Another Europe is Possible

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from OnTheCommons.org:



Another Europe is Possible
A Forum in Rome responds to austerity measures by forging a commons vision

By Jerome Roos


Throughout Europe, we are witnessing massive transfers of resources from the public to the private sphere. The political responses to the crises have been defined by austerity measures and by cuts to social spending, driving Europe further into recession.

From Greece to Spain, from London to Rome, European people are increasingly aware of the need for a different model of globalization. From those resisting the privatization of resources (for example, in Italy with last summer’s success in defeating a water privatization referendum, and currently in Romania) to the recent occupations of public spaces against neoliberal policies (for example, in the UK and Spain), this is the moment to construct and alternative Europe which is not a product of neoliberal politics, but the political expression of European citizens.

Within this context, more than forty organisations, networks and social movements from eight European countries will meet in the 600-seat Valle Theatre in Rome to organise a common front in constructing an alternative European model. This three-day forum will focus on the construction of common transnational campaigns on the themes of the commons and guaranteed minimum income as well as the battle against unemployment and economic insecurity. The event will be a true opportunity to build European networks and campaigns that will take concrete forms in follow-up meetings in Spain, the UK, Romania, Bulgaria and France in the following months to continue the work begun in Rome. The emphasis on concrete campaigns will be the starting point to engage in a reflection on the revision of the EU Treaties, to propose an alternative vision of Europe.

A European Citizens’ Initiative for a European Charter of the Commons was initiated by the Local Authority for Common Goods within the Municipality of Naples. Proposals for an Initiative on minimum income have been put forward by the Basic Income Network, among others, following proposals advanced by the European Parliament in October 2010. ..............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://onthecommons.org/another-europe-possible

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