Reflections by Sophie in 't Veld

Today we have woken up in a new Europe, now the work starts. Because Orbàn’s exit may be a relief, but it does not fix the structural issues.

For starters, the other government leaders in Europe, who have been complaining about Orbàn for many years, have lost their scapegoat. It was easy to blame him for the paralysis in the European Council. But Orbàn was not the only one using his veto right in the European Council to get his way. The only way to avoid a repetition of the Orbán obstruction is to eliminate all vetoes. Now all government leaders have the opportunity to show how committed they really are to a strong EU: are they ready to give up their veto rights and make sure Europe cannot be held hostage anymore by a single leader? Vetoes do not protect national interests, they are only ever used as a bargaining chip or a tool for obstruction, blackmail and extortion by government leaders.

The European Union has been saved by the Hungarian voters. But all the cheering this evening cannot hide the fact that for sixteen years the EU tolerated him. The EPP family protected him for over a decade, until he became too toxic even for them. Despite the Article 7 procedure launched by the European Parliament, the European Council refused to impose any sanctions. And although EU funds for Hungary had been frozen under the rule of law conditionality, the Commission decided to release 10 billion euro to get Orbán to drop his veto against support for Ukraine in 2023.

These structural weaknesses have not disappeared with Orbàn’s departure. Europe urgently needs democratic reform and much more robust mechanisms to protect the rule of law throughout the territory of the EU.

All over Europe and beyond people are celebrating the defeat of a corrupted, nationalist autocrat. Magyar will undoubtedly undertake to restore the damage done to the rule of law in Hungary. And he will likely be more constructive in the European Council. But the next weeks and months will tell where he will take the country. Although he became Orbán's Nemesis, for many years he was part of the inner circle of the Fidesz leadership. He is conservative and stated he will first and foremost defend Hungarian interests in Europe.

Magyar has secured the two-thirds majority he needs to undo the constitutional changes of Orbán. That is a good thing. But any leader holding an absolute majority, without meaningful opposition, has a great responsibility. Who can resist the temptation to abuse that power? Will he use his power to restore checks and balances, to enable strong democratic scrutiny and accountability, even if that is a nuisance?

Three years ago Donald Tusk won the Polish elections, ending eight years of autocratic rule by the PiS party. The European Commission immediately decided to release the EU funds for Poland that had been frozen under the rule of law conditionality. That was a stupid mistake. The Commission seemed to signal that the freezing or unfreezing of EU money was done on the basis of election promises or on the basis of which political party was in power. It became even worse when, a year later, a President was elected who vetoes most of the rule of law reforms.

That mistake should not be repeated. Funds should be released on the basis of actual results and after a thorough assessment by the Commission. The justification of any decision has to be made public. Magyar’s announcement that Hungary will join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office is a very important step in the process.

Moreover, many centrist, progressive and left-wing Hungarians have voted for Magyar, as he was the only candidate who was able to beat Orbàn. But their voice is not represented in the Parliament. Magyar needs to ensure his government represents all those who voted for him. His victory was a victory of the people, not just one party.

There are many challenges ahead. But for the first time since 2010, Europe and Hungary have a chance to restore and strengthen the democratic rule of law, to eradicate corruption and to build a better future. Let us grab that opportunity with both hands!

Sophie is a former Member of the European Parliament for Volt and others. She sat in the Parliament for 20 years until 2024. Originally published on Sophie in 't Veld's blog and redistributed with her permission.

The EU was founded as a peace project, an answer to "never again", and an alternative to the empires of the past. It still is a success today. Is there a country that wants to join China, the USA or Russia voluntarily? No. But the EU does have that magnetic power, and many countries line up to join the EU. 


Still, Europe is not reaching its full potential and is under threat. Russia continues its war, destroying Ukraine. The US pursues imperialistic ambitions. Europe will become a vassal if we don't change. It is not enough for Europe to become resilient to survive. We must become independent to thrive. 


The old order is dead. Europe cannot continue to play by outdated rules. We can build a new order with allies, one where rules and values count.


Tomorrow, European leaders will meet to decide on Europe’s future. They believe that a little bit more cooperation is sufficient to survive. They are wrong. Europe must change – not a little, but a lot.


What we need is real independence. Democratic, military, economic, social, and material independence. Through different speeds or all at once. Volt has a plan.

We can build a better Europe together. One that acts faster, with more power, and is accountable to you, the people. A Europe that speaks with one voice and stands up for democracy and international law. A United States of Europe!

What would this actually look like? Here are the major changes we want.

Democratic independence

• Power to the European people. We want all of us to have the power to elect a European government through real European elections, with European candidates and European parties!

• End the vetocracy. We need to ditch the veto, the ability for a country to stop decisions. Dictators like Orbán cannot have a vote. Europe should make all decisions by majority.

• Speak with one voice. We need a real European foreign minister to stand strong against dictators, defend international law without hypocrisy, stop wars, and prevent new ones.

Military independence

• Fund freedom. We can save billions in spending through Eurobonds, joint procurement, breakthrough tech investment, a European DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), and a fully integrated defence industry.

• Victory for Ukraine. We make sure Ukraine wins by using the frozen Russian assets, setting up a no-fly zone, accelerating membership, and defending any ceasefire with European forces.

• A European army to keep the peace. We build a European command structure, EU-owned strategic enablers such as ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), and a force of at least 250,000 soldiers ready to defend Europe.

Economic independence

• Finance our future. We issue Eurobonds to invest in our climate neutral digital economy, complete the capital market and banking union, and make the Euro a global currency.

• Thriving innovation. We set a European preference, remove all barriers in the single market, attract talent, establish ''EU Inc.'' and focus industrial policy on new European champions.

• Embrace our friends. We accept many new EU members, forge equitable trade and development deals, and increase collaboration with democratic friends like the UK and Canada.

Digital independence

• Protect the truth. We force social media to respect our values and fight foreign interference, build an EU public broadcaster, keep journalists safe, and enable social media alternatives.

