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The International Peace Bureau (IPB) Has Announced its Intention to Nominate Three Remarkable Organizations with a Focus on the Right to Conscientious Objection for the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3 August 2023

The International Peace Bureau (IPB) Has Announced its Intention to Nominate Three Remarkable Organizations with a Focus on the Right to Conscientious Objection for the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize

Berlin, Germany – The International Peace Bureau (IPB) has announced our intention to nominate three exceptional organizations for the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize: the Russian Movement of Conscientious Objectors, the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement, and the Belarusian organization “Our House”. The decision to nominate these three organizations is a testament to their unwavering dedication in advocating for the right to conscientious objection to military service and promoting human rights and peace in their respective countries.

The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the world’s most esteemed awards, recognizing individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the pursuit of peace and harmony. The nomination period for the 2024 prize will open on 1 September 2023 and the nominations will be promptly submitted for consideration.

The Russian Movement of Conscientious Objectors (https://stoparmy.org/), the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement (http://pacifism.org.ua/), and the Belarusian Our House (https://news.house/) have demonstrated unparalleled excellence and dedication in their efforts as defenders of peace, conscientious objection, and human rights, especially after the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine began on 24 February 2022 and despite the considerable stigmatization each organization has faced since.

The fundamental right to conscientious objection to military service is an inherent human right, protected under the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion as safeguarded by Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). This right remains inalienable, even during periods of public emergency, as explicitly stated in Article 4(2) of the ICCPR. Embracing conscientious objection is a concrete means of contributing to peace. Hence, it becomes imperative to emphasize and safeguard this fundamental human right, especially during times of war.

Even in the face of escalating threats, the three movements persist in their dedication to aiding individuals who resist war and military mobilization. Their focus is particularly on supporting those who endure persecution, torture, and imprisonment. This commitment encompasses all instances of forced and violent recruitment into participating armies, as well as the persecution of conscientious objectors, deserters, and non-violent anti-war demonstrators.

“We are humbled and honored to nominate these three remarkable movements for the Nobel Peace Prize. Their courage in championing the right to conscientious objection and their tireless efforts to promote peace and human rights serve as an inspiration to us all,” said Philip Jennings, Co-President of IPB.

By nominating these three movements, we seek to raise awareness about the importance of the right to conscientious objection, fostering peace and human rights. Furthermore, we hope that the announcement of this intended nomination will remind and pressure governments and nations across the globe to respect the right to conscientious objection in their own countries and provide alternatives to military service for those that object. This includes the right to asylum for conscientious objectors forced to flee their own countries in order to avoid military service.

We call other organizations and particularly Nobel Peace Laureates from across the globe to support this nomination. Together our voices in support for conscientious objection can protect those who are selflessly putting their lives on the line to defend their beliefs and their compatriots who reject war and violence.

The selection process for Nobel Peace Prize laureates is highly competitive and is conducted by esteemed committees dedicated to recognizing peace efforts worldwide. We firmly believe that these three movements stand among the most deserving candidates for this prestigious recognition.

About IPB

The International Peace Bureau is dedicated to the vision of a World Without War. Our current main programme centres on Disarmament for Sustainable Development and within this, our focus is mainly on the reallocation of military expenditure.  We are a Nobel Peace Laureate (1910); over the years, 13 of our officers have been recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

International Peace Bureau

info@ipb-office.berlin

+49 (0) 30 1208 4549

Marienstraße 19-20 10117, Berlin – Germany

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Justice for Yurii Sheliazhenko

Berlin, Germany – The International Peace Bureau strongly condemns the Security Service of Ukraine’s (SBU) decision to charge IPB Councilmember and Seán MacBride Prize Laureate Yurii Sheliazhenko with “justification of Russian aggression” and search of his apartment. The charge is based solely on Sheliazhenko’s “Peace Agenda for Ukraine and the World,” a document which explicitly condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine and promotes peace, justice, and the right to conscientious objection to military service.

Yurii and his organization, the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement, have always opposed both sides of the current war and advocated for dialogue, negotiations, and a peaceful resolution which addresses the underlying causes of the war.

We call on the Ukrainian government and the SBU to respect the rights of conscientious objectors and the right to free speech for peace in Ukraine, rights that cannot be violated even during times of war. We vow to support Yurii’s rights and to rally international support for his freedom and wellbeing.

