Security and the Left in Europe – Perspectives from the European Parliament

Publication launch and discussion

Together with the MEPs Özlem Demirel and Idoia Villanueva Ruiz, we have discussed the concept of security: Why do we need a new concept of security for the left in Europe? What are the major debates over security in the EP? What are the next steps the Left in the EP as well as social movements can take to guarantee the right to safety for all?

 

Security is a basic need and an urgent necessity for everyone, particularly for those affected by war, violent conflict, police brutality, hate crimes, or domestic violence. Yet, current debates on security are mostly co-opted by the right, and repressive and discriminating policies are justified in the name of security. This ranges from foreign policy decisions to law and order practices within the EU.

The drafting and developing a new comprehensive left concept of security is long overdue, but it is clearly possible and feasible, as the publication ‘Towards a New Concept of Security’ by the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung Brussels Office and transform! europe demonstrates. The report reflects a series of discussions among more than 50 activists, representatives of left and progressive parties, social movements, and NGOs from 18 different countries aimed at stimulating a debate about the cornerstones of a new and intersectional left approach to security.


Thursday, 17 June
15:00 – 17:00 (CET)

Speakers:
Özlem Alev Demirel
(@oezlemalevdemirel), Member of the European Parliament and Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence, Die LINKE / The Left (@theleft), formerly GUE/NGL

Idoia Villanueva Ruiz (@IdoiaVR), Member of the European Parliament and Committee on Foreign Affairs Coordinator for the Left, Podemos / The Left (@theleft), formerly GUE/NGL

Moderation:
Katerina Anastasiou, transform! europe,
Axel Ruppert, Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung Brussels Office (@rosalux-europe)

Languages
English, German and Spanish interpretation will be provided.

 

To read the ePublication Security and the Left in Europe. Towards a New Left Concept of Security, click here.