Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe spreads to the Council of Europe

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 20th Jun 2005

Today the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats spread its wings with the official launch in the Council of Europe in the presence of its chairman Mátyás Eörsi and Graham Watson, leader of the ALDE in the European Parliament.

Since its inception a year ago following the European Parliamentary elections, the new centre force in European politics has gained momentum and established itself as an unashamedly pro-European, pro-reform alliance holding to a vision of prosperity, solidarity and security in Europe.

The Liberal Democrat family now boasts 6 Prime Ministers, 7 European commissioners, 89 members of the European Parliament, 85 members in the Committee of Regions and now 95 members of the Council of Europe parliamentary assembly as well as a group in the NATO parliamentary assembly.

Europe finds itself at a crossroads following uncertainty over the future of the Constitution and a loss of confidence amongst large sections of the population. It needs a new, modern and optimistic vision that responds to the needs and anxieties of all members of society from the beggar to the banker. The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats now presents a new political force with a clear and up-beat vision of the future.