Yurii’s response to the charges and search can be found at https://worldbeyondwar.org/we-object-to-the-illegal-search-and-seizure-at-apartment-of-yurii-sheliazhenko-in-kyiv/

A petition for the Ukrainian government to drop the prosecution of Yurri can be found here: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-the-ukrainian-government-to-drop-prosecution-of-peace-activist-yurii-sheliazhenko/

Please see attached Press Release.

Featured

Report – 2nd Negotiations Round on a Nulcear Weapons Ban Treaty

After the successful session in March 2017 and the publication of the draft of the Convention to prohibit nuclear weapons by the Chair Ambassador Elayne Whyte from Costa Rica, the Second round of negotiations on a Convention started on June 15th.

The sprit of the 125+ participating countries is productive and dynamic and no major disagreements have been stopping the hard works of the participants from going forward. Nuclear weapons States possessors and their allies, the countries who rely on nuclear weapons in their security doctrines, have chosen to boycott the process, except the Netherlands. Continue reading “Report – 2nd Negotiations Round on a Nulcear Weapons Ban Treaty”

IPB Statement on Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes

25 July 2025

The International Peace Bureau (IPB) expresses deep concern over the rising military clashes and political tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, which have resulted in the death of at least 15 civilians and the mass displacement of civilians from border areas. The escalation of long-standing tensions over the border risks further exacerbating civilian suffering and displacement.

The IPB calls for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic negotiations and conflict resolution as the only tools that can solve the crisis. Nationalist and militaristic rhetoric must be replaced by dialogue and common security. Moreover, IPB calls on ASEAN, particularly neighbour states, in the region and those with military ties to either party to encourage de-escalation and peaceful resolution.

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Press Release Concerning the Signing of the Declaration of the Principles between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Alliance Fleuve Congo – AFC/ M23

By: Groups of Civil Society Organizations from the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo | 19 July 2025

The Consortium Pamoja kwa Amani—a coalition of civil society organizations from North and South Kivu working for peace, justice, community recovery, and social cohesion—has followed with particular interest the signing of the Declaration of Principles today, July 19, 2025, in Doha, between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Mouvement de l’Alliance du Fleuve Congo – AFC/M23.

Continue reading “Press Release Concerning the Signing of the Declaration of the Principles between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Alliance Fleuve Congo – AFC/ M23”

In Memoriam: Rudi Friedrich

Posted: July 22, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we at the International Peace Bureau (IPB) join our colleagues at Connection e.V. and the international peace community in mourning the tragic passing of Rudi Friedrich, longtime Managing Director of Connection e.V., and a steadfast friend, colleague, and advocate in the global struggle for peace and conscientious objection.

Continue reading “In Memoriam: Rudi Friedrich”

Neutrality Colloquium: A Call to Action for Active Neutrality & World Peace

Neutrality Colloquium: A Call to Action for Active Neutrality & World Peace

Geneva, Switzerland | June 26-27, 2025

The Neutrality Colloquium took place on June 26–27, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland, bringing together 90 experts in diplomacy, international law, peacebuilding, and digitalization, from 27 countries across five continents—including Colombia, Argentina, Costa Rica, the USA, the DRC, Syria, Moldova, Ireland, Japan, and China. Held in hybrid format, the Colloquium served as a critical platform to explore and promote active neutrality as a strategy for peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and global stability amid growing geopolitical tensions, rising militarization, and ongoing humanitarian crises.

This gathering followed the First International Congress on Neutrality, which was held in Bogotá, Colombia, in April 2024. That congress marked a milestone, with participants from 25 countries laying the groundwork for a renewed global conversation on neutrality. The Geneva Colloquium was conceived as a smaller, expert-level forum to build upon that momentum and shape the vision for the Second International Congress on Neutrality, scheduled for 2026.

The event was jointly organized by a coalition of organizations committed to peace and disarmament: Global Veterans Peace Network (GVPN), World BEYOND War, Inter-University Network for Peace (REDIPAZ), International Peace Bureau (IPB), Transnational Institute, the Colombia Peace Agreement, and the Geneva Center for Neutrality, which hosted the gathering. Their collaboration was essential to the success of the Colloquium.

