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European Liberal Youth
European liberal youth organisation From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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European Liberal Youth (abbreviated as LYMEC) is an international organisation of liberal youth movements – mostly the youth wings of members of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Party but also individual members.[2]
LYMEC’s core mission is to promote a liberal and federal Europe by empowering young people through political education, active citizenship, and cross-cultural dialogue. The organisation is dedicated to advancing the fundamental values of liberal democracy, including freedom, equality, human rights, and the rule of law. It encourages political awareness and participation among European youth, aiming to ensure that their voices are heard in democratic processes at all levels.
Through a range of activities such as seminars, publications, and training events, LYMEC fosters understanding of liberal values, promotes tolerance between cultures, and supports young people in becoming actively engaged and informed citizens. As a political home for young liberals across Europe, LYMEC provides a space to grow, share ideas, and shape the future of Europe.
LYMEC holds full members status to the European Youth Forum (YFJ).[3] It is the official youth wing of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) Party and holds separate votes in the statutory bodies of the ALDE Party. LYMEC works alongside RENEW Europe Group, European Liberal Forum (YFJ), International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY) and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF).
Even though the organisation is now called European Liberal Youth, it is still known as LYMEC, which is the abbreviation of the name when the organisation was formed in 1976.[4][5] It was then known as Liberal and Radical Youth Movement of the European Communities.
LYMEC’s Policy Book and Electoral Manifesto outline the organisation’s key priorities and contributions to youth policy. Our latest Spring Congress 2025 saw an adoption of fourteen new policy resolutions, which can be discovered on our website.
In 2025, LYMEC was declared an undesirable organization in Russia.[6]
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Member organisations
States with member organisations
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LYMEC Bureau
The LYMEC Bureau is the organisation’s executive team, responsible for managing daily operations and guiding the strategic direction.
President: Ines Holzegger (Austria)
Vice-President: Alexandre Servais (Belgium)
Treasurer: Marten Porte (Netherlands)
Policy Officer: Sorcha Ní Chonghaile (Ireland)
Advocacy & Outreach Officer: Willemijn Krans (Netherlands)
Engagement & Events Officer: Sean Bennett (United Kingdom)
Communications Officer: Dimitra Papadopoulou (Greece/Germany)
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Positions
In the latest 2025 Spring Congress in Zagreb, LYMEC adopted fourteen new resolutions in response to growing threats to democracy, human rights, and European security.
The organisation condemned the political repression in Türkiye, including the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu, calling for judicial independence, protection of civil society, and the suspension of Türkiye’s EU accession process until democratic standards are restored. LYMEC also expressed strong support for the Serbian student protests, urging European institutions to condemn state violence and push for democratic reforms. In Hungary, LYMEC called for EU action against the Lex-Pride law and greater protection for LGBTQ+ rights and freedom of assembly. On security and defence, LYMEC reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to mutual defence and solidarity in the face of Russian aggression, advocating for increased investment, stronger cooperation with democratic allies, and sustained support for Ukraine. The Congress further called for deeper intra-EU military coordination, joint procurement, and enhanced readiness to defend European values in times of crisis.
Individual Members' Section
In 1997, the Individual Members Section (IMS) was created to extend LYMEC’s reach beyond national liberal youth organisations and engage young liberals directly at the European level. The IMS allows individuals from countries without national liberal youth organisations to participate fully in LYMEC activities, contributing diverse perspectives and expertise. The IMS plays a vital role in broadening LYMEC’s influence, fostering liberal values across Europe, and adapting to the evolving political landscape.
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Libertas Magazine
Libertas Magazine is LYMEC’s long-standing publication, offering a platform for members to share their views on European politics, liberal values, and current affairs. Since the organisation’s establishment, Libertas has provided a space for young liberals to engage in political debate and contribute thought-provoking articles. Published on LYMEC’s website, the magazine is open to all members, who are encouraged to write and reflect on the pressing issues shaping Europe today.
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See also
References
External links
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