Confrontation? Europeans say no

‘Young people want a future, the rich want war!’ With this slogan, people in Germany are protesting plans to bring back compulsory military service. Against the backdrop of Europe’s rearmament, the voices of those opposing militarization and demanding that money be spent on education and healthcare are growing louder. Among them are activists from Germany, Italy and Spain – the participants of this film.

Stefan Natke, former head of the Berlin branch of the German Communist Party, takes part in anti-war protests. He believes the country is moving ever further away from democratic principles, while the local media have been keeping silent about events in Donbass since 2014. To tell people what is happening there, Natke joined the Anti-Fascist Caravan. This movement was created by the Italian musical group Banda Bassotti, which has travelled to Donbass along with other activists many times to bring toys to children’s homes, medicine for the wounded, and help for civilians.

David Cacchione, founder of Banda Bassotti and the Anti-Fascist Caravan thinks music and art can work as weapons in the struggle for one’s beliefs. He has like-minded supporters in Spain as well, where anti-war demonstrations are being held against NATO policy and American military bases.

This film explores why activists across Europe are opposing militarization and whose interests they believe European governments are defending.

Watch “Confrontation? Europeans say no” on RTD website and on RT’s live feed. The time of the broadcast is available on RT’s schedule page.