campaign called No Visa. Europe is our home, focused on abolishing tourist and student visas within the European continent.

Although the process of reunifying Europe started to become a reality in 2004, young people from many European countries still face unnecessarily long, expensing and bureaucratic procedures, when traveling to the EU on vacations or for studies. Visa regime negatively affects the youth mobility on the European continent and are an obstacle to the birth of a European civil society.

European Liberal Youth LYMEC calls on rioters in Hungary to abandon violence and accept peaceful demonstrations and dialogue as means of expressing opinions in a democracy.

"We’re saddened that some political forces in Hungary have exploited the recent release of a confidential Prime minister’s speech to try to introduce anarchy and law of the streets in the country" said Roger Albinyana, LYMEC President and added "Violence and instability is the last thing Hungary needs. Inciting violence is irresponsible and contrary to European values."

European Liberal Youth (LYMEC) strongly welcomes the results obtained at the parliamentary elections in Sweden on September 17th where the Alliance for Sweden, formed by the Liberal and Center Parties, among others, has clearly defeated the current governmental forces led by the Social-democratic Party.

Brussels, 07/09/06:European Liberal Youth –LYMEC- calls upon the European Union to keep ban on arms sales to China in view of next weekend’s EU-Asia summit taking place in Helsinki, Finland.

The arms ban was put in place by the EU following the violent crackdown by China's communist regime against pro-democracy protestors on Beijing's Tiananmen square in 1989, which left more than 2000 civilians dead.

The president of LYMEC together with presidents and spokepersons of the JEF and the youth organizations of the other three main European political parties (ECOSY, FYEG, EPP) have jointly endorsed an open letter addressed to the President of the EP, the President of EC and Heads of State on the occasion of Europe Week.

Through this letter, the leaders of political youth organizations in Europe want to highlight the need for stronger commitment of European leaders to work for a more unified and strenghtened European Union.

LYMEC regrets the decision by the bureau of the European Parliament to block the use of co-official languages from Spain in the ordinary sessions of the Parliament, when they can already be used in the meetings of the Council and the Commission.

European Liberal Youth - LYMEC - condemns the decision of the Belarussian regime to expell a LYMEC member from Venstres Ungdom (Denmark) on Wednesday and to deny entry to half of its election team. The 15 strong team had been due to conduct exit-polling and the decision can only indicate that the Lukashenko regime wants to avoid international scrutiny and supress democratic opposition. Recent days have seen as series of arrests, expulsions and a pattern of intimidation.

The young liberal activists currently gathered in Kiev, Ukraine, will continue their protest against the unfair electoral process and in support of the Opposition Bloc. LYMEC and Moloda PORA (in the process of becoming a member of the European liberal family), are organising public action:

International observers from LYMEC European Liberal Youth have had their applications for visas to Belarus denied. The international team had planned to enter Belarus this week to observe the election taking place on Sunday.

As early polling began, amidst claims of fraud and intimidation, the regime of Alexander Lukashenko has sought to limit international scrutiny of the poll.

LYMEC European Liberal Youth calls upon ALDE MEPs to fiercely support the 'Country of Origin' principle, an essential cornerstone of the directive on services in the Internal Market (the so-called 'Bolkenstein Directive') which will be voted by the European Parliament tomorrow.

Roger Albinyana i Saigi, President of LYMEC, commented: "It is deplorable that the debate has been so blatantly highjacked by populist misconceptions and that so few politicians have had the courage to face protestors and set the record straight. If passed, the internal market for services will be a milestone in bringing extra jobs and wealth for Europe and in creating a more dynamic Europe. In a global market, Europe desparately needs this flexibility."

The European Liberal Youth (LYMEC) and the International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY) deeply regret the stalemate in which WTO member states put themselves, lowering the ambitions of the Hong Kong Ministerial.

