EPP inaugurates Libertas Forum to advance democracy, freedom and the rule of law

20. July 2026

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On 15 and 16 July 2026, the European People’s Party (EPP) launched the inaugural edition of the Libertas Forum in Madrid. The two-day event brought together heads of state, former presidents, party leaders and democratic representatives from both sides of the Atlantic to strengthen dialogue between Europe and Ibero-America. In a volatile geopolitical context marked by political projects that erode democratic norms, the EPP established the forum as a platform for discussion and exchange on democracy, freedom and the rule of law.
Led by EPP President Manfred Weber and EPP Secretary-General Dolors Montserrat, the gathering featured high-level participants from across Europe and Ibero-America, including the Prime Minister of Portugal, Luís Montenegro, the Deputy Prime Minister of Italy and EPP Vice-President, Antonio Tajani, and the President of Spain’s Partido Popular, Alberto Núñez Feijóo.
Highlighting the vision behind the initiative, EPP President Manfred Weber underlined that “at a time when the benefits of international cooperation are increasingly being questioned, Europe and Latin America are choosing partnership and shared prosperity.” EPP Secretary-General Dolors Montserrat stressed the role of the European Union as a staunch defender of democratic values: “In Europe, we have built the mechanisms to curb tyrannies, but the temptation of autocrats is the same all over the world.”
Throughout the sessions, delegates emphasised that values such as freedom, equality before the law, separation of powers and political pluralism are universal responsibilities that Europe must actively defend. Participants also discussed democratic developments in Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua, including the importance of free and transparent electoral processes, respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law.
The EPP reaffirmed its support for key trade agreements, including EU-Mercosur, EU-Mexico and EU-Chile, to drive mutual economic growth while ensuring safeguards for sensitive European sectors such as agriculture. By bringing together leaders from both continents, the first edition of the Libertas Forum reinforced the EPP’s commitment to building resilient democracies and securing a free, shared future.
The Libertas Forum established a platform for dialogue and discussion, reinforcing the EPP’s commitment to building resilient democracies and safeguarding freedom.
Watch the video with the highlights of the EPP Libertas Forum here.
Discover the pictures of the EPP Libertas Forum here for 15 July and 16 July.
Read the joint conclusions of the EPP Libertas Forum here.



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Other latest news:

EPP Agriculture Ministerial Meeting
EPP Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting
EPP ECOFIN Ministerial Meeting
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