The NATO summit in Strasbourg and Baden-Baden clearly showed the character of the military pact: being aggressive not only abroad but also militarising the societies of the NATO states. The French and German authorities overrode basic civil rights, such as the right to demonstrate and the freedom of movement. During the days of the summit, the police severely attacked demonstrators, and it was only by luck that nobody was seriously injured or killed.

The protests against NATO have been and will become even more important; and they will continue. Through their actions activists from all over Europe, the US, Georgia, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and from many other countries of the world defended basic civil rights. The actions were broad and colourful, including an international alternative congress and camp, as well as blockades and demonstrations in Baden-Baden, Kehl, and Strasbourg.

On April 4th more than 20,000 people joined the protest march in Strasbourg, while 10,000 demonstrators gathered in Kehl waiting to reach the other side of the Rhine, and thousands more were hindered by the police to reach Strasbourg. Despite the provoking militant strategy of Sarkozy, the overwhelming majority of activists proved their willingness to and responsibility for the principle of non-violence. However, violent actions coming from the demonstration have brought up a problem for the non-violent policy of the peace movement.

During their summit the NATO leaders agreed on the right-wing Anders Fogh Rasmussen to become the next NATO secretary-general. They also decided to send more troops to Afghanistan and to carry forward the strategy of integrating civil society and international organisations into the resolution of international conflicts, while securing the hegemony by military means and aggressive methods. These are dangerous perspectives for the peace in Europe and in the world.

In view of these developments, the European Left will resist even stronger against militarisation, and armament, and will contribute to strengthen the movements against war and for peace.


Christiane Reymann
Member of the Executive board of the EL