Anti-EU conference in Wales
By Margaret Allan
CARDIFF — Progressive and environmental organisations from all over Europe joined here to protest against the summit meeting of the leaders of the European Union on June 15 and 16.
The EU's "convergence criteria" for countries to join the European Monetary Union have resulted in increased austerity programs in each member country.
The "Reclaim Europe!" counter-summit, also known as "Not the Official Summit", was organised by the groups Reclaim Europe! and Towards a Different Europe. The latter played a major role in the large 1997 Euromarch to Amsterdam.
"Large corporations must no longer set the agenda. The EU must put people, communities and the environment first", the Reclaim Europe! organisers said in a statement.
A highlight of the weekend was a 3000-strong march, with many organisations and political parties taking part. The theme was "No to big business Europe! Yes to jobs, public services and democracy!".
An open letter to EU leaders and Welsh MPs calling for job creation, expansion of welfare and a shorter working week with no loss of pay was adopted by the rally before the march, and signed by many of the participants.
The rally heard speakers from left and Green MPs, trade unions and the Welsh nationalist party Plaid Cymru.
The counter-summit preceded the official summit, and consisted of three days of discussion, debate and plans of action. There were accounts of successful campaigns such as the French unemployed movement, panels and workshops to discuss globalisation and the effect of the EU process and monetary union on working people, women and minority groups, the environment and rural areas.
Other activities included a street party, protests against the trade in arms, genetic engineering, animal exploitation, and nuclear pollution, and a "critical mass" anti-car demonstration.