Over two days, participants engaged in five thematic focus groups:

  • Current Neutrality Practices
  • Digital Neutrality in the Age of Cyberwarfare and AI
  • Neutrality and Media
  • Building a New Non-Aligned Movement
  • Neutrality and Common Security in a Militarized World

Each group developed specific recommendations, which were integrated into the final outcomes of the Colloquium: a Modern Neutrality Final Declaration and an Action Agenda to Promote Active Neutrality.

The Declaration stresses that neutrality is not indifference. Rather, it is a strategic, principled approach to international relations—one that prioritizes peace over power projection, sovereignty over dominance, and cooperation over confrontation. In light of the alarming rise in military expenditures—including NATO’s recent commitment to allocate up to 5% of GDP to defense—the declaration calls for redirecting resources from warfare to social, ecological, and economic justice.

“Active neutrality is neither passive nor indifferent. It is a proactive, values-based stance, rooted in non-alignment, non-intervention, and demilitarization. In a context of rising geopolitical rivalries, climate breakdown, and digital warfare, active neutrality means to:

  • Prioritize peace over power projection
  • Promote sovereignty and self-determination, especially for the Global South
  • Reject participation in arms races, military alliances or military interventions
  • Promote dialogue, diplomacy and multilateralism
  • Invest in social, ecological and economic justice instead of war”

The Geneva Colloquium marked a significant step in global efforts to redefine and reinvigorate the role of neutrality in the 21st century. The inputs and outcomes of this event will directly inform the Second International Congress on Neutrality in 2026—ensuring that the principles of active neutrality continue to evolve as powerful tools for peace and justice in our increasingly polarized world.

You can read and download the documents below:
  1. Modern Neutrality Final Declaration
  2. Action Agenda to Promote Active Neutrality
  3. Press Release: Colloquium on Neutrality by Geneva Center for Neutrality Official
  • Modern Neutrality Final Declaration

  • Action Agenda to Promote Active Neutrality

  • Press Release: Colloquium on Neutrality by Geneva Center for Neutrality
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10% for All: A global campaign to cut military spending, reframe security, and invest in humanity

The Global Military Spending Crisis

In 2024, the world spent an unprecedented 2.718 trillion USD on military budgets—equivalent to the entire budgets of South Africa, Canada, Brazil, and India combined. This massive expenditure represents the highest military spending ever recorded, a 9.4% increase from 2023, surpassing even Cold War levels. Meanwhile, multiple, simultaneous global crises persist: hunger continues to claim millions of lives, the climate crisis intensifies, and human security remains fragile. The world also grapples with escalating refugee crises, the rise of authoritarianism, and deepening global inequalities, all of which threaten the stability and well-being of societies worldwide.

Continue reading “10% for All: A global campaign to cut military spending, reframe security, and invest in humanity”

The Helsinki +50 People’s declaration on common security and human rights

Drafted by Nordic Peace Alliance’s working group on Helsinki+50

Preamble

Inspired by the Helsinki Final Act signed on the 1 st of August 1975, we, civil society organizations and individuals from Europe and beyond, call for the reinvention and revitalization of cooperation for common security and human rights in Europe. The conference in Helsinki paved the way for several positive achievements, serving as the closest thing to a peace agreement for post-World War II Europe during the continued Cold War period. The allied victory in WWII led to the formation of the UN and the adoption of indivisible human rights and the UN Charter which is the basis of international law. The Helsinki Final Act built on these achievements and promoted economic, social, cultural, environmental, scientific, and humanitarian cooperation. Thus, the Helsinki Final Act created the necessary environment for détente, arms reduction, and a dynamic peace and human rights movement of global importance.

Continue reading “The Helsinki +50 People’s declaration on common security and human rights”

Final Declaration of the International Forum for Peace

For a world in peace

Stop the increase in military spending and the militarization of our society!

The world is at a crossroads. On the one hand, the world capitalist system, imperialism that insists on maintaining a unipolar order, anchored in centuries of colonial domination, with NATO acting as the military, political and ideological arm of that old and unjust international order. On the other side, there are the forces that seek to make way for a new multilateral order, committed to the principles of the UN, which is committed to peaceful coexistence, mutually beneficial cooperation, social progress and solidarity.

Continue reading “Final Declaration of the International Forum for Peace”

NO BASIS FOR THESE BASES: The damage foreign military bases do in 2025

By World BEYOND War, July 14, 2025

A new report by World BEYOND War finds that military bases used by foreign militaries are growing in number, as are public protests and advocacy against those bases. Of 1,247 foreign military bases in the world, 877 of them, by latest count, are U.S. bases outside of the United States. Eighteen other nations, combined, have 370 bases outside their borders.

