On 15 May 2025, during the International Democracy Union (IDU) Forum held in Brussels, the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Party – a proud member of the IDU – reaffirmed its commitment to defending freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.
In the current context of international instability, ECR representatives underlined the importance of strengthening cooperation among centre-right forces to address common challenges. The Forum served as a venue to promote a renewed international dialogue based on sovereignty, democratic legitimacy, and shared responsibility.
“At a time of geopolitical uncertainty and growing global tensions, we must speak with one voice – the voice of free nations working together to defend democracy, stability and security,” said Mateusz Morawiecki, President of the ECR Party, in a video message.
“Freedom is what defines us, not only as centre-right political forces but, more importantly, as Europeans and as part of the Western world. It is written in our history, in our blood, in our roots,” stated Carlo Fidanza, ECR Party Executive Vice President.
“We may come from different centre-right traditions, but what unites us is far stronger than what sets us apart. We are the family of the democratic centre-right, rooted in our nations’ histories, values, and responsibilities,” added Antonio Giordano, ECR Party Secretary General.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni addressed the Forum via video message:
“I’m very proud to be part of the International Democrat Union (IDU), a global alliance of centre-right parties to which we proudly belong. I’m immensely proud of the work the EU centre right has carried out for 42 years, promoting and defending freedom and democracy across the globe — a fight initiated decades ago.”
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever also took part in the Forum, stating:
“A few weeks ago, I debated a well-known Flemish philosopher who called on progressives to reclaim the belief in progress. After the debate, he handed me his book and wrote in the dedication that conservatives are sometimes better allies to his thinking than his own progressive friends. So we asked him: if your progressive friends have left the church of modernism and you’re preaching to an empty choir, isn’t it time to take a long look in the mirror — and to admit that there’s nothing to do but to join our conservative ranks?”
The ECR Party continues to promote international cooperation among centre-right movements through an approach grounded in sovereignty, democratic accountability, and institutional dialogue.
