20260120 Vorbereitung der Ostermärsche

Strategy of the peace movement in Germany

In order to prevent a war in Central Europe, the peace movement in Germany has called a strategy conference on February 1, even before the Easter marches. More than 600 activists have already registered. A strategy paper was sent out with the invitation to the conference in December.

To this end, Peter Brandt (historian, Initiative "Neue Entspannungspolitik jetzt!"), Reiner Braun (chairman of the Scientists' Peace Initiative Responsibility for Peace and the International Peace Bureau), Michael Müller (former parliamentary state secretary, chairman of the Nature Friends), Willi van Ooyen (Federal Peace Council Committee, Peace and Future Workshop) have formulated an addendum to the Berlin Appeal. The Berlin Appeal continues to collect signatures against the deployment of medium-range missiles in Germany.

Taking action against current threats

The conference invitation therefore states that 2026 will be even more challenging than last year. Issues will become even more pressing, and agreements even more necessary. We therefore propose further activities in this paper:

against the rearmament of Germany and the EU and the associated dismantling of the welfare state

against compulsory military service and Bundeswehr propaganda in schools

against militarization and preparations for war in society and the associated restriction of freedom of expression

against the possible deployment of new medium-range weapons by the US, Germany, or other states

for peace in Ukraine and against the war policy of Germany and the EU with their arms deliveries

in solidarity with the people of Palestine, Venezuela, and other countries affected by the imperialist war policy of the US and its allies

More and more people in Germany are realizing that the government's desire for "war readiness" is restricting us in all areas of civilian life. Social achievements are being eroded, be it our pensions, the healthcare system, or education. There is a shortage of housing everywhere and rents are no longer affordable.

In addition, the planned medium-range missiles threaten our very lives. We say no to the deployment of new medium-range missiles in southern Germany. They are first-strike weapons. They make Germany a prime target for war and set off a new arms race. The planned Dark Eagle hypersonic missiles increase tensions and pose a particular danger to Germany of becoming the target of a preemptive strike. Moreover, the short warning times increase the risk of misguided reactions.

Their deployment was decided within NATO without any public or parliamentary debate. An offer of disarmament negotiations is no longer included, as was the case with the deployment of Pershing missiles in the 1980s, which was prevented at the time. Their deployment must be prevented!

The next tests for the peace movement will be the protest day against conscription on March 5 and this year's Easter marches.

Be there!