“The Doha Round is about development. After the experience of the Uruguay Round, we cannot afford to miss a deal another time. All negotiating parties should make substantial concessions if we want tangible results” said Jacob Rasmussen, president of IFLRY, adding:

The leaders of Europe's liberal youth organisations, gathering in Blankenberge, are set to meet Belgian Prime Minister Verhofstadt and newly-elected President of the European Liberal Democrats, Annemie Neyts.

The meeting gives the young leaders the opportunity to voice their concerns to political leaders who, in turn, have the chance to engage with young people and take the pulse on how Europe is perceived by its younger citizens and future leadership.

BRATISLAVA, 24 Sept. European Liberal Youth (LYMEC) warmly welcomes the election of Annemie Neyts as the new leader of ELDR. We firmly believe that this will make the liberal cause in Europe stronger than ever before.

Roger Albinyana i Saigí, President of LYMEC commented: “We are delighted to congratulate Annemie”, adding “LYMEC strongly believes that the ELDR should become more political and more visible for European citizens. Strengthening our political relationship with the ALDE Group, our liberal commissioners, our national parties and governments is vital in order to increase visibility and influence”.

Whilst the European Parliament is readying itself to gather the 367 votes necessary to amend the Council's proposal in the second reading, scheduled to take place on 6th July, the European Liberal Youth (LYMEC) calls upon ALDE MEPs to support the 21 cross-partisan compromise amendments tabled by Michel Rocard MEP and backed by Andrew Duff MEP, and to reject the directive in case these essential amendments are voted down.

European Liberal Youth will meet from 8 to 10 April 2005 in Amsterdam-Schipol in the Netherlands for a joint congress of LYMEC, a pan European association representing Liberal Youth, and JOVD, Dutch Youth Organisation for Freedom and Democracy. The “Challenging Europe” Congress will address a range of issues, such as the current debate on the European constitution, the intend to lift the EU embargo on sale of arms to China, the proposal of service directive, EU neighborhood policy and the concepts of sustainability and interculturality.

LYMEC President Roger Albinyana i Saigi, JOVD President Hans de Backer, European Liberal Democrat and Reform (ELDR) party President Werner Hoyer, Jozias Van Aartsen, VVD party leader and Renaldas Vaisbrodas, President of the European Youth Forum will give speeches during the Congress.

LYMEC President, Roger Albinyana i Saigi, will take part in a fact finding mission that has been organised together with the European Liberal Democrats (ELDR) in cooperation with the foundations SILBA and NDI from the 3rd to the 6th March in Kiev, Ukraine.

The European Commission has pledged an additional 350 million euros over three years to relief efforts for the devastating Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

Speaking at the international tsunami crisis summit, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said the pledge still needed the approval of the European parliament. Accordingly, LYMEC Calls upon the European Parliament to approve this aid package that will help those suffering rebuild their lives.

European leaders tonight have finally recognised what has seemed obvious to us liberals for years: it is time to let Turkey join the EU. For too long, fatuous excuses have been made, a lot of hot air has been blown, but no action taken.

Speaking at the ELDR Leaders and Prime Ministers Meeting in Brussels on the eve of the European Council summit, LYMEC President, Roger Albinyana i Saigi commented: “Negotiations for Turkish entry should begin at once: the time for waiting is over. Turkey should be treated with the equality and respect that we would afford to any other European nation.”

Accordingly, LYMEC calls upon all of its members to press for Turkish entry as soon as possible.

LYMEC, European Liberal Youth, is deeply concerned at the recent turn of events at the heart of the European Union. To all liberal democrats and liberal-minded people alike, Rocco Buttiglione’s remarks on homosexual rights, immigration and the role of women in modern society are clearly unacceptable and demonstrate that he is not competent for the position. Mr. Barroso’s response on Friday was thoroughly unsatisfactory and shows a total lack of respect to the European Parliament.

In this case of Mr. Barroso vs. the People of Europe, LYMEC will stand with all democrats in demanding that the will of our elected representatives be upheld. We feel that there is no other option for liberal and democrat MEPs but to vote against the Commission as a whole to ensure that Europe gets the best Commissioners for every position. This sorry state of affairs was brought about wholly by Mr. Barroso who has left MEPs with few options. It is vital that all liberals and democrats take a strong stance on this issue.

