The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Europe (ALDE) have confirmed that they will be holding their next Annual Congress in Lisbon, Portugal, a country not known for its liberal politics in recent years.

However, as part of ALDE’s efforts to encourage the growth of liberal forces across the continent, links with a new group in Portuguese politics, Nos Ciadados (We Citizens) have been established, and it is hoped that, by meeting in Lisbon, that those links might be strengthened and nurtured.

In the light of the recent European Parliamentary election results, which despite some good performances in individual countries, saw the number of ALDE MEPs fall significantly – particularly in Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom – the Congress will be charting the future for European liberals in the face of increasing support for parties opposed to some of the key planks of the European Union such as freedom of movement of workers.

Naturally, Liberal Democrat Voice will be there to cover events, as well as all of the news in the run-up to the event, which takes place on 20-22 November.