It was my great honour to host New Direction’s Tenth Anniversary Dinner in Brussels on the 25th June 2019.
2019 marks a decade of ground-breaking research, in which the Foundation has shaped not only the political discussion in Europe but also the direction of the conservative movement around the world. We have produced more than two hundred reports and policy briefs, and hosted over a hundred conferences and seminars - and we have been honoured to have politicians, government ministers, advisers, academics, business leaders and journalists: participate and contribute.
New Direction has established academic networks across Europe from London to Warsaw as well as research partnerships throughout across the globe, from: Washington to Sydney; Buenos Aries to Lagos.
At the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, we paid tribute to those that have made it possible:
First: Margaret Thatcher, who established New Direction in 2009 as the intellectual hub of European Conservativism. Who as Prime Minister, was a steadfast champion for liberty, freedom and democracy.
Second: my colleague and friend Geoffrey Van Orden, who Margaret Thatcher entrusted to lead the Foundation and create a European Conservative & Reformist movement. He led New Direction for its first five years and his drive, ingenuity and commitment to Conservatism, ensured New Direction was built to last.
Then there are my fellow board members, with whom the Foundation’s work would not be possible: Amjad Bashir (UK); Angel Dzhambazki (Bulgaria); Rafaele Fitto (Italy); Daniel Hannan (UK); Karol Karski (Poland); Ruža Tomašic (Croatia); Valdemar Tomaševski (Lithuania); Jan Zahradil (Czech Republic); and Roberts Zile (Latvia).
And, of course, none of our work would be possible without the effective leadership and excellent management by the Foundation’s Executive Director, Naweed Khan.
And finally, our supporters for their continuous backing and friendship.
In the years to come, we will work tirelessly to put forward ideas for European reform rooted in individual freedom and liberty and make the positive case for conservative values.
On behalf of all at New Direction, thank you!
Tomasz Poręba MEP
New Direction President