• A European ''tech stack''. We create a home-grown digital infrastructure as alternatives to the US, from A to Z: European AI, data, software, devices, cloud services, network and chips.

• All government services use European tech. We make all government services on all levels use European software and have all data stored on European cloud services by 2030.


Social independence

• A life you can afford. We build affordable homes through smart social housing and renovation projects. We invest in clean tech and a European grid to lower energy prices.

• Culture at home. We sponsor film, music, etc. to stop seeing Europe through American glasses. Culture must not be a privilege but a force of solidarity, by investing in local artists.

• Unlock human potential. We turn Erasmus into a universal European experience, invest in new skills and jobs, and give young people start-up capital for their lives and businesses.

Material independence

• Our own energy. We invest in clean energy like wind, solar and nuclear and batteries to rid ourselves of foreign energy dependency, like LNG from the US, gas and oil from Russia.

• Reclaim industrial leadership. We restore Europe as a manufacturing powerhouse by investing in new economic sectors like deep- and cleantech, and continental high-speed rail.

• Resource our future. We invest in responsible mining, make equitable resource deals with partners, and accelerate recycling and circularity to ensure access to critical raw materials.

Do you agree? Well, your national leaders can make it happen tomorrow, by establishing a United States of Europe that can act to keep you safe and bring a better future closer to now!

So, what are you waiting for? Sign our petition!

Democratic renewal seems to have been a campaign gimmick instead of a serious intention of the political parties. Arizona likes to
present itself as a “government of reform”,
but democratic renewal is
not on the table. While the Vivaldi government still had
a minister of democratic renewal—at least on paper—that portfolio was quietly disposed of by Arizona. Now that the parties are back in
power, democratic renewal
no longer seems urgent.

Elections are seen as legitimizing the status quo, not as a means for citizens to choose their own government and bring about change. Despite compulsory voting, on June 9, one in eight voters—or 12.58%—remained home. Another 5.69% voted blank or invalid, and 4.28% of the votes went to parties that didn’t make the electoral threshold. This means that 22.55% of the voters are not represented in Belgian politics. An even larger part of the votes went to extremist parties, in large part as protest. That should be more than enough reason for all parties to make democratic renewal a core theme.

However, little has happened since the elections. Apart from a few marginal adjustments to party funding, the planned abolition of the Senate, and a bill to neutralise the list vote in favour of the preferential vote, everything remains the same. Real power still lies with the party headquarters, not with the Chamber of Representatives. Parties are still dabbling in political self-appointments, rather than making appointments based on knowledge and skills. Money is still overflowing the party offices, and the cabinets remain obese. Online political advertising is being restricted to some extent, but this is due to European legislation, not reforms on the parties' own initiative. A few parties flirting with the electoral threshold are listlessly searching for their raison d'être, led by party mastodons and nepo babies, while the door remains firmly closed to enthusiastic, young parties, preventing healthy competition and innovation. The party political landscape is rigid and fragmented, with the last truly new political party having emerged decades ago. Meanwhile, Brussels has been held hostage for sixteen months by quarrelling political parties in a surreal and grotesque theatre.

Unsurprisingly, people's trust in political institutions and parties is alarmingly low. Undoubtedly, the discussion about democratic renewal will resurface in the months leading up to the next elections. And just as predictably, it will fall silent again the day after the elections. The proportion of unrepresented voters and angry protest votes will grow again, and the traditional parties will look on concerned once again.

Anyone who is serious about democracy cannot be satisfied with this. That is why Volt is calling for a broad public campaign for democratic renewal. In December 2023, together with several other new parties, we already made a number of proposals to strengthen democracy and increase voter choice. Public funding must once again benefit democracy, not line the pockets of the parties. The voice of the citizens must once again be heard loud and clear through parliament, not through party offices.

Revitalizing our democracy is important for all of us. We invite everyone to join in: political parties and politicians, of course, but also civil society organizations, youth clubs, businesses, neighbourhood committees, artists, trade unions, and anyone else who is passionate about democracy.

General proposals

• Establish a Council of Sages to develop a comprehensive vision for democratic renewal in time for the 2029 elections. In addition to proposals for renewing and strengthening the democratic system, new forms of democratic participation and consultation must also be addressed, as well as rules for social media.

• Establish an independent electoral council to supervise the correct and fair conduct of the elections and to handle complaints.

• Establish a task force to ensure that all election-related IT systems function correctly.

On more open competition and innovation in the political landscape

• The electoral system must be reformed into a fully proportional system, in which every vote counts equally.

• Abolish the electoral threshold and enlarge the constituencies, so that a seat becomes within reach of more parties and greater pluralism is created.

• The double threshold, i.e. the requirement to collect signatures in order to participate in the elections, should be abolished or at least lowered.

• All participating parties should be included in the voting tests in the media, at least on public broadcasting.

• All political parties and movements are represented in the polls, at least on public broadcasting.

• Participation in public broadcasting TV debates will be based on pre-determined public criteria, with the aim of providing information as broad as possible.

• Adoption of the parliamentary bill to neutralise the list vote, in order to increase the independence of elected representatives.

• The introduction of transnational lists for the European elections.

On financing, we advocate for

• A substantial reduction in party funding to the level of comparable European countries

• A ceiling on the holding of financial reserves and a ban on the purchase of real estate or investments

• A reduction in the financial arrangements for elected representatives, including the abolition of tax-free expense allowances for members of parliament

• A ban on multiple mandates, especially in cases where there is a risk of conflict of interest

• The abolition of political cabinets and the depoliticisation of administrations

• A restriction on spending on social media, even outside the election period

• Public funding will be made available to parties that do not reach the electoral threshold but do obtain 2% of the votes

• Parties that are not eligible for public funding will be given a higher limit for donations, but with strict transparency requirements

This forum was prepared in cooperation with Volt France, Volt Luxembourg and Volt Switzerland. For each chapter, women spoke out about their involvement in politics.

