After three training and exchange sessions, Victoria Vandeberg closed the Alliance Of Her Academy 2026, where she represented the MR alongside 21 other liberal women from across Europe. A European experience she concludes with a strong conviction: in the face of the challenges of our time, liberalism and political engagement have an essential role to play.
Training, supporting and empowering women engaged in politics: that is the ambition of the Alliance Of Her Academy, a European programme dedicated to strengthening women's leadership in politics, run by the ALDE Party. Victoria Vandeberg, federal MP and mayor of Jalhay, represented the MR this year. From Ronchinne to Riga, the programme's three sessions allowed the 22 participants to share their experiences, develop their skills and build a European network around shared values.
The third and final session ended with a graduation ceremony. Each participant was invited to share her ambitions and vision for the future. For Victoria Vandeberg, this speech was an opportunity to defend a politics close to citizens, driven by conviction and the courage to act.
Liberalism, a response to the challenges of our time
At the heart of her speech was one conviction: liberal values answer the current needs of our society. Freedom, responsibility and trust in everyone's ability to build their own future are all guiding principles for opening up perspectives and defending our democracies.
“Today, democracy needs our courage. As extremism gains ground, we must defend our freedoms and build a society where everyone has the opportunity to shape their future. And this society will not build itself,” she stressed.
This ambition also calls for a particular way of doing politics: listening, understanding lived realities and staying accessible, while knowing how to hold firm positions when it matters.
“I have always believed that there is no need to choose between kindness and strength, between holding convictions and keeping an open mind, or between taking politics seriously and not taking yourself too seriously.”
Encouraging engagement and breaking down barriers
Politically engaged since the age of 19, Victoria Vandeberg also recalled how important it is not to let others define the limits of your ambitions. Strengthening women's place in politics means giving them the chance to make their voices heard, take on responsibilities and fully contribute to the decisions that shape our society.
Her message to young people, and especially young women, is direct: “Get involved in politics. Not someday. Not when you have more experience. Now. Bring your ideas. Make your voice heard. Take on responsibility.”
A call to action which she followed with these words: “Have enough determination to fight for democracy, and enough boldness to flirt with freedom, challenge the status quo and never apologise for taking your place.”
At the end of this training, Victoria Vandeberg joins a network of liberal women who support one another across borders. She thanks the ALDE Party and the Alliance Of Her team for this programme, the MR for its trust, and the participants for the exchanges and bonds formed throughout the sessions.
“I'm coming back stronger, more inspired and surrounded by a valuable European network.”