Guy Verhofstadt, President of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) Group in the European Parliament and Janusz Palikot, President of the Palikot Movement Parliamentary Group in the Polish Parliament have met in Warsaw to establish co-operation between the two parties.

On the occasion of this meeting Guy Verhofstadt made the following statement:

“Recent elections in Poland have proven that support for free, democratic and reform minded politicians is growing. Palikot movement and ALDE share numerous policy objectives - on civil liberties, reduction of “red tape”, strengthening SMEs. We share the same ambition for Europe. Responses to the current debt crisis have to be bold and ambitious, leading to more European cooperation, not less.”

“During our meeting today, we have agreed that ALDE Group in the European Parliament and Palikot Movement in the Polish Sejm will pursue co-operation. I have invited the Palikot Movement to participate in ALDE events, meet our MEPs, Commissioners and through this contribute to building a European coalition for the goals that we and the Palikot Party share. Poland is at the heart of the European project. I am certain that our co-operation will offer Poland and Europe even more incentives to reform, advance citizens rights and thrive.”

Janusz Palikot, President of Palikot's Movement has added:

“ALDE and Palikot Movement are apples of the same tree. Our political ambition and goals are in sync. We wish to build on that. I am grateful for the invitation that Guy Verhofstadt has brought to my party. I am confident that with friends like these in Europe, we will strengthen further our party and offer Polish citizens an alternative vision for a modern Poland.”