“On this International Women’s Day, I remember all women who stood up, spoke out and fought for better lives for all women. From Emmeline Pankhurst to Rosa Parks, to Malala Yousafzai to name a few. My thoughts turn especially to the many brave women throughout our world who continue to fight against oppression today and every day - in Afghanistan, the Middle East, Africa and Ukraine. We stand together with them all. You are my inspiration, you are what drives me to stand up, speak out and protect the freedoms we have.” - Tracey D.

In Belgium, the new government includes only four women (out of fifteen ministers). Prime Minister De Wever says this is unexpected and unfortunate, but it can happen. The federal parliament has 42% women (63 of the 150 federal MPs are women, compared with 64 in the previous term). Among the 22 Belgian MEPs, there are 9 women.

“I am a free woman in a free Europe. I am indebted to the generations before me who fought to secure this freedom for us, and I owe it to our children to defend it. I am with Volt because I believe in Europe. Only together and on an equal footing can we create lasting prosperity – this applies to regions in Belgium, to peoples in Europe and beyond, as well as to the coexistence of men and women in society.” - Ulrike F.

History is full of talented women who have dared and shown the way. Today, too many women don't go into politics or don't dare to take the plunge into politics.

“I joined Volt because of its commitment to diversity, equal opportunities for all, gender balance and female leadership. I am convinced that Belgian women need to be better represented at all levels of management and political life. Every free democratic country, including Belgium, should end gender stereotypes and become more inclusive towards women. In many countries, a higher percentage of women have higher education than men. But more men hold top positions in business and politics. It is high time to change this.” - Natalia R.

Apprehension, lack of moral, financial and logistical support, psychological or educational barriers are all reasons why women still hold back today, even though they have the desire and the skills to play an active part in their country's political life.

“A colleague – like me, a polyglot and europhile – told me about Volt Europa’s project. In the super election year 2024, I worked behind the scenes in Belgium for six months and was a supporting candidate in the provincial elections. Why? Because everyone should be represented among the candidates. Differences in age, gender, origin, religion, or disability make our society so much richer. Just like Europe’s motto: let’s be united in diversity!”– An VG.

In our daily lives, we see both women and men encouraging, advising, debating, innovating, reflecting, proposing, organising, using diplomacy and self-control. Having a sense of commitment, being a good listener, being a team player, being strategic, resilience, honesty, eloquence... these are all human qualities and are not linked to gender.

“I came to Volt because I was tired of the current state of politics and of remaining a passive spectator. I work in the IT sector for the Dutch and Flemish maritime governments. I know all about being the only woman in a male-dominated field. Despite a healthy dose of imposter syndrome, like so many other women, I'm gradually learning to take my place and challenge the status quo. I hope that by being more visible, more women will find the courage to join us, and that more people will realise that we women are much more than our gender.” - Karima EH.

There are still many barriers to women's participation in politics, and we are clear about the battles still to be fought. But on this 8 March 2025, we all want to say together: women have their place in the discussions and in the co-construction of our society.

We want to send out a strong message and an appeal:

We encourage all women to get involved in politics, whatever the nature and degree of their commitment, and we encourage those around them to help them along the way and support them in their actions!

We call on all political parties to take action to include more women and make it easier for them to get involved!

“I've been interested in politics since I was very young, and this passion led me to study political science. I've never felt that being a woman was an obstacle to making my voice heard in society. But in recent years I've seen the rise of the far right and I see the rights of women and minorities under threat in Western countries. I've realised that we must never take these rights for granted, but remain vigilant and fight to defend them. That's what prompted me to get involved with Volt, because I'm convinced that a united and democratic Europe is the best bulwark against nationalism and the regression of human rights’. - Alixxa S.

We have started by reinforcing parity in the public arena: electoral lists, round tables, the media, etc. It is time to go a step further, by creating real spaces for inclusion, expression and projects for women (within parties, in decision-making bodies, etc.), subsidies dedicated to projects by and for women, and reinforced communication with the outside world. Women need to have a more general and systematic presence on the political scene.

It's high time our public policies were made by and for all our fellow citizens.

Volt Belgium and Volt Slovakia thus joined forces to strengthen our party and movement through more female leadership and equal representation. In Volt’s Brussels office, three key Volters and leading advocates for women in politics encouraged active female citizens to help shape the future of Volt and its role in society.

Call to women: Interested in shaping Volt Belgium in the coming months and years? Want to use Volt to raise your voice? Reach out to us!*

Sophie in 't Veld, former MEP and Volt Europa and Belgium lead candidate, highlighted male-dominated party cultures. She continues to highlight the need to change these political contexts so that women can develop their full potential.

Lucia Klestinkova, co-founder of Volt Slovakia and coach for female leadership, called on women to join Volt to support a change in politics. It is also an opportunity for women to raise their voices, exercise their skills and gain leadership experience, she highlighted.

Rick Zednik, fellow co-founder of Volt Slovakia and former managing director of “Women Political Leaders”, highlighted the dismal number of women in politics. With three quarters of party members being men, issues important to women receive less attention. And political cultures and results, as well as society, suffer the consequences.

Erika Schulze, Volt Brussels co-city lead and initiator of the event, called on women to join Volt to realise their dreams of a more inclusive and gender equal society - and to make a difference.

Dear Members and Supporters,

everyone at Volt Belgium wishes you a Happy New Year 2025! May they new year bring you much joy and luck. We look forward to toast to the new year with you in person this Friday in Gent. 🍀🎇💜

In this newsletter we will share with you information about:

• New Year’s Reception

• ⁠Lapsing Membership Contributions

• ⁠Internal Elections

• Upcoming Events

Let’s dive into it!

New Year’s Reception

Friday, 3 January: You are invited to our New Year’s Reception in Gent to celebrate the beginning of 2025 together. It will be a great opportunity to meet new and known Volters and to get to know the board!

Our team welcomes you at the Afkikker from 16.00. At 19.00, our Co-President Carlo Giudice will give a speech and share with you some inspiring words. You will also receive information by our Electoral Commission on the Internal Elections, which we will talk about further below in this newsletter.

