European Liberal Forum

The future of Africa-Europe relations must go beyond trade agreements. It is not just about market access, tariffs, or investment flows—it is about forming a truly equitable partnership. Europe has an opportunity to be a more competitive and reliable partner, but just as importantly, Africa has to shape its own economic future. Reflections from Renew Europe's RenewPAC conference by Kawtar Mawas, Co-founder and President of the ALYF | Africa Liberal Youth for Freedom

👉 For decades, Europe relied on #NATO and U.S. support to secure peace, believing that economic cooperation and diplomacy would ensure lasting stability. But today’s shifting geopolitical landscape calls for a bold rethinking of our security strategy: Europe must be a security provider, not a consumer. The question is: how?

🎙️ Liberal Europe Podcast host Ricardo Silvestre talks to Austrian Renew Europe MEP Anna Stürgkh who shares her journey from Austria to the European Parliament, her passion for the European Union, and her work on energy security and reform. We also dive into pressing issues like the future of Europe, the rise of populism, and the importance of delivering on Europe's promises to its citizens. ▶️ Listen to the podcast here: https://bit.ly/3XK8b7i

At Renew Europe's recent #RenewPAC conference in Abidjan, African and European liberals came together to discuss how we can move beyond traditional trade agreements and build a true partnership based on mutual benefits. The message was clear: Africa is shaping its own economic future, and Europe must step up as a reliable, competitive, and equal partner. Check out ELF Executive Director Ailbhe (Alva) Finn's main takeaways from the trip:

▶️ Small man, big ambitions—#Poland has historically been one of the strongest U.S. allies in Europe, but this might change very soon. With the proportionally highest defence expenditures of #NATO countries, Poland's decisions in the coming months will significantly impact the European Security Architecture. 🎧 Listen to our podcast on Poland's changing role in geopolitics: https://bit.ly/43qelNr

As Europe faces unprecedented economic, geopolitical, and security challenges, the question of how to fund the EU’s priorities effectively and sustainably has never been more pressing. Last week, we discussed how to make the EU-budget more future-proof with Renew Europe President Valérie Hayer, MEP Lucia Yar, MEP Helmut Brandstätter, MEP Anna Stürgkh and MEP Dan Barna. Read NEOS Lab's publication by Lukas Sustala on future-proofing the EU budget here: https://bit.ly/3DqGFoy

Poland has historically been one of the strongest U.S. allies in Europe, relying heavily on American military presence. The country's decisions in the coming months will significantly impact the European security architecture. Will it align more closely with an emerging European defence strategy? Or will it remain America’s key security partner, even under a more unpredictable Trump administration? 🎧 Listen to our podcast on the topic here: https://bit.ly/43qelNr

Ahead of International Women’s Day, together with The Alliance Of Her and TheMerode, we organised a panel discussion and book launch to hear from current and former leaders what it is like to be a woman at the summit of power. Thank you to Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos for sharing her leadership journey with us and to Romina Pourmokhtari, Minister for Climate in Sweden, and former MEP Anna Donáth from Hungary for talking about how they have challenged the non–legal barriers for women in politics. At the event, we launched our latest publication, ‘Confronting the 10 Traps of Power – A survival guide for women (and men) in politics’ by Katrien Van den broeck. The book is not about abstract leadership theory, it is a roadmap for political survival, designed for those who navigate the high-stakes world of government, policymaking, and political strategy. 📖 Download the book here: https://bit.ly/4hHBSNW 📷 Check out more photos: https://bit.ly/4i4sQLl #SheWillBeHeard #TheAllianceOfHer #ELFevent

💶 As the new #MFFnegotiations are coming, we have to make sure the next EU-budget is future-proof. But how? Join our discussion tomorrow in the European Parliament to share your ideas! Register here: bit.ly/40jc2Zm

In the last few days, ELF has been participating in the RenewPAC 2025 Summit in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. RenewPAC is an initiative by the Renew Europe Group to strengthen the relationship between the European Union and Africa. The Summit brought together leaders, policymakers and key stakeholders from across Europe and Africa to address common challenges across key areas that define the future of EU-Africa relations, including defence, counterterrorism, promoting resilient governance and institutions, building climate resilience and strengthening economic competitiveness. 💬 ELF President MEP Jan-Christoph Oetjen, co-President of RenewPAC, said: “There is only one way to face the new geopolitical dynamics: more unity, equal partnerships and a deeper cooperation on key areas in the benefit of our both continents. Europe and Africa have a lot to offer to each other and it is our duty, as liberals and democrats, to unlock the full potential of our relations, securing prosperity for our citizens. This is more than a wake-up call, it’s a call for tangible action. Let’s make it a win-win.”