In an open letter released by one of the 67 signatories, they express a “complete refusal and repudiation of the path towards war being followed by the EU and all political and military blocs.”
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have voiced their “concern with the almost universal consensus (with very few exceptions) among the majority of political forces and commentators in various media outlets (…) regarding a path of public investment centered on the projected inevitability of a military conflict, which proposes, without clearly stating, a sacrifice of the already depleted existing social policies.”
Hence, they demand that the matter be discussed at both national and European levels, asserting their desire to contribute to the debate.
The letter recalls the presentation in March by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, of the European Defense White Paper and the ReArm Europe/Prontidão 2030 plan, which provides “financial tools for EU member states to promote investment in defense capabilities.”
The organizations highlighted that during the presentation of the document, which “uses deterministic language about external threats to an increasingly hermetic European border and about a strategy of achieving ‘peace through strength’,” Von der Leyen stated that “the era of the ‘peace dividend’ ended long ago.”
The NGOs warn that this path “deviates from the United Nations Charter as the guiding document of international relations,” which declares a purpose to shield people from the “scourge of war.”
“Our refusal of this militaristic and security drift is total, and we believe it is essential to consolidate an alternative discourse centered on decolonization, social justice, peace, solidarity, and the well-being of people and the planet,” states the open letter.
The open letter is endorsed by various organizations, including the Academia Cidadã, Associação AfriCandé, Aveiro Feminista, Casa do Brasil de Lisboa, CCC — Círculo de Cultura Cigana, CIVITAS Braga — Associação para a Defesa e Promoção dos Direitos dos Cidadãos, Climáximo, Coletivo pela Libertação da Palestina, DJASS | Associação de Afrodescendentes, Famalicão Com Teto — Movimento pelo Direito à Habitação, Frente Anti-Racista, GARA — Grupo de Ação Revolucionária Antifascista, Guimarães LGBTQIA+, Humanamente — Movimento Pela Defesa dos Direitos Humanos, Parents For Peace, Refugees Welcome Portugal (On The Road — Associação Humanitária), Rede 8 de Março, SOS Racismo, UMAR — União de Mulheres: Alternativa e Resposta and Vida Justa.
