Peace is not a utopia: it is a political choice
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We are often told that peace is a utopia, an unattainable dream in a world dominated by geopolitical interests and logics of power. But we, as Égalité association, reject this narrative. Peace is not a dream: it is a precise political choice, which requires courage, determination and an alternative vision of the future.
Europe, born from the ashes of the Second World War, had precisely this objective: to guarantee lasting peace through cooperation between peoples. Today, however, this mission has been betrayed. Rearmament policies, insane military spending and the rhetoric of 'defense' are leading our continent towards an abyss, where war risks becoming permanent and the militarization of society a daily reality.
We do not accept this drift. We believe that it is possible and necessary to build a civil and supportive Europe, a Europe that is truly an 'instrument of peace', as Simone Veil, the first President of the European Parliament elected by universal suffrage, stated. A Europe that knows how to dialogue with everyone, including Russia, and that works for a common security system based on disarmament and on the respect of the human rights.
The lesson of history: Russia and the fight against Nazism
History teaches us that peace is not built with weapons, but with memory and collaboration. During the Second World War, the Soviet Union paid a very high price to liberate Europe from Nazism: over 20 million dead, entire cities destroyed, a sacrifice immense that cannot be forgotten. That sacrifice allowed Europe to be reborn and to start a process of integration which, at least in its intentions, was meant to guarantee a medium-high pace lasting.
Video: 'The Geopolitics of Peace'. Professor Jeffrey Sachs' speech in the European Parliament at the event hosted by former UN Assistant Secretary General and current BSW MEP Michael von der Schulenburg, on 19 February, 2025
Today, instead of recognizing this historical contribution and working towards a constructive collaboration with Russia, Europe is following the Atlanticist orders of a new Cold War, which risks further dividing the continent and leading to new conflicts. We reject this logic. Instead, we believe that it is possible and necessary to find a diplomatic route to resolve current tensions, without resorting to military force and without fueling an arms race that only benefits the financial oligarchies that invest in the war industry.
The Militarization of Society: A Danger to Democracy
Another consequence of rearmament policies is the increasing militarization of society. More and more resources are being allocated to military spending, depriving them of essential services such as la Health, L'education and welfare. Increasingly, governments justify authoritarian measures and restrictions on civil liberties in the name of 'national security.'
The militarization of society is a danger to democracy and the fundamental rights of people. We must strongly oppose any attempt to normalize war and turn our countries into barracks. We must defend our health, our freedom and our democracy, because without these values there can be no true peace.
The Path to Peace: Disarmament, Diplomacy and Multilateralism
The path to peace is clear: disarmament, diplomacy and multilateralism. We must reduce military spending and invest in international cooperation projects, sustainable development programs and initiatives for the peaceful resolution of conflicts. We must restore strength to the United Nations and work for a new system of common security, involving all European countries, from Spain to Russia, from Iceland to Turkey.
We also need to promote a culture of peace, which starts from schools and reaches institutions, and which knows how to counter war propaganda and hatred towards the 'other'. Peace is not just the absence of war: it is the premise for social justice, is respect for the human rights of all, is solidarity among the peoples.
Join the March 15th Parade: Join Us!
For all these reasons, the Égalité association will participate in the parade 'Disarm Europe', on March 15, 2025 in Rome. It will be an important occasion to say no to war, no to rearmament and yes to peace, diplomacy and international cooperation. We invite all our readers, our supporters and all those who believe in a Europe of peace to join us.
The parade will take place under the banner of peace and disarmament, and will see the participation of associations, movements and citizens from all over Italy. It will be a moment of unity and hope, to demonstrate that another Europe is possible, a Europe that knows how to make peace its raison d'être.
Practical information
Date and time: Saturday, March 15, 2025, 10:00 am
Meeting point: Republic Square, Rome
TimelineThe parade will wind through the streets of central Rome, arriving in Piazza del Popolo.
Contact us: For further information, visit the website of the Italian Network for Disarmament. (1)
Conclusion
Peace is not a gift: it is a conquest. And to conquer it, we must fight every day, with courage and determination. Participating in the March 15 parade is an important first step, but it is not enough. We must continue to mobilize, inform, raise public awareness and put pressure on institutions, so that peace becomes an absolute priority.
Let us unite under the banner of peace and disarmament. Let us build together a better Europe and a better world, where dignity human and the justice social are at the centre of every action.
In solidarity and peaceful struggle,
Dario Dongo
#Égalité #PaceTerraDignità
Note
(1) Italian Disarmament Network https://www.perlapace.it/non-basta-dire-europa-europa-evitare-linferno/
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