Distinguished member of the European Parliament,

The European Liberal Youth, together with the Liberal Youth of Sweden (LUF), has followed the hearings of the designated Commissioners with great interest. We welcome them thorough hearing process because it strengthens the democratic control of the Parliament. Our vision is one of a strong European Parliament that in future should both nominate and elect single commissioners.

With great concern we have noted the recent statements made by the designated Commissioner for justice and home affairs, Rocco Buttiglione. Especially worrying is the proposal about refugee camps outside of EU borders. This proposal goes completely against our liberal vision of an open European Union. The red line was crossed when the designated Commissioner made clear homophobic and chauvinist comments during his hearing.

The European Liberal Youth welcomes the decision of the bureau of the Group of the Party of European Liberal Democrats and Reformers in the European Parliament - comprising of the leaders of all national delegations to the ELDR Group - to recommend to the ELDR Group at its meeting in Brussels on July 13 2004:

· That the members of the existing ELDR group in the European Parliament unite in a new group with MEPs from the French UDF and Italian Margherita to create a new centre force in the European Parliament, and would comprise of at least 80 MEPs.

· That the new group be called the “Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe”. This name reflects the Liberal and Democratic traditions that come together in this new formation. The name stresses the new group's profound commitment to a stronger European Union.

· That the new group adopt a programme, based on liberal principles, for its work in the next European Parliament. It will be a distinctively pro-European platform, which will be launched early next week.

European Liberal Youth – LYMEC – is pleased to see that the elections have reaffirmed and strengthened the position of liberals in the European Parliament. Nevertheless, we remain concerned at the increased display of euroscepticism and the low turnout, both of which threaten the legitimacy of European democracy. “These results ensure that ELDR will have the balance power within the new European Parliament, strengthening its central position as the third party” said Roger Albinyana i Saigí, President of LYMEC.

Graham Watson, Leader of the European Liberal Democrats and Roger Albinyana, President of LYMEC, today met with more than 25 young liberals who are standing at the elections for the European Parliament in June. Watson commented:

"European Liberal Democrats have a big opportunity to become the key player in the new elected European chamber with neither EPP nor PES likely to have an absolute majority ",

LYMEC welcomes the overwhelming support the UN plan for reunification of Cyprus received in the referendum held in the northern Turkish part of the island.

The European Liberal Youth wants to see a united Cyprus in the united Europe. We believe that the UN plan, regardless of its possible shortcomings, provides a good basis for achieving this goal.

This is why we are deeply disappointed that the UN plan was rejected by the Greek Cypriots.
We are especially disappointed by the fact that the Cypriot leadership called on the voters to reject this plan, even though they agreed to the draft of the plan and gave contrary statements to EU and UN representatives.

Saturday’s referenda represented a historic opportunity to resolve 30 years of division and put an end to a divided and militarised island.

European Liberal Youth, LYMEC and the International Federation of Liberal Youth, IFLRY firmly condemn human rights abuses and restrictions on individual freedoms. LYMEC cannot accept that even today mass exterminations, the sterilization of women, torture and murder continue to be committed against “religious minorities”, such as the Montagnards in Vietnam.

LYMEC and IFLRY condemn the Vietnamise Government’s disdain for international law and their failure to uphold the most basic of human rights.

LYMEC and IFLRY believe in individual freedom, defend the right of free speech and religious freedom, and recognise the absolute right of any individual/population to exist freely, professing peacefully their own religion.

Thus LYMEC and IFLRY support the statement that Mr. Romano Prodi, on behalf of the EU and its members states, has finally issued that warns the Hanoi government from taking any further brutal action against the local Christian minority, the Montagnards.

LYMEC and IFLRY call for the sending of international observers in those areas where human rights have been abused.

