Avrupa Haber: 22 Revolutionary and Democratic Organizations in Europe Gathered in Cologne
We hereby share an unofficial translation of an article published by Avrupa Haber on October 18.
Twenty-two revolutionary, democratic, and progressive organizations gathered at the headquarters of the Confederation of European Alevi Unions (AABK) in Cologne and resolved to intensify their joint struggle against the rising authoritarianism, fascism, racism, and imperialist war policies in Turkey and Europe.
At the meeting, a consensus was reached on establishing a central platform to bring together revolutionary and democratic forces across Europe.
The 22 organizations, including the Confederation of European Alevi Unions (AABK), the European Kurdish Democratic Society Congress (KCDK-E), revolutionary and democratic organizations, Academics for Peace, and women’s organizations, gathered in Cologne, Germany.
The meeting addressed opportunities for joint struggle against the anti-democratic developments unfolding in Turkey and Europe, as well as the conditions for establishing a common platform to strengthen joint struggle and solidarity across Europe.
Following a welcoming speech by the AABK co-chairs on behalf of the host organization, the meeting began with an opening address delivered on behalf of the convening organizations; the discussion focused on the growing threat of war worldwide, the rise of fascist movements, racism, chauvinism, and anti-environmental policies.
Attention was also drawn to the problems arising from the process with the Kurdish national movement, as well as the increasing attacks and policies of purges by fascism in Turkey. The possibilities of coming together on common ground, acting in unison, and expanding the joint struggle against imperialism, fascism, chauvinism, and war were discussed.
United Struggle Against Imperialist Aggression and Rising Fascism
Representatives of revolutionary democratic organizations participating in the meeting emphasized in their speeches that imperialism is waging an attack against revolutionary and democratic organizations worldwide, aiming at purging them, and they underscored the importance of joint resistance against these attacks.
Speakers highlighted the rise of fascist movements, militarism, and hostility toward migrants and refugees in Turkey, Europe, and around the world. They noted that while imperialist-capitalist centers are strengthening their unity among themselves, the oppressed and working people have not been able to establish a common line of struggle to the same extent.
Noting that this situation makes it difficult for a strong resistance to emerge, the representatives stated that the alliance to be established must serve as a bridge, in the spirit of internationalism, between the dynamics of resistance in Turkey and the centers of struggle across Europe and the world. It was emphasized that the common struggle should aim not only at solidarity against current attacks but also at resistance movements in different regions strengthening one another.
Broad Participation and Observer Support for the Alliance
At the meeting, it was determined which organizations would be part of the planned alliance and which would participate in the process as observers.
The organizations that announced they would be part of the United Struggle and Solidarity Platform are as follows:
1. Confederation of European Alevi Unions (AABK)
2. European Kurdish Democratic Societies Congress (KCDK-E)
3. Socialist Refoundation Party (SYKP)
4. European Confederation of Oppressed Immigrants (AVEG-KON)
5. European Confederation of Democratic Rights (ADHK)
6. Purple Red Collective
7. The Union of Migrant Workers in Europe (AGEB)
8. Confederation of Workers from Turkey in Europe (ATİK)
9. European Revolutionary Democratic Commune Initiative (ADDKİ)
10. International Struggle Collective (EMK)
11. Green Left Party – Europe
12. Socialist Women’s Union (SKB)
13. European Revolutionary Commune Assemblies (ADKM)
14. European Federation of Democratic Dersim Associations (ADEF)
15. European Kurdish Women’s Movement (TJK-E)
16. European Forum for Freedom and Peace (EFFP)
17. Turkish Human Rights Association (TÜDAY)
18. European Council of Exiles (ASM)
The following organizations have announced that they will participate as observers in the process:
19. Workers’ Union – Peoples’ Brotherhood Platform (BİR-KAR)
20. European Labor and Freedom Front
21. International Anti-Imperialist League (AIL)
22. Roter Bund
At the meeting it was also decided to continue discussions with other organizations that could join the alliance, to be formed by the next meeting, and to proceed with efforts to expand the alliance.
The organizational structure will be clarified at the next meeting
At the Cologne meeting, a strong commitment was expressed to establish a Platform that will advance a joint struggle across Europe. The goal is to clarify the alliance’s political perspective, organizational structure, and working methods through discussions to be held in the coming period.
The organizations participating in the meeting reached a consensus on creating a common ground for struggle where they can act together on shared issues while maintaining their distinct political and organizational identities. It is intended that this platform, which is planned to be expanded with the participation of new organizations in the coming period, will strengthen solidarity between the dynamics of the revolutionary and democratic struggle in Turkey and the struggles for democracy, labor, and freedom waged against imperialism, fascism, and chauvinism throughout Europe and the world.
