Welcome to Dresden, the capital of Saxony, famous for being the last place mentioned by a Liberal minister at the dispatch box before the Coalition. Admittedly, on that occasion, he was announcing its carpet-bombing, but I’m optimistic that this visit will be rather less traumatic for all concerned…

So, why are a dozen or so Liberal Democrats gathering here? The Council of ELDR (the European Liberal Democrats) – think of it as the European equivalent of the Federal Executive – is holding its first meeting of its current two year term, hosted by the FDP, and a delegation of people for the most part unknown to ordinary members are here to represent the Party. Well, in fairness, they aren’t all unknown, as Baroness Scott, our former President, was directly elected to the delegation last year as, thanks to her transfers, was I.

What’s happening, I hear you ask? Here are some of the highlights…

• the report of ELDR President, Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck
• a consideration of the status of Member Parties in Italy, Moldova, Northern Ireland, Slovakia and Spain
• preparation for the theme resolution at November’s ELDR Congress – “EU multi-annual financial framework 2014-2020”
• adoption of the 2010 audit
• a debate on the role of the EU in North Africa and the Middle East
• discussion of recent European political developments affecting member parties

Alright, not obviously very exciting, I accept.

However, for those of you with a yearning to take in a European gathering of liberals, I can confirm that the 2011 ELDR Congress will take place in Palermo, Italy, between 23 and 25 November. If you’re interested in attending, leave a comment and I’ll pass on your details.