Not a Member yet? You do not have to be a Member to attend the Reception, though it will be a great moment to sign up.

Become a Member now!

Share the invitation with your network!

⁠Lapsing Membership

The membership of half of our Members has lapsed on January 1st. The Members in question have received an Email by ClubCollect, our Volt solution to collect Membership Contributions, informing them either that the amount will be directly debited or that you must make the payment.

As a reminder, the amount billed is based on the tier of contribution you have chosen when you signed up to Volt. In the case that you received an invoice, please pay within one month from now, after which your membership will be automatically terminated if no payment was received.

If you have not received an email, it means that your membership lapses later in the year depending on your sign up date, though the process is the same.

Should you wish to change the contribution tier, have questions about the payment or wish to not renew your membership, please contact administration@voltbelgium.org.

⁠Internal Elections

In December, Volt Belgium has sent out the formal call for candidates for the party’s organs: Board of Administrators, Electoral Commission, and Arbitration Commission. The election will take place at Volt Belgium’s General Assembly on Saturday 8 February 2025.

You are strongly encouraged to apply by sending your CV and motivation to electoral-commission@voltbelgium.org - the deadline for application is 17 January 2025 at 23h59. More information about the requirements can be found here.

In order to be eligible to apply or vote for the internal elections, you must be effective members of Volt Belgium as of 8 January 2025 and have paid any outstanding membership contributions.

Not a Member yet?

Become a Member now!

The election of the party’s Board of Administrators will play a key role in shaping this strategy, as members can choose the candidates they believe have the best ideas to guide us forward. The newly elected Board will set the course for Volt Belgium’s priorities and actions in the years to come.

Upcoming Events

We are excited to announce a series of events to kick off the year and foster connections within our vibrant community:

• Sunday, 5 January & Saturday, 11 January; both at 11am: Tune in for an online information session on the internal elections. Learn which positions you can apply for. To join the Google Meets: click here. Reminder: You need to be a member by 8 January to apply, so sign up now.

• Friday, 10 January: Volt Brussels will host the “Women in leadership” workshop. This first event aims at preparing for the upcoming Board elections and is targeted at our female members with a current or distant interest in taking up leadership positions. Check out the agenda.

• Saturday, 8 February: Attend our in-person General Assembly in Brussels, a chance to engage with fellow members and influence the direction of our party by electing the new members of the party’s organs.

• Sunday, 23 February: Join us in supporting Volt in the German Federal Elections, where we aim to make history by reaching the 5% and enter with 35 Members of Parliament. Let’s cheer on our German Volters as they lead the charge for a stronger Europe.

Also new: Every Saturday - Permanence at the Volt Hub: every Saturday in January (4th, 11th, 18th and 25th) morning from 10:00 to 14:00, the Volt Hub will be open to the general public, so feel free to join the Brussels team and give a hand in welcoming new people. Google Maps.

All information will be made available here: https://voltbelgium.org/events

Let’s colour 2025 purple! 💜

2025 promises to be a pivotal year with several key activities on our horizon. With our municipal councillor Tracey D’Afters and our city teams we will organise events and debates to establish Volt as a constructive political player in Belgium. This effort will give us the foundation to build on in the coming years, paving the way for success in the 2029 and 2030 elections.

With anticipation and determination,
Carlo Giovanni Giudice
and the Team of Volt Belgium 💜

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Dear Members and Supporters,

As the year draws to a close, we take a moment to reflect on an incredible journey filled with achievements, growth, and resilience. 2024 was a year that truly tested and showcased our collective spirit, marked by numerous elections across Belgium and remarkable milestones for Volt Belgium.

This year, we proudly celebrated a historic moment with the election of our very first Volter in Belgium: Tracey D’Afters representing Volt in the Tervuren municipality. This victory is more than a seat; it’s a symbol of the change we stand for and the progress we are capable of achieving.

Overall, over a hundred dedicated candidates stepped forward to represent Volt in the June and October elections. Their commitment and courage have laid the groundwork for a brighter future and showcased the breadth of talent within our movement.

On a European level, our movement has been equally inspiring, with five Volters having been elected to the European Parliament this June, who together with more than 200 elected Volters and close to 30,000 Members advocate for a united, greener, and fairer Europe.

Back home, Volt Belgium has grown stronger than ever, surpassing 500 members and becoming Volt’s third biggest national chapter. This milestone reflects the increasing resonance of our values and vision with people across the country. Furthermore, our community’s commitment has been bolstered by generous support, with major and smaller donations totaling over €50,000. These contributions have been crucial in driving our campaign and directly contributed to the election of Tracey. Another important milestone was the adoption of new governance documents, ensuring that our party grows more mature, inclusive, and ready to tackle the challenges of the coming years.

None of these achievements would have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our volunteers. Whether working tirelessly on the streets or behind the scenes, their efforts have been the heartbeat of our movement. To each and every one of you who gave your time, energy, and passion—thank you. You are the reason Volt Belgium is becoming a household name in Belgian politics.

Looking ahead to 2025

As we step into the new year, we are filled with anticipation and determination. 2025 promises to be a pivotal year with several key activities on our horizon:

• Election of the party’s organs: This week Volt Belgium has sent out the formal call for candidates for the party’s organs: Board of Administrators, Electoral Commission, and Arbitration Commission. The election will take place at Volt Belgium’s General Assembly on Saturday 8 February 2025. You are strongly encouraged to apply by sending your CV and motivation to eb@voltbelgium.org - the deadline for application is 17 January 2025 at 23h59. More information about the requirements can be found here.

• Decisions on the party’s political strategy: The election of the party’s Board of Administrators will play a key role in shaping this strategy, as members can choose the candidates they believe have the best ideas to guide us forward. The newly elected Board will set the course for Volt Belgium’s priorities and actions in the years to come.

• Making an impact in Tervuren and beyond: We must support Tracey with events, communications, and policymaking to help her establish Volt as a constructive political player in Belgium. This effort will give us the foundation to build on in the coming years, paving the way for success in the 2029 and 2030 elections.

