Executive Summary

Europe’s liberal parties are shifting their focus towards security as a foundational element of liberal democracy. This ideological repositioning, driven by geopolitical instability and electoral challenges, is reshaping migration policies to balance openness with enhanced safeguards against hybrid threats and foreign interference.

Geopolitical Instability and Electoral Challenges

Europe’s liberal parties have faced significant electoral setbacks in recent years, with notable examples including Spain’s Ciudadanos disappearing from national politics and Germany’s Free Democratic Party (FDP) failing to secure parliamentary representation in 2025. At the European level, the Renew Europe group lost 21 seats in the 2024 elections, signaling a broader shift in voter preferences toward conservative and populist hard-right parties.

These challenges are unfolding against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has fundamentally altered Europe’s security landscape. Hybrid threats, cyberattacks, and foreign interference have emerged as pressing concerns, prompting liberal leaders to reconsider the foundational assumptions of peace, economic interdependence, and democratic stability.

Security as a Pillar of Liberal Values

At the recent ALDE congress in Vienna, liberal leaders emphasized that security is no longer optional but a prerequisite for preserving liberal values. Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger highlighted Europe’s vulnerability to foreign interference, citing Austria’s expulsion of Russian diplomats accused of espionage as a concrete example of the new security imperative.

Hybrid Threats and Policy Repositioning

The shift towards security is not limited to military concerns but encompasses hybrid threats such as cyberattacks and economic coercion. Polish Major General Karol Molenda underscored the multi-layered nature of modern security challenges, which require a comprehensive approach to safeguard democratic institutions and international cooperation.

Balancing Openness and Protection

While liberal parties have traditionally championed openness and integration, the current geopolitical climate demands a nuanced approach. Leaders like Meinl-Reisinger argue that openness must be balanced with robust security measures to protect against external threats, ensuring that liberal democracy remains resilient in the face of evolving challenges.

Impact on Migrants

Europe’s liberal parties are navigating a delicate balance between security and openness as they redefine their ideological priorities. While the focus on security addresses pressing geopolitical challenges, it is crucial to ensure that migration policies remain inclusive and uphold the values of liberal democracy. The future will depend on how effectively these parties can integrate security measures with their commitment to human rights and international cooperation.