During the 2nd Congress of the Party of the European Left (EL) on 24 November, 2007 a small delegation of MPs, representatives of European left parties and the European network Transform visited the village of Trokavec. This little community has become the first place to resist the establishment of a US anti-missile-shield on its territory.
The delegation to learn about those affected consisted of Maria Szyszkowska, Senator and President of the Racja party, Poland, Hans Modrow, DIE LINKE, Germany, Jiři Mastalka, MEP of the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (CPBM), Božena Kremlačkova, National Executive Member of the Party of Democratic Socialism, (SDS), both Czech Republic, Roberto Musacchio, MEP and Member of the National Direction, Giusto Catania, MEP, both of the Communist Refoundation Party (PRC), Italy and Cornelia Hildebrandt, European network Transform.
According to the Czech government’s plans, the radar installation would be built only two kilometres from the village, and would cover more then 10,000 hectares. In March 2007, in a referendum organised by the community of Trokavec, almost all of the inhabitants declared themselves to be against the proposed installation.
Trokavec’s example was followed by 86 more communities who would be affected. These communities have joined together into an initiative called ‘Ne zakladnam’ (‘No to the bases’) . Even though these referenda are not legally binding, they have sent a strong signal to the rest of the country and to the international community. Consequently, the Czech government quickly promised a substantial sum for the region – but only if the people agree to the radar installation.
The delegation was welcomed by Jan Neoral, non-party mayor of Trokavec, who was accompanied by Lubos Fiala und Ivona Novomestska, the heads of the neighbouring communes Visky and Štitov. The representatives of the European left parties expressed their solidarity with the communities, and their support for the initiative “Ne Zakladnam”. Roberto Musacchio told them that in Italy resistance against the establishment of a US radar station in Vicenza is growing too. Recently, more than 100.000 protesters took to the streets. Representatives of the 87 Czech communities will also take part in the demonstrations in Vicenza which have been planned for the middle of December.
Maria Szyszkowska said that 70 % of the Polish people are against stationing an anti-missile shield in the country, but that the governments -  including the newly elected Tusk government – are supporting the US’s ambition for a renewed period of re-armament. She expects the European Union to release clear legal guidelines for disarmament, and to declare itself against the establishment of new military bases on its territory. Hans Modrow referred to the words of Lubos Fiala, who sees the stationing of the anti-missile shield as a throwback to the Cold War. Those who re-arm have war on their minds. The actions of the citizens of Trokavec, Stitov and Visky represent a plea for peaceful cooperation, against new weapons.

Small villages are once again at the centre of large-scale politics. However, they should not be underestimated: from little acorns, great oak trees grow.