Continue reading “NO BASIS FOR THESE BASES: The damage foreign military bases do in 2025”

The Heartbeat of Humanity: A Global Treaty for Mother Earth with Auntie Ivy Smith

Dive into a sacred conversation with Auntie Ivy Smith, a wisdom keeper and indigenous advocate from Aotearoa. This episode is a bridge between ancient truths and future possibilities—a global message of healing, responsibility, and profound change.

Episode Overview

In this deeply moving episode of the Women as Agents of Change podcast, Liza Florida sits down with her dear friend, Auntie Ivy Smith, a powerful voice for indigenous peoples worldwide. Auntie Ivy shares the sacred story behind her facial tattoo (tā moko), a global message for humanity. She recounts her decade-long, self-funded journey to over 30 countries to connect with frontline communities, find truth, and build alliances.

This conversation goes beyond talk and into the heart of action. Auntie Ivy introduces her vision for a global treaty—one not owned by governments, but held in reverence for Mother Earth and stewarded by the next generation. She speaks on the power of ancestral technology, the urgent need for collective healing, and the critical solutions indigenous communities have always held. This is not just a podcast episode; it is a call to remember who we are, heal the past, and unite to protect our planet for a better tomorrow.

Key Topics Covered

The Sacred Story: Auntie Ivy explains the profound meaning of her facial tattoo—a message of responsibility, accountability, and the interconnectedness of all life.

A Global Walk for Truth: Her experience traveling self-funded to over 30 countries to listen, learn, and build a network of over 200 frontline ambassadors for change.

A Vision for a Global Treaty: The powerful concept of a treaty where ownership belongs to Mother Earth, designed to move beyond colonial frameworks and be led by the youth.

The Old Ways are the New Way: Contrasting the destructive behaviors of greed and control with the true wealth of indigenous cultures: sharing, mutual care, and living in balance with nature.

The Rise of Youth Leadership: Why the younger generation is crucial for the future and how we must support, guide, and protect them as they lead the charge.

Ancestral Technology & Real Solutions: A call to invest in proven indigenous solutions for clean water, clean energy, and healing medicine, rather than wasting resources on less effective modern technologies.

The Urgency of Healing: Why collective healing from past traumas is essential to move forward and how supporting indigenous healers is key to healing humanity.

A Call to Action for Humanity: A direct appeal for allies, resources, and good-hearted investors to help record sacred wisdom, establish healing centers, and buy back land to implement lasting solutions.

Powerful Quotes from Auntie Ivy Smith
  • “This sacred story is a global message for humanity, and it comes with a responsibility, a dedication and accountability to how you conduct yourself.”
  • “We’ve always had the solutions. Our wealth is looking after each other, our wealth of sharing.”
  • “The ownership belongs to Mother Earth, this planet and everything that gives us life. We humanity… just need to educate and bring awareness.”
  • “If we don’t heal the past, we are gonna continue to take this energy forward.”
  • “We are in 2025. We have the solutions and we want to share, train, upskill people that want to be a part of this movement. And we are ready now to start today, to save tomorrow.”
  • “Please come and sit with us so we can share our truth and wisdom, our knowledge.”

Watch Now on Youtube:

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Innovative Projects & Global Initiatives

A Global Treaty for Mother Earth: A visionary framework for planetary stewardship that removes government and corporate ownership, placing reverence for the Earth at its center. The goal is to gather allies and hold a summit to formalize and launch this movement.

Sacred Wisdom Film Archive: An urgent project to fund a film crew to travel to remote locations and record the knowledge of the last sacred wisdom holders before it is lost forever.

Global Indigenous Healing Centers: A call to establish and support healing centers led by true indigenous healers to address trauma, addiction, and homelessness, and to train others in ancient healing practices.

Ancestral Technology Fund: A plea for investment in implementing proven, ancient indigenous technologies for free energy, water purification, and sustainable agriculture to create fast, effective change.

Connect with Auntie Ivy Smith

Auntie Ivy is building a global movement and is calling in allies, investors, and good-hearted people. To learn more about the treaty, her projects, or how you can contribute, please reach out via the contact information in the episode’s description box or connect with Liza Florida, who can facilitate an introduction.

