Europe and international affairs

A new momentum for Europe

Liberals want to pursue European integration: an ever closer Union between its Member States, delivering greater prosperity for all citizens and securing a stronger role for Europe on the international stage.

This democratic Europe should evolve towards a Europe of several “circles”, in which countries wishing to integrate faster are free to do so, an approach that has already proved its worth with the Schengen area and the euro.

A Europe of energy and industry

To meet the challenges of security of supply, prices and decarbonisation, the Union must return to fundamentals: abundant, affordable energy. It must create leverage for its Member States, preserve technological neutrality and rediscover regulatory pragmatism, rather than piling up subsidies and distortions of competition.

Reindustrialisation across the whole of Europe is essential: innovation hubs, research and development, energy efficiency, and renewed investment in major job-creating projects.

A European defence

The continent must ensure its own security autonomously, through the common security and defence policy and in partnership with its allies within the Atlantic Alliance. Liberals support the creation of a European defence: integrated armed forces, joint command structures and a high-performing industrial project.

A social, fiscal and judicial Europe

Liberals want to strengthen the Union's social pillar: Europe must be the answer to social fraud and abuse, not a vehicle for distorted competition. Within the eurozone, tax harmonisation must receive concrete, coordinated answers.

We also want a common area of criminal justice, in which Member States' police and judicial authorities work together and trust one another, the foundation of genuine European citizenship.

A stronger European democracy

The MR wants the President of the Commission to be elected by direct universal suffrage, and part of the European MPs to be elected in a European constituency, forcing a real debate on European issues.

Free trade, which we support in principle, must always respect the standards, rules and values upheld by the Union. And development aid is no blank cheque: our partners must respect Belgium's values.