The European Democratic Party (EDP) is a centrist, pro-European political party that is part of the broader European political landscape. The EDP aims to promote a more integrated and federal Europe.
The EDP was founded in 2004, driven by the idea of creating a more integrated and federal Europe. It positions itself as a centrist party, advocating for moderate policies that bridge the gap between the left and the right.
The party is committed to the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, emphasizing the importance of these values in guiding EU governance and policy-making.
European Integration: Advocating for further European integration and federalism. The EDP supports reforms that strengthen the EU’s institutional structures and increase its powers in areas such as foreign policy, defense, and fiscal matters.
Promoting social market economy principles. The EDP supports policies that balance economic competitiveness with social welfare, aiming to achieve economic growth while ensuring social equity and protection of citizens’ rights.
Committing to sustainable development and environmental protection. The EDP supports the transition to a green economy, advocating for policies that address climate change and promote sustainable practices.
The EDP is a member of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), which is a group in the European Parliament consisting of liberal, democrat, and reformist parties. This affiliation aligns the EDP with like-minded parties across Europe who share a commitment to liberal democratic values and the promotion of European integration.
While the EDP is not one of the largest political parties in the European Parliament, it has been influential in promoting centrist and pro-European policies. The party works collaboratively with other groups within the European Parliament to advance its agenda and influence EU policy.
Promoting policies that support digital transformation and innovation within the EU to enhance competitiveness and technological advancement.
Advocating for improved educational opportunities and policies that support young people, including mobility programs like Erasmus+.
Addressing the challenges of migration with humane and coordinated policies that respect human rights and integrate migrants effectively into European societies. The EDP continues to be an active participant in European politics, contributing to debates and policies that shape the future direction of the European Union.
Its commitment to a more integrated and federal Europe reflects a long-term vision for EU development and governance.
The European Democratic Party prioritizes enhancing democratic processes within the EU. It supports abolishing unanimous voting in the Council to prevent a single country from blocking decisions and advocates for a directly elected leader to combine the roles of the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council.
The party also proposes enhancing the legislative powers of the European Parliament to strengthen the EU's democratic framework.
The party envisions Europe as a strong global actor capable of influencing international politics and defending its interests. It calls for unified foreign policy and defense strategies, emphasizing the need for an integrated European defense union.
Additionally, the party seeks to strengthen Europe's technological and economic autonomy by fostering innovation and competitiveness through strategic investments and partnerships.
To ensure sustainable funding for essential public goods, the European Democratic Party proposes introducing new EU resources, such as a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and a corporate tax on large multinational corporations, particularly those that pollute. This approach aims to reduce the financial burden on member states and citizens while ensuring adequate investment in critical areas like climate action, healthcare, and research.
The party is committed to promoting social and economic equity by supporting policies that facilitate access to high-quality education and employment opportunities across all regions, targeting underdeveloped areas with structural funds and cohesion policies designed to integrate them more fully into the European economy.
The European Democratic Party emphasizes fostering a diverse and inclusive European society. It supports the adoption of an EU-wide anti-discrimination directive to protect all citizens from discrimination based on various factors including gender, race, and sexual orientation.
The party also advocates for policies that enhance the integration of immigrants, ensuring equal opportunities and access to services.
To stabilize and strengthen the eurozone, the party proposes establishing a targeted budget that supports economic growth and helps buffer member states against financial crises. It advocates for more integrated fiscal and economic policies to prevent disparities between member states and ensure balanced economic development across the eurozone.
The party outlines a balanced approach to managing migration, emphasizing protection for refugees and establishing legal channels for economic migration. It calls for a unified European strategy that includes cooperation with countries of origin and transit to address the root causes of forced migration.
The party commits to environmental leadership with ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy. It supports specific policies for sustainable agriculture and responsible fishing to ensure food sovereignty and conservation of ecosystems.
Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Democratic Party stresses enhancing the resilience of European healthcare systems through better coordination and resource sharing across member states, as well as significant investment in health infrastructure and research.
The party views digital transformation as essential to Europe’s future competitiveness. It proposes significant investments in digital infrastructure, AI, and cybersecurity, aiming to ensure that all European citizens and businesses can benefit from digital advancements while upholding privacy and individual rights.
The party aims to strengthen consumer protection in the EU’s single market by advocating for stricter regulations to ensure product safety, transparency, and fair trading practices, thus building consumer trust and promoting fair competition. These detailed policies reflect the European Democratic Party's commitment to creating a more integrated, resilient, and democratic Europe, equipped to face modern challenges with innovative and inclusive solutions.
The European Democratic Party is also known as Edp.