LYMEC welcomes the application from Macedonia for membership of the EU that was submitted on 22nd March 2004. We strongly believe in a united Europe and look forward to a positive response from the European Commission. We call upon the Union to grant Macedonia the status of ‘Candidate Country’ as soon as possible and to start negotiations for accession to the EU when the Copenhagen criteria are fulfilled.

LYMEC notes with great concern the decision of the Liberals of Serbia - the mother party of its full Member Organisation the Young Liberals of Serbia (YLS) - to include a war crimes suspect indicted by the International Criminal Court for the Former Yugoslavia on their electoral ticket for the upcoming general elections in Serbia.

At its Congress in Andorra in 2002, LYMEC adopted an official resolution supporting the work of ICTY and calling onto all individuals and organisations to co-operate and promote co-operation with the court. This call is particularly addressed to all the liberals in the region.

LYMEC considers co-operation with ICTY not only to be part of the international obligations of Serbia, but also a crucial step in building societies based on justice and tolerance in the region, a goal that LYMEC feels firmly dedicated to.

Failure of the IGC: the Heads of State's care more about their own power, than our common future!


LYMEC, European Liberal Youth notes with great concern the collapse of the IGC. The actions and stubbornness of certain European countries leading up to the collapse of the Summit in Brussels once again proved, that a large number of Heads of States care more about their own isolated interests than about building a democratic, prosperous and functional European Union.

"The failure of the IGC to reach an agreement on the Constitutional Treaty is a major step back in democratic development of the European Union." Said Ellen Trane Nørby, LYMEC president and continued: "The childish and self-centred approach of some European States have brought our cooperation into a shocking situation. Not least the Polish and Spanish unwillingness to reach a compromise has posed great harm to the EU. The Polish negotiation strategy seems to be a left over from the time when Poland was a communist satellite state and the negotiations with the autocracy in Moscow was all about being stubborn and not wanting to compromise. This is however not the nature of a volunteer and democratic European cooperation. I therefore encourage Poland and the rest of the countries to understand and respect the nature of and the need for compromise in a democratic and united EU".

As young European Liberals we have noted with great concern the events leading up to the Russian General Election on the 7th of December:

- A report released last Monday by the OSCE clearly pointed out that the State Media favours the political forces supporting President Vladimir Putin.

- Confiscation of campaign materials from the Yabloko Party Headquarters on the 23rd of October 2003.

- The arrest and detention of a number of Russian Student Protesters in Moscow on the 2nd of December without further grounds.

- The great concern expressed by the Council of Europe Pre-election observers on the 31st of October 2003 as to whether the elections would be free and fair.

- Concern that the arrest of Mikhail Khodorkovsky was driven by political motives following his open financial support of groups opposing President Putin.

LYMEC, European Liberal Youth condemns the United States for its policy towards prisoners of war held at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.

The continuing detention of terrorist suspects and their proposed trial by secret military tribunals is indefensible. If evidences exist, then it should be presented in a court of law - not a kangaroo court of US military officers acting as interrogators, prosecutors, defence counsel, judges and executioners. This is the worse sort of "victors' justice.

”Fair trials are the cornerstone of any true system of justice, and an essential guarantee of liberty. America has long been a beacon of liberty.” Says Ellen Trane Nørby, President of LYMEC and continues:

LUF - Liberal Youth of Sweden, LYMEC – European Liberal Youth and IFLRY, International Federation of Liberal Youth, are shocked by the assassination of the Swedish foreign minister Anna Lindh. We are in deep grief over the loss of a prominent politician and condemn the anti-democratic act of madness committed in Stockholm, Sweden.

Sweden is known for its open and tolerant society, an example of open communication and closeness among the people and their elected officials. Anna Lindh, through her political expression was an excellent representative of this tolerant nature. She was fighting for a safe society where free expression of opinion causes no fear or consequences for person’s life.