Connect with Liza Florida

Instagram: @lizaflorida and @eightbillionproject
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eightbillionpodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liza-florida-07597119
Website: https://lizaflorida.com/ 

Special Thanks


To Auntie Ivy Smith for sharing her sacred story, her profound wisdom, and her powerful vision for a healed world. Thank you for your heart and your tireless work.


To the indigenous wisdom keepers and frontline defenders around the world who protect the sacred for all of humanity.

To our listeners, may you hear this call to action, find your role in the change, and remember that we are all in this together.

About the Series

Women as Agents of Change is a special podcast series hosted by Liza Florida, presented in collaboration with the International Peace Bureau and Eight Billion Project. Each episode celebrates the wisdom, vision, and courage of women working to build a more peaceful and just world.

Peter Mertens’ Speech at The Hague in Brussels

Brussels | June 27, 2025

On the eve of the NATO Summit in The Hague, Peter Mertens brought eight theses to explain the essence and the challenges to confront, at peace events in The Hague and Brussels.

I would like to thank the organizers for the invitation.
I have brought eight theses with me.

1.    Anyone who refuses to condemn the United States and Israel has lost all credibility.
 In March 2003, a so-called Coalition of the Willing, led by the United States, launched an illegal war against Iraq. There was no approval from the UN Security Council, and the war was justified with three main arguments: that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction, that Iraq posed a threat to global security, and that a regime change would be beneficial for everyone.
None of these three arguments turned out to be true. There were no weapons of mass destruction, there was no real threat, and after the invasion, Iraq was reduced to a breeding ground for the most sectarian violence. The world did not become safer, but more dangerous.

What we are seeing today against Iran appears to be a copy of that same approach. The same three arguments are being used again: that Iran is on the verge of acquiring nuclear weapons, that it poses a threat to global security, and that a new puppet regime backed by Washington would be better for all.
This is a textbook Pentagon strategy. Once again, there is no approval from the UN Security Council. That means the actions of the United States and Israel are in violation of international law, and according to international law, constitute an illegal war of aggression.

Iran’s nuclear energy facilities are legal and continue to be monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Iran joined the IAEA in 1958, shortly after the agency was founded, and has since abides by its guidelines for the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Despite heavy pressure from Washington to impose sanctions, the IAEA has never found that Iran violated the rules or possesses nuclear weapons.

On Saturday night, Trump sent a message to the world: that it is acceptable to launch an illegal war of aggression, and that it is acceptable to bomb nuclear facilities. Any member of the United Nations that does not strongly condemn these outrageous and illegal acts is giving Trump a blank check to continue.

Meanwhile, the hypocrisy meter explodes: the only nuclear-armed power in the region is Israel, which has not signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty and accepts no inspections by international bodies.


At the same time, it is Israel that is committing genocide against the people of Gaza, bombing Lebanon and Yemen, and occupying part of Syria. Yet there are still no sanctions against Israel.

On the eve of the NATO summit, one thing is clear: the United States and Israel are bringing only more war and instability. Anyone who refuses to condemn the US and Israel has lost all credibility. It is time for Europe to say no to this madness, instead of following Trump around like a lapdog.

2. The 5% norm is a Trump norm
Starting this year, suddenly everyone began talking about 5 percent. 5 percent spending on NATO. That is nowadays a sacred cow, but where does that cow come from? That sacred cow comes from Washington. It was Trump himself who launched that number and wants to impose it on all NATO member states. And suddenly the whole world parrots him: it must and shall be 5 percent.
The question is: why does Trump want that? Firstly: because all that money mainly goes toward the purchase of American weapons. Secondly, and more fundamentally: Trump wants Europe to pay so the US can focus on China.
Trump’s best parrot is Marc Rutte, now head of NATO: “We spend more so the US can pivot, for example, to the Indo-Pacific.” “For example,” says Marc Rutte. No, not “for example” Mr. Rutte. That is not a “for example”, that is what it’s all about. Europeans must spend billions extra so the US can concentrate on its own geopolitical agenda against China in the Indo-Pacific.  That means: the military encirclement of China. NATO is an instrument of American power politics, and we get to pay the bill.