Together, we will continue to make waves across Belgium, shaping a future that aligns with our shared values of progress, unity, and sustainability.

Save the dates

We are excited to announce a series of events to kick off the year and foster connections within our vibrant community:

• Friday, 3 January: You are invited to our New Year’s Reception in Gent to celebrate the beginning of 2025 together. This will be an opportunity to meet new and known Volters and to get to know the board! You may share the invitation with your network.

• Saturday, 8 February: Attend our in-person General Assembly in Brussels, a chance to engage with fellow members and influence the direction of our party by electing the new members of the party’s organs.

• Sunday, 23 February: Join us in supporting Volt in the German Federal Elections, where we aim to make history by reaching the 5% and enter with 35 Members of Parliament. Let’s cheer on our German Volters as they lead the charge for a stronger Europe.

All information will be made available here: https://voltbelgium.org/events

Thank you for being part of this movement

As we bid farewell to 2024, let’s carry forward the lessons and victories of this year into the next. Volt Belgium is more than a political party; it is a community of changemakers, dreamers, and doers. Together, we will continue to break barriers and create a better tomorrow.

Warmest wishes for the holidays and an inspiring start to 2025.

With gratitude and optimism,
Carlo Giovanni Giudice
and the Team of Volt Belgium

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Our country needs reforms and investments to ensure a prosperous future Everyone understands the need to balance the budget, but thinking only in terms of austerity is playing with fire. Austerity policies that lead to a recession are an expensive mistake. While pensions must be reformed to remain sustainable and a fair tax reform with lower labor taxes is essential, we must not forget the other side of the coin: investing in growth, sustainability, and innovation. Only then can we truly move forward.

Take the Draghi report: a clear wake-up call. Europe is falling behind. While economic growth thrives in the United States and China, we remain stuck. Without massive investments, we risk losing our prosperity. The climate transition and green growth are not obstacles but levers for success. Investing in clean energy, the circular economy, and smart infrastructure creates jobs and progress while securing a healthier, more livable future.

Smart reforms, bold investments
Reforms don’t have to be painful—on the contrary. Look at the four-day workweek, tested in Ireland and the United Kingdom. With unchanged salaries and shorter workweeks, companies report a slight increase in productivity. Even more impressive: burnout cases dropped by 71%, and sick days by 65%. In Belgium, 9% of workers were absent due to illness every day in the first half of 2024. That’s an immense cost for our social security system. If a shorter, healthier workweek is possible, why not try it? Fewer sick days, more well-being, and net savings: that’s smart reform.

Reforming also means cutting unnecessary regulations and bureaucracy. Simplifying procedures not only makes life easier but also gives businesses and citizens the room to grow and innovate. Removing excessive administrative burdens—“cutting red tape”—is a logical step toward greater efficiency.

Stronger Together: European Cooperation Is Key
Greater European cooperation and shared investments are vital to improving efficiency and securing our future. Only by working together can we tackle challenges like the climate crisis and economic stagnation. At the same time, we must avoid counterproductive measures like border controls, recently proposed by countries such as the Netherlands and Germany. These policies not only harm our economy but also undermine the free movement that Europe stands for. Cooperation isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Public transport: more than just savings
The same goes for public transport. The drastic cuts currently on the table for trains are a disaster waiting to happen. It’s not just ecologically counterproductive but also economically shortsighted. Good public transport pays for itself. Every kilometer traveled by train or bus is cheaper for society than one traveled by car. Fewer traffic jams, less air pollution, and better accessibility. This isn’t an expense; it’s an investment that delivers.

Choose a future that inspires
Our country deserves better than a policy that stands still. Reforms are necessary, but without investments, it’s like bailing water out of a sinking ship. Green growth and the climate transition don’t just address today’s crises; they lay the foundation for a vibrant economy tomorrow. What we need now is courage. The courage to invest in what matters. The courage to not only save but to build. For a future that inspires.

Statement from Volt Belgium on rising rising vandalism and intimidation

The leadership of Volt Belgium was made aware of troubling acts of vandalism and intimidation against some of our candidates and their campaign materials in recent days. These actions are not just an attack on individuals but on the democratic process itself. Such acts of vandalism and intimidation undermine our shared values and diminish the integrity of our democracy. This behaviour has no place in Belgian society, and we unequivocally condemn it.

The political landscape thrives on the exchange of ideas and respectful debate. Everyone has the right to express their opinion without fear of intimidation.

I urge all democratic parties to denounce such threats and violence. It is imperative that we come together to defend our democratic values and ensure that electoral campaigns now and in the future are fair and respectful. We must engage in meaningful debates on policy, not allow intimidation or fear to dictate the conversation.

— Carlo Giovanni Giudice, Co-President of Volt Belgium

Volt Belgium and its local teams stand united against these acts of aggression. Volt calls for respectful dialogue and constructive engagement focused on the issues that matter most to our communities.

"Belgium cannot lag behind," warns Carlo Giovanni Giudice, Co-Chair of Volt Belgium. "Draghi's message is even more relevant for our country. The negotiations for the federal and Flemish governments are stalling, and the economic situation is deteriorating. We see declining productivity, companies relocating, and a lack of much-needed investments. This is not the time for half-hearted measures. Belgium needs substantial reforms."

The party specifically points to recent reports about Audi's departure and the uncertainty surrounding chip manufacturer BelGaN as examples of an economy on its last legs. The Arizona coalition's [the intended new coalition of N-VA, CD&V, Vooruit, MR, Les Engagés] austerity plans are dismissed as "completely unrealistic" and unable to bring about the necessary structural improvements.

Sophie in ’t Veld, former Member of the European Parliament and lead candidate for Volt Europa, echoes the call:
"This is the moment to choose vision over party-political games. We need strong, progressive reforms to make Belgium and Europe future-proof. The date of October 13 should symbolize political leadership, not political cowardice."

Volt Belgium emphasises that the future of the country and Europe depends on the ability to let go of entrenched structures and ideologies and advocates for bold reforms that benefit both the economy and the quality of life of citizens.