“I cannot help myself asking whether the Pope and the Vatican think we live in a medieval world, when I read their recent document and call for politicians to publicly oppose legislation concerning same-sex couples”, says Ellen Trane Nørby, President of LYMEC, European Liberal Youth and continues:

“It is both sad and hilarious to see a church, which normally tries to position itself as modern and developed, start now a crusade against people of a certain sexual orientation.”

The document published by the Vatican, on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church, calls on catholic and non-catholic politicians to publicly oppose legislation of same-sex unions and to vote against them in parliament.

LYMEC welcomes the conclusions of the special EU-Western Balkans Summit held on 21st June in Porto Carras, near Thessaloniki.

We especially welcome the warm words of the European Commission President Romano Prodi, a fellow-liberal, who said “the process of European unification will not be completed unless the countries of the Western Balkans become members of the European Union”.

LYMEC, European Liberal Youth, strongly disapproved the intention of Bosnia's three-man trans-ethnic presidency to sign an agreement with the United States (US) to exempt Americans on its territory from prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

"Especially Balkan countries should not tie up their own hands. People responsible for the worst crimes known to humanity should be brought to justice under international law. Apprehending suspected war criminals and bringing those guilty of war crimes to justice remains one of the regions most pressing issues" says Srd Kisevic, LYMEC Vice President from Croatia.

LYMEC deplores the fact that the decission was made under much pressure from US to pull out troops and decrease various types of assistance to the country.

Ellen Trane Norby, President of LYMEC stated:

We are shocked and angered by the news of the assassination of Mr. Djindjic, the Prime Minister of Serbia. This is a cowardly terrorist attack whose perpetrators and instigators must be apprehended and punished. The police force and intelligence services of the EU member countries should assist the Serbian police in this task.

LYMEC welcomes today's inauguration of the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

The people of Europe are unfortunately all too familiar with the horrors of war and war crimes.

We have seen how such crimes, if unpunished, can give birth to retaliation and new crimes. This circle of evil can only stopped by an effective and unbiased court capable of delivering justice to the victims.

Says Ellen Trane Nørby, president of LYMEC and continues:

We hope that ICC will serve as a credible and powerful warning to all those in positions of power to exercise that power in respect of human rights or else face justice for their wrongdoings, but we have to repeat once again our firm position that no one - be it the US, Israel or another country - should be exempt from the jurisdiction of this court.

As in the past, fundamental democratic principles are not being observed in Belarus. Local elections on 2nd of March 2003 were neither free nor for fair

Says Ellen Trane Nørby, president of LYMEC and continues:

Local elections in Belarus were not transparent at each stage: opposition candidates were discriminated, denied registration as candidates or dropped from the race for questionable reasons; members of election commissions were selected on the basis of their loyalty to the government; observers had no real opportunity to monitor the counting of votes. Moreover, Central Election Commission of Belarus denied international observers access to the local elections. All this led to questionable election results, mostly favorable to Lukashenko-friendly incumbents.

On February 15, hundreds of thousands of people will come together world-wide in a huge demonstration against war on Iraq.

LYMEC - the European Liberal Youth - calls its Member Organisations and individual members, as well as all liberal-minded individuals, to take part in these demonstrations in Europe.

The European Liberal Youth - LYMEC - wishes to express its concern and deep regret over the fact that the European Union and its Members States have failed once again to speak with a single voice on the current Iraqi crisis.

At the moment when the world's public has with every right expected from Europe to act as a peacemaker and a strong advocate of the role of the United Nations in global crisis-management, the splits in the Union significantly undermined the impact and credibility of the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).
The consequences of this might prove to be severe and unforgiving in the outcome of this crisis, but also in future global happenings.

LYMEC, the European Liberal Youth, youth organisation of the ELDR in the European Parliament, in cooperation with Venstres Ungdom, Radikal Ungdom, Danish Liberal Students, Nyt Europa and Europabevægelsen organises a peaceful demonstration to welcome our neighbours and new citizens in the EU.

The “Welcoming the new Citizens” Demonstration starts Friday, 13th of December 02 at 4.30pm at the Copenhagen Town Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen)

with music and speeches by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Mogens Lykketoft (S) and Minister for Interior and Health Mr. Lars Løkke Rasmussen (V).