3. Trump plays Europe and Asia off against each other
And it goes even further. First, Trump convinces Europe to spend 5% of GDP on weapons. Then America tells countries in Asia: look, Europe is doing it, now you too! Former US Deputy Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby wrote on X: “Asian allies must take Europe as an example. Even Germany is now spending 5% on defense.”  Dear Australians, New Zealanders, Japanese, and Filipinos: do like Europe and spend 5% too.  And where will everyone buy those weapons? Oh yes, mainly in the arms industry in the US. We are simply being deceived while we watch. Europe is being played against Asia. And vice versa. And in the meantime, the American arms industry wins on all sides.

4. The NATO norm is not an obligation
The 2% or 5% norm is not binding at all. The so-called NATO norm has no legal or treaty-based character. It is not binding. You cannot enforce this norm legally. The norm is a political agreement, not a legal obligation. Member states remain sovereign and decide their own defense policy.
Examples:
*Denmark, Norway, and Spain refused nuclear weapons on their territory.
*France, Germany, and Belgium opposed NATO involvement in the second Gulf War against Iraq.
*Turkey denied US troops access to its territory.
 
In short: even within NATO, countries can follow their own course—if they want to. Spain has already said that it will not accept the 5% norm. Why then should Belgium accept that norm? Why then should a caretaker government in the Netherlands accept that norm?

5. The Trump norm threatens our social security
“There is no money.”
Everyone has heard that, for decades, there is no money to invest in good public transport, no money to invest in childcare or affordable housing, no money to pay people a decent pension, no money…And now suddenly billions of euros are found for armament and war. What a lie.

Just to reach 3.5 percent, Belgium would have to cough up an extra 10 billion euros per year. That is incredible.

The Trump norm is an attack on our social security, and our social achievements, and if we let them be destroyed, Trump has won.
Meanwhile, arms manufacturers have already won and are making phenomenal profits. They even advertise investing in the arms industry as “the best investment ever”, they say. A system that lets arms investors cash in while retirees can barely get by is decadent. A system that gives more money to tanks than to schools is decadent. 

More money for weapons: not in our name!

6. NATO already spends insane amounts
For the warmongers, it’s never enough. They pretend that NATO countries are poor wretches who barely spend anything on defense. The opposite is true. The numbers are insane. Truly insane.

In 2024, the 32 NATO countries together spent 1.275 trillion dollars on armament. If the 5% norm is implemented, that amount rises to 2.758 trillion dollars per year—more than double! 

For comparison: that is more than all other countries in the world combined, including China, Russia, India, Israel, Ukraine, and Saudi Arabia. Today, NATO countries spend 12 times more than Russia, and 4.5 times more than China. At 5% it would even be 20 times more. That is not security. 

That is an absurd arms race that will destroy our social achievements and bring the world even closer to a major war.

7. NATO is not a defensive organization—but a war machine
Officially, NATO says it stands for peace. But listen to what Mark Rutte recently said: “NATO is the most powerful military alliance in the history of humanity. More powerful than the Roman Empire. And more powerful than Napoleon’s empire.”


That comparison says it all. The Roman Empire was not a defensive alliance. It was an empire that thrived on conquest and domination. Just like Napoleon, who crowned himself emperor and brought Europe under his influence.
If NATO with 1.275 trillion dollars is truly more powerful than the Roman Empire, then why do we still need to spend more?


Indeed, Rutte almost says it himself—because NATO is not a defense alliance at all, but a tool of world domination, just like the Roman Empire. NATO is a war machine. We owe it nothing.

Not a single cent for their wars!

8. Seize the Moment: believe in our collective power
They want to wear us down with fear and war, and all kinds of technical details about how deep the new American bombs can explode underground. They want us blind to the counter-movement and our own collective power.

We are the forces of peace. We are the people who, with 150,000 in The Hague and 110,000 in Brussels, drew the Red Line against genocide. We are the 6 million Americans who took part in the protests against Trump: “No thrones, no crowns, no kings.” We are the dockworkers of Marseilles who refuse to load warships to Israel. We are the Palestinians around the world.


Dear friends: their world order leads to the abyss. Everyone feels that it is not right that we arm ourselves to the teeth while our trains don’t run, our pensions are cut, and our hospitals lack staff.

Real political courage is not trailing behind Trump like a lapdog. Real political courage is developing a vision of our own: A vision that invests in our industry, a vision that invests in technology and science, in ecological transition, a vision that invests in peace.


Their world order is the order of the past. The peace movement is the power of the future.

Believe in your own strength.
Believe in our collective power.
Believe in socialism. 

Reference: https://international.pvda-ptb.be/articles/peter-mertens-speech-hague-en-brussels