END OF PRESS RELEASE

What is Volt? 
Volt Belgium is the national chapter of Volt Europa — the  pan-European political movement, with 200+ elected local officials in towns, cities and national parliaments. Five newly elected Members of the European Parliament including Damian Boeselager, founder of Volt in 2017. Across 30+ countries, Volt has 24.000+ members and hundreds of local teams, including Volt Brussels, Volt Tervuren and Volt Leuven. 

Volt's vision is that of a progressive Europe with a democratically elected European government, a socially just society, an economy that nurtures our climate and positive digitalization. 

Please feel free to use Volt photos (©Volt Europa, 2024)

Contact
Bianca Baumler
Volt Belgium, Media Officer 
press@voltbelgium.org, +32 4 89 61 86 30

We are gearing up for the local and provincial elections on 13 October by running on different lists throughout the country. To be allowed to participate, Volt needs your support through citizen signatures. Please sign for our lists in your place of residence by 13 September (1x provincial and 1x municipal where applicable).

It's time for renewal and change—it's time for #GenerationVolt!

Signing is possible via this link.

Click on the button, adjust your message if needed, and send it!
Copy or download the image to share - you can also find it on the drive

[Find the Dutch, French, and English versions below]

NL: Hoi! In deze onzekere tijden is het belangrijker dan ooit om onze stem te laten horen op 9 juni. Stem op Volt voor een sterk, verenigd en duurzaam Europa en België. Volt zet zich in voor onze veiligheid, een menselijk migratiebeleid, ambitieuze klimaatdoelen en een duurzame economie. Jouw stem kan echt het verschil maken! Twijfel je? Kijk dan op de standpuntenpagina's: https://voltbelgie.org/standpunten

<Send message 1>

FR: En ces temps incertains, il est plus important que jamais de faire entendre notre voix le 9 juin. Votez pour Volt, pour une Europe et une Belgique fortes, unies et durables. Volt s'engage pour notre sécurité, pour une politique migratoire humaine, pour des objectifs ambitieux en matière de climat et une économie durable. Souhaitez vous en savoir plus ? Découvrez nos points de vue sur notre site: https://voltbelgique.org/politiques

<Send message 2>

EN: Hi! In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to make our voices heard on June 9th. Vote for Volt for a strong, united, and sustainable Europe and Belgium. Volt is committed to our safety, a humane migration policy, ambitious climate goals, and a sustainable economy. Your vote can truly make a difference! Not convinced yet? Then check out our positions pages: https://voltbelgium.org/policies

<Send message 3>

Ben je benieuwd hoe jouw standpunten overeenkomen met die van Volt, maar kon je ons niet vinden in de VRT stemtest? Wij lossen dit graag voor je op! Volt heeft een uitgebreid verkiezingsprogramma en deelt graag zijn visie en standpunten met de kiezers.

Stemtest Europees Parlement
➡ https://voltbelgium.org/stemtest-ep

Stemtest Federaal Parlement
➡ https://voltbelgium.org/stemtest-fp

Stemtest Vlaams Parlement
➡ https://voltbelgium.org/stemtest-vp

Stemtest RTBF
➡ https://voltbelgium.org/test-electoral-rtbf

The possibly newly elected Dutch MEP, Reinier van Lanschot, points out: “As a pan-European party, we do not only represent our voters in the Netherlands, but European citizens across the continent. We believe that we need a unified approach to tackle cross-border challenges. We are here to show how European politics can be done differently.”

Volt, the only pan-European party, won its first seat in the European parliament - with an MEP from German, Damian Boeselager - in the last election, just two years after he founded the party. 

In the coming days, 7-9 June, Volt is running in 14 other countries: Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Sweden, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Greece, Malta and Cyprus - and of course Belgium. Volt expects to gain several seats in the European Parliament, and possibly also in the regional and federal parliaments in Belgium.

[Header of the letter omitted]

On June 9, we will go to the polls for the regional, federal, and European elections. The VRT has received ample additional resources from the Flemish government for this major election year. With the title Kies24, the VRT, as a public broadcaster, aims to “inform and guide all Flemish and Brussels residents well and clearly.”

The information provided to voters includes the Voting Test and the Voting Test for first-time voters, the “First Choice” program, information via nws.nws.nws and MNM, special attention to the elections from the regional editors, and existing programs such as Terzake and The Agreement, as well as the “Great Debate” between the party leaders. There are also numerous items on the website, such as 84 party leaders from seven parties who answer questions in short videos. All in all, it is a comprehensive package.

“In the weeks before the elections, VRT is providing information that every voter needs to know before he or she goes to the polls,” notes the VRT website. It seems logical that this vital information concerns all parties that the voter will find on the ballot paper, large and small, established and new. Despite their differences, these parties share one thing in common: they are all on the ballot paper, without any distinction.

On June 9, voters will be able to cast their vote for Volt in seven electoral districts in the regional, federal, and European elections. However, Volt is excluded from the television debates. That is why Volt filed summary proceedings, specifically concerning exclusion from the VRT debate of the European party leaders on 31 May.

The judge gave his ruling on 29 May. Although the judge has made clear statements about the VRT's obligation to provide information regarding elections, it nevertheless decided not to intervene preventively. Volt therefore unfortunately remains excluded from the debate.

Volt is also not included in the Voting Test, the Voting Test for first-time voters, the question & answer videos with 84 party leaders on the VRT site, nor the polls co-commissioned by the VRT. The exclusion of new parties is not a new problem. It is also evident from the evaluation of the election coverage by VRT NWS in 2019 by then VRT News Ombudsman Tim Pauwels: “… the editors could have better planned the attention for the small parties in advance. It is absolutely defensible that not all parties are treated the same, but small parties also add freshness and color to the process. Attention should certainly also be paid to this.”

However, little seems to have changed, as in 2024 the electoral coverage is still almost exclusively dedicated to established parties, and the planning and criteria for including new parties in Kies24 seem rather arbitrary and not predefined. New parties remain virtually invisible in Kies24. While it is common to distinguish between established and new parties, large and small parties, the difference is disproportionate and gives the impression that there are different categories of parties, categories that do not exist on the ballot paper. The voter is only informed about some of the parties he finds on his or her ballot paper.

Volt is obviously disappointed with the judge's ruling. However, the exclusion of new parties is not only problematic for the parties concerned but also an obstacle to much-needed political innovation and therefore to democracy. There are more than enough examples in other countries that things can be done differently and better. The growing frustration of many citizens with “politics” also makes it clear that a new approach is desperately needed.

It appears that the VRT News Ombudsman will have to write the same evaluation report in 2024 as five years earlier. And there will be conflict, lawsuits, and frustration again in the next round of elections. Volt prefers to find solutions in a constructive manner and in good cooperation and therefore proposes to start an open dialogue with the VRT, the VRT News Ombudsman, political parties, relevant civil society organizations, and experts in the field of democratization to innovate the political coverage of elections, which may possibly result in a social discussion and concrete steps. We propose to start this dialogue as soon as possible.

Awaiting your prompt reply.

Yours sincerely,

Carlo Giudice, Co-President of Volt Belgium
Sophie in 't Veld, European Lead Candidate Volt Belgium

The Dutch-speaking Court of First Instance in Brussels ruled that there are insufficient grounds to intervene in the VRT's decision to exclude Volt from the European Parliament (EP) lead candidate debate on 31 May.

At the same time, the court did not give VRT a free pass, emphasising its public obligation to be non-partisan and inclusive. It noted that any exclusion of smaller parties must be justified with objective and fact-based reasons. The judge however ruled that, given the rapid summary proceedings, it could not be proven that the VRT’s selection criteria were unreasonable or that they had been drawn up after the selection of participating parties. The judge also noted that VRT’s promotion of the debate of "THE seven party leaders" is misleading, as there are in fact nine lead candidates. 

Carlo Giudice, co-chairman of Volt, reacted: "Volt is of course disappointed that we will not participate in the debate, but we respect the judge's ruling. We also welcome the court’s support of the principle that public broadcasters DO have an obligation towards smaller parties." 

A number of the VRT selection criteria were ruled as legal by the court. Volt respects their legality, but doubts about their democratic legitimacy remain. 

The argument that more debate participants reduce the speaking time per candidate is correct. VRT's claim, however, that a nine-person debate is not feasible can be refuted by past practice: in 2009, the public TV had organised the European debate with eight lead candidates.

Volt also points out that some VRT criteria are not applied consistently. For example, VRT has set requirements for the invited parties to have an elected representative and a full list of candidates - beyond the required number. Yet, the invited PVDA and its Dutch-language (NL) candidate does not have an elected NL representative, but rather a FR-language one, in the parliament. Past VRT European electoral debates also included the lead candidate of the Dedecker list, which did not have an elected EP representative.

Volt has two elected representatives/Members of the European Parliament (MEP): the lead candidate for Volt Belgian and current Dutch MEP, Sophie in ‘t Veld, as well as a Volt MEP elected in Germany. The exclusion of the former on the basis that she was elected in another country may in fact be a violation of the EU Treaty.

In ‘t Veld stated: "The judge's ruling reinforces that the VRT should better accommodate smaller parties, as VRT's own Ombudsman concluded after the 2019 elections (VRT news "What did you think of VRT's election offer?"). It is a missed opportunity to improve the electoral news offer. Smaller political parties are not a threat, but rather contribute to much-needed political renewal. Volt therefore proposes to take the initiative, together with the VRT and its Ombudsman, other small political parties and political experts, to include new parties in the public debate. Volt wants to contribute to a stronger democracy - in this and many other ways."

END OF PRESS RELEASE

Today, the tribunal of first instance held the hearing for Volt Belgium vs. VRT. Volt has filed a lawsuit against VRT’s act of exclusion from their big Belgium TV European political debate (on 31 May).

VRT has invited seven out of nine political parties participating in the European elections to take part. Volt believes that this exclusion is arbitrary and discriminatory, and that VRT has a public duty to ensure that voters are fully informed, with no partisan bias.

“We are confident of a positive outcome,” says Sophie in 't Veld, Member of the European Parliament and lead candidate for Volt in the European Elections. “We have refuted the main arguments of VRT, and there are no objective or formal considerations that can justify the exclusion of Volt. The criteria seem to be formulated after the fact and tailor-made, rather than in advance and objectively,” she concludes.

Sophie in 't Veld states: “Belgian voters have the right to be informed about all nine parties they will find on their ballot on 9 June. It is regrettable that a public broadcaster such as VRT is not trying to facilitate the widest possible debate out of its own convictions. And that we have thus had to enforce this through the courts."

Carlo Giudice, co-chairman of Volt Belgium, provides the larger picture of Volt in Belgium: "Volt continues to grow in Belgium, and we receive very positive responses from citizens as we campaign on the streets. Although Volt is also excluded from most election polls, there are increasing signs that Volt could surprise people on June 9. With minimal resources yet a strong and resounding message, Volt Europa appeals to many people in Belgium. Anyone who ignores Volt is actually ignoring the citizens who yearn for innovation."

The court verdict is expected to follow next Wednesday, May 29.

END OF PRESS RELEASE

Annexen:

- Het volledige antwoord van de VRT op de initiële klacht van Volt (NL)

- Volt België weerlegt hier alvast puntsgewijs de argumenten van VRT (NL)

Gisteren heeft de VRT medegedeeld dat Volt België is uitgesloten van het Europees lijsttrekkersdebat op 31 mei. Dit besluit werd genomen in reactie op de klacht van Volt België. Volt België zal de kwestie voorleggen aan de rechter in kort geding.

“Volt betreurt het besluit van de VRT ten zeerste. Onzes inziens gaat de uitsluiting van twee van negen partijen aan het debat in tegen de publieke omroepopdracht van de VRT en de principes van de democratische rechtsstaat. Het is zorgelijk dat niet alle politieke opvattingen vertegenwoordigd worden in dergelijke verkiezingsdebatten. Volt staat op het kiesbiljet op 9 juni en de kiezers hebben recht op informatie over àlle partijen waarop zij kunnen stemmen, ook over de minder traditionele en kleinere partijen dus. Laten we hopen dat de rechter hier het belang van inziet”, aldus Carlo Giudice, co-voorzitter van Volt België.

Volt doet ook een oproep aan de zeven geselecteerde partijen: “We vragen aan de zeven partijvoorzitters om de deelname van Volt aan het debat expliciet en publiekelijk te steunen. Een lijsttrekkersdebat is de ultieme democratische confrontatie van ideeën. Een publiek verkiezingsdebat wordt gevoerd in de arena in een zinderend woordenduel tussen alle kandidaten, zonder procedurele uitsluiting van enkelen van hen. We doen een beroep op de democratische inborst van de zeven partijen en vragen hen zich uit te spreken”, stelt Sophie in ‘t Veld, Europees lijsttrekker van Volt.

Klacht aan de VRT 

Reactie VRT ombudsman

"Volt Belgium is setting up a new branch in Tervuren, Vlaams-Brabant, in addition to branches in Brussels municipalities and other large cities. The main purpose is to participate in the local council elections on October 13, but this local commitment goes far beyond local politics! We also commit to supporting progressive forces living outside the city centers, and we aim to address the malaise in progressive Belgium and Flanders. 'Think European, Act Local' has been our slogan for a long time. Volt Tervuren will be a key part of this.

Other parties seem to follow a 'Think National, Act National' approach, where both European and local levels are secondary to national strategy. The result is diluted European deals on one side and constrained local representatives on the other. There is hardly any room for local input; the national line dominates.

However, responding to the local context has always been key to politics coming closer to the people. Tervuren is not our first branch in a smaller municipality, but it's particularly unique—a municipality in the green belt around Brussels with a very international population. Nevertheless, we want to bring the same approach as elsewhere: to engage in politics in an open and connecting way, bringing people together instead of dividing them, and looking for pragmatic solutions that meet the needs of all residents, not just our own supporters.

This approach contrasts with the top-heavy partisanship and particularly the ideological tensions we observe in other parties. Volt, on the other hand, offers progressive voters in Tervuren local flexibility to tailor policies to the needs of more Tervuren residents. Volt is a positive alternative right in the political center, allowing cooperation along many lines —left or right, local, regional and national

Lastly, we want to not only support local progressive forces but also listen to them. They are our sensors. They can translate Volt’s convictions and our policy visions to the local context. Our members, more than 23 thousand in Europe, everywhere bridge the local and 'Brussels'. They are central to Volt’s 'Think European, Act Local' strategy.

The driving forces behind Volt Tervuren are Volt members Dafydd ab lago, Magdalena Garczynska, and Tracy D’ Afters. All are 'new' residents of Tervuren but have called the Vlaams-Brabant municipality their home for years.

Volt Tervuren:

🌐 https://voltbelgium.org/tervuren (available in 6 languages)

🟦 https://www.facebook.com/volttervuren

📸 https://www.instagram.com/volttervuren/

Zie hier de brief aan de burgemeesters

Sinds enkele weken zijn in vele gemeentes aanplakborden opgesteld voor de verkiezingsaffiches van de politieke partijen. Volt maakt daar graag gebruik van. Echter, in Brugge, Gent, Lokeren en Kapellen ontbrak de ruimte voor de partij Volt. Volt heeft Lijst Vijf, maar op de gemeentelijke aanplakborden is geen plek voor de verkiezingsaffiches van Volt. Voor zover we kunnen vaststellen, is Volt de enige partij die is uitgesloten.

In Sint-Niklaas was weliswaar ruimte voorzien voor de affiches van Volt, maar slechts aan de uiterste rand van het aanplakbord onder de noemer “5 en varia”, in plaats van de juiste plek in de officiële volgorde van lijsten zoals bepaald door het ministerie. In Brugge zijn, na melding van het probleem, enkele extra borden geplaatst aan de zijkant van de aanplakborden, maar dat is evident een inferieure oplossing, bovendien gaat het uitrollen veel te langzaam, waarbij kostbare tijd verloren gaat.

Vele (kleinere) gemeenten hebben dan wél ruimte toegekend, en ook op de juiste plaats. Voor een nieuwe partij als Volt is zichtbaarheid middels de aanplakborden essentieel, zeker op plaatsen met een groot aantal passanten. Het toekennen van geen, of een inferieure plek op de aanplakborden is op geen enkele manier gerechtvaardigd.

De handelswijze van de betreffende gemeenten zet Volt - opnieuw - ernstig op achterstand vergeleken met andere partijen. Als nieuwe partij ontvangt Volt geen partijfinanciering, maar is wel beperkt in het ontvangen van donaties. Bij het inzamelen van steunverklaringen, werd Volt ernstig gehinderd door het disfunctionele digitale platform van de federale overheid. Volt is niet opgenomen in de peilingen, noch in de voornaamste stemtests, inclusief die van de publieke omroep. Volt is tevens uitgesloten van het lijsttrekkersdebat van de publieke omroep.

Nu ziet Volt zich opnieuw genoodzaakt het ongelijke speelveld middels een formele procedure aan de kaak te stellen. Dergelijke klachtenprocedures kosten veel tijd en capaciteit van een kleine partij die volledig draait op vrijwilligers. Daarbij is de respons van de verantwoordelijke publieke instantie dikwijls volstrekt inadequaat. Het ontbreken van een onafhankelijke en centrale toezichthouder voor het verkiezingsproces doet zich gevoelen.

Volt maant de betreffende gemeentebesturen de omissie uiterlijk tegen donderdag 9 mei volledig recht te zetten, op een wijze die geen enkel nadeel berokkent aan Volt.

EINDE PERSBERICHT

Zie hier de brief aan de burgemeesters