At about 5 pm we go in a torchlight procession towards the Bella Center, where torches are handed out at the beginning. During the walk there will be hot drinks served & photo opportunities offered. At the Bella Center a short speech will be given and a show of fireworks prepared.

The route of the demonstration is as follows:
- Vestervoldgade
- Stormgade
- HC Andersens Boulevard
- Langebro
- Amager Boulevard
- Artillerivej
- Lossepladsvej
- Vejlands Allé
- Pladsen vest for Bella Center

We expect a large number of participants in the demonstration from all the EU-positive organizations and invite both citizens and media to participate with us in the demonstration, setting a peaceful counterpart against violent demonstrations.

“ The points raised by the presidents of the Convention on the Future of Europe concerning the role of Turkey in Europe is an example of old fashion cultural imperialism.”

Says Ellen Trane Nørby, president of LYMEC and continues:

“When I listened to the comments by the former French president I very much hoped that it was due to the fact that he had swallowed his morning croissant too fast! The argument that Turkey is not a part of Europe is too thin. The EU already today includes several overseas territories- old colonies- that all are located far away from Europe.”

The Youth Contact Group - which among others includes ECOSY, FYEG, JEF, LYMEC, YEPP - welcomes Valéry Giscard d'Estaing’s proposal to the Convention on the future of Europe for a framework for a real European Constitution.

"The draft sets out the skeleton for a greatly improved, democratic Europe. It is time to add substance to the proposals now," stated Giacomo Filibeck, President of the European Youth Convention. Bringing together 210 young people from around Europe in July this year, the Youth Convention proposed a number of answers to the questions that Mr Giscard d'Estaing leaves unanswered in his constitutional framework.

LYMEC welcomes the signal from US to cut subsidies on Agriculture.

It was very positive to learn that Robert Zoellick - minister for Agriculture in the US – on behalf of the Bush administration have stated that they will consider a reduction on agricultural subsidies.

The European Young Liberals, LYMEC, strongly condemn the position of both the UK and Italy to excempt U.S. soliders from the prosecution at the International Criminal Court.

"There is no doubt that exempting the soldiers of the world's most powerful and wide spread army is the sentence of death for the ICC even before it has even started to work." says president of LYMEC Ellen Trane Nørby.

From its annual meeting of the presidents of the liberal youth organisations taking place in Egmond aan Zee from the 22nd to the 25th of August the message from the participants was very clear.

The EU-enlargement foreseen to be agreed at the Summit in Copenhagen is a political decision.

- “The enlargement of the European Union preferably with the 10 countries negotiating for EU accession should be completed at the Summit in Copenhagen. Says Ellen Trane Nørby, Presidents of LYMEC, the young European Liberals and continues: “There is no doubt that transition periods will be needed for most countries as it has also been the case with previous rounds of EU enlargement, but when it comes to the final decision there is no doubt that it depends on political leadership.

The Young Liberal Leaders of Europe at their meeting in Egmond aan Zee, The Netherlands, 22 – 25 August 2002, issued the following

Appeal for the life of Amina Lawal Kuram

We the Young Liberal Leaders in Europe consider Human Rights to be equal for every man, woman and child. Unfortunately, these rights are not at all a reality everywhere in the world, as they should.

'How despicable your ideas may be, I’ll defend your right to express them.” Voltaire’s quote has today a new and more bitter meaning. Pim FORTUYN, leader of the immigrant hostile annex Populist Party named after him, has been shot during the campaign for the legislative elections in the Netherlands.

- The voters – let that be in France or another European country - are neither right wing nor xenophobic, they are simply feed-up with the empty rhetoric and lack of solutions to their daily fears and challenges from the political parties they used to put their faith in.

Says Ellen Trane Nørby, president of LYMEC (Liberal & Radical Youth Movement of the EU) the day after the 1st round in the presidential election in France. She continues: