The Kataeb Party’s Foreign Affairs Department took part in the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) congress in Rotterdam on Saturday, underscoring the Lebanese party’s engagement within the European People’s Party (EPP) network.

Delegations from key EPP sister parties across Europe were also in attendance, including Belgium’s CD&V, Austria’s ÖVP, Germany’s CDU, and Ireland’s Fine Gael.

At the congress, the CDA unveiled its program and candidates for the upcoming Dutch general elections scheduled for 29 October 2025. 

Henri Bontenbal, who was officially reaffirmed as the party’s list leader (lijsttrekker), delivered the keynote address. He highlighted the party’s priorities, including pragmatic climate action at the European level, a stricter asylum policy, a gradual reduction of mortgage interest deductions, and a renewed commitment to responsible governance. Bontenbal emphasized the CDA’s centrist identity, stating: “We are not left, we are not right. We are Christian Democrats.”

For the Kataeb, represented by party member Aziz Antoun, the congress provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships with EPP allies and partners, reaffirming ties and cooperation ahead of the Dutch elections and beyond.