One Europe. One Family. One Future.
EPP Associations and Associated Entities Joint Declaration
Brussels, 18 March 2026

Preamble: Our shared responsibility

We, the associations and associated entities of the European People's Party, reaffirm our role as the in-society-embedded network of this Political family. Being an EPP association entails an active responsibility to contribute to the EPP’s political strategy and expand our active presence at the European level.

At a time of profound economic, geopolitical and societal challenges, we must reinforce our common identity and act with unity, purpose and integrity, serving as multipliers of our political project.

Our involvement must be coordinated and ambitious, translating our Christian-democratic values of justice, solidarity, subsidiarity, equality and human dignity into tangible political actions across the communities and groups we represent.

In doing so, we contribute to the strength of the European People’s Party and to shape Europe’s future with confidence while delivering credible solutions to the day-to-day concerns facing European citizens.

Europe as a protective power: Security and Sovereignty

Europe must be strong enough to protect citizens, democracy and our way of life.

Security must be understood in a comprehensive sense: it includes defence, societal resilience, supply chains, food, energy and digital transition. Europe's security must also rely on the protection of the EU's external borders as a cornerstone of stability and sovereignty.

For us, it is vital that we bring the European People’s Party project closer to citizens through real involvement and contribute to the collective capacity for action within Europe, advocating for the protection of shared interests and values, from climate resilience to responsible AI frameworks.

Our mission must also be reflected in our economy, and it must include integrating SMEs into EU discussions and highlighting their role as security providers through regional dialogues and initiatives such as the Trade Matters podcast.

We support women in their contribution to Europe’s strength and resilience, enhancing their participation in peace negotiations and in our military.

In our activities, we will also promote food security as a sustainable pillar of open strategic autonomy, including through investing in rural infrastructure and through reducing dependencies on third countries.

Strengthening Europe also requires a firm focus on protecting freedom, diversity and equal rights and opportunities for all.

We contribute to the implementation of Civic Resilience Workshops addressing the effects of misinformation and disinformation, and the expansion of the Rule of Law Academy to train local politicians and involve citizens, ensuring the rule of law protects fundamental rights across all Member States.

An economy that works for all: Competitiveness and Social Justice

A robust Europe is built on engaged and responsible citizens, equal access to education, innovation and intergenerational solidarity.

Entrepreneurs and a social market economy without discrimination and structural barriers to employment and career progression is essential, and rewards effort while promoting social justice.

SMEs, family businesses, young entrepreneurs and family farms, ensuring generational renewal in rural areas, remain pillars of social cohesion.

As associations across Europe, we call for reduced administrative burdens and smarter regulation.

Through forums and cross-border exchanges, we support innovation and promote entrepreneurship.

Economic growth must go hand in hand with social dialogue and ensuring technologies such as AI strengthen both economic sovereignty and the dignity of work.

In our initiatives, we commit to advocate for the Fair Labour Mobility Package to protect workers' rights while ensuring fair competition, aiming to explore integrated frameworks such as a digital European Social Security Pass and the Single European Ticketing to better align cross-border education and employment opportunities for young Europeans.

To bridge the skills gap, we will contribute to Future Economy Leadership Workshops on digital and financial literacy and lifelong learning.

We also commit to ensuring full implementation of the EU Pay Transparency Directive and the EU Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence.

A society that empowers: Opportunity and Leadership

Europe prospers when every citizen — regardless of gender, age or location — can contribute to our common project.

We promote women’s leadership in politics and business through introducing quota measures when necessary and initiatives such as Women Entrepreneurship Day and support networks connecting them with political and business leaders.

The family remains a cornerstone of society.

Our family policies aim to support the well-being of all families, while ensuring that every child enjoys equal legal and social protection.

In our activities, we commit to promoting family policies that improve work-life balance for parents in both urban and rural areas, while ensuring care duties are shared more fairly.

We advocate for a European health framework that protects the most vulnerable.

To empower the next generation, we promote initiatives for young families, affordable housing and entrepreneurship, ensuring intergenerational equity.

We will equip future leaders through initiatives such as the YEPP Local Leaders Platform and the Women Leadership and Politics–YEPP Camp.

Through active participation in the Full-Cycle Leadership Academy, we will promote leadership training across career stages and reinforce the inclusion of youth, women and minorities in political decision-making.

We will organise a policy lab to address demographic change and work-life balance.

Housing must also be recognised as strategic infrastructure to bridge the urban–rural divide.

The unbroken chain: Intergenerational Responsibility

The EPP connects senior experience with youth innovation, ensuring continuous renewal of talent.

Intergenerational responsibility and knowledge transfer must guide our strategy.

We promote this through specialised seminars, Generations in Dialogue workshops and mentorship programmes across all EPP entities.

We will institutionalise this cooperation through a cross-association Intergenerational and Demographic Cooperation Working Group.

Joint mentoring formats will connect experienced leaders with young representatives, with a focus on leadership and SMEs.

Access to education and lifelong learning remain essential for citizens of all ages.

Innovation must also include civic-tech solutions to modernise party structures, communication and public policy processes.

Conclusion: A Pact of Unity and Action

The EPP is one family with many branches, reflecting the diversity of European societies.

Through this Joint Declaration, we commit to advancing our shared priorities through joint work and future programmatic contributions.

We will continue to act as a bridge between European decision-makers and citizens, ensuring that our political vision strengthens Europe's resilience and prosperity.