DiEM25

Mainstream media and politicians are decrying a surge in antisemitic incidents in Europe, as Israel continues its indiscriminate bombing of Palestinians in retaliation for the Hamas attack of October 7. But these pronouncements have also sparked accusations of Islamophobia. Some politicians and commentators have implied that antisemitism is intrinsic to Muslim communities. Meanwhile, European leaders and institutions are intensifying their crackdown on public solidarity with the Palestinian cause, banning protests, cancelling events, and creating a climate that challenges Europe’s commitment to free speech. What’s the reality behind these disturbing dynamics? What repercussions might there be for the wider Middle Eastern context? And, of course, what can we all do about it?  That’s what our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Erik Edman and Julijana Zita, will discuss. Join us and put your questions to them live! End the siege on Gaza!  SUPPORT US Join: https://diem25.org/join ​  Donate: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official 

We’re more than two weeks into the implacable collective punishment of the Palestinian people by Israel. Thousands of civilians have been killed, most of them children, in a campaign that has Palestinians and Western activists and academics ringing the alarm bells of genocide. And yet our European leaders seem incapable to see anything but Israel exercising its “right to self-defence”. Unelected Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered her unqualified support to Israel, with not a word about respect for the rights of Palestinians. French leader Emmanuel Macron criminalised pro-Palestine protests, as did German chancellor Olaf Scholz—who has also called for less refugees coming into Germany, and even for mass deportations.  How independent can Europe be, when it falls so nakedly in line with the US’ position on the conflict? What’s really behind these cowardly moves of our 'leaders'? And what can all of us, watching the horrors unfold on our screens, do about it? SUPPORT US Join: https://diem25.org/join ​  Donate: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official 

For over half a century, the enduring occupation of Palestine has led to indescribable suffering being inflicted upon the Palestinian population. Leading Palestinian, Israeli and international human rights groups have said that the totality and severity of the human rights violations against the Palestinian population amount to the crime against humanity of apartheid. Living under the shadow of apartheid, individuals are left with a grim choice: silent suffering or resistance. Days ago, Hamas—the Islamist organisation that governs the blockaded and densely populated Gaza Strip—launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, with fighting raging well inside Israeli territory. Hundreds of Israelis and Palestinians have already been killed, many of them civilians.  How can we bring a stop to the loss of innocent lives, and prevent a possibly catastrophic response from the far-right Israel government? How does this conflict relate to others around the world, including the war currently raging in Ukraine? And, most importantly, how can we achieve a lasting, just peace, in Palestine and beyond?  That’s what our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Erik Edman and Julijana Zita, will discuss. Join us live and be part of this vital conversation. SUPPORT US Join: https://diem25.org/join ​  Donate: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official 

When is infringing on civil liberties fair game against political opponents? 2023 has seen a depressing uptick in attacks on civil liberties in the name of political disagreement, from across the ideological spectrum. Jeremy Corbyn was a victim of a frivolous lawsuit to silence him. Nigel Farage claimed his bank account was closed due to his controversial ‘values’. And across both sides of the Atlantic, prominent activists, journalists and influencers have been deplatformed or experienced financial repercussions as a consequence of their political stances.  The list goes on. In this live discussion, we’ll be asking: Is it ever justifiable to curtail civil liberties, like freedom of speech and financial access, when the individuals involved hold polarising views? Or does this set a dangerous precedent for the erosion of democratic norms? Our diverse panel — including our own Yanis Varoufakis — will bring various perspectives to the table on the vital issue. SUPPORT US Join: https://diem25.org/join ​  Donate: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official 

Major events in Africa have taken place in recent weeks. In Niger and Gabon, coups d’état removed historical European allies from power, adding to a growing list of such events in the Western part of the continent since 2020. New governments in countries like Burkina Faso, backed by broad popular support, are reassessing their deep neocolonial ties with Europe, particularly France. While Paris and its remaining West African allies reject the authority of these governments, and even threaten war. Meanwhile, a landmark summit of the BRICS group of major emerging economies happened in Johannesburg. The bloc’s leaders stated their intention to shape the global economic order, reduce dependency on the US dollar, expand its membership, and promote green growth. Could this wave of upheaval in Africa lead to an end to European exploitation? Or will it only result in despotism and corruption? Can the emboldened BRICS really lead the world into a fairer international order? And what should Europe’s place be in all of this?  That’s what we’ll debate with our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Nomazulu Thata and Amir Kiyaei. Join us live and send us your comments and questions! SUPPORT US Join: https://diem25.org/join ​  Donate: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official 

Anger is palpable in the streets of France today, as the recent killing of 17-year-old Nahel by police during a traffic stop ignited countrywide protests. Such large-scale unrest hadn’t been seen since the Gilet Jaunes movement took off five years ago. As a result of this, and of his extremely unpopular pension reform – which also saw widespread protests – Emmanuel Macron's popularity has hit rock bottom, with support surging for both the far-right and the Left. What does all of this mean for people in France, and what lessons can be learned by those elsewhere in Europe?  Join us for this vital conversation featuring Yanis Varoufakis, Julijana Zita, Erik Edman and the rest of our team, as well as our special guest, Stathis Kouvelakis. And remember to send us your comments and questions live! SUPPORT US Join: https://diem25.org/join ​  Donate: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official 

This month saw one of the worst shipwrecks in Europe in a decade. Up to 700 people drowned, including at least 100 children, when a refugee boat sank off the Greek coast on June 14. It’s another tragic milestone resulting from the anti-migrant policies of governments like Greece, and of the EU itself. Inhumane policies that were given voice last year by the EU’s foreign affairs chief: Europe is “beautiful garden”, he said, that must be protected from the surrounding “jungle” that’s ready to “invade it”. Similar tragedies have failed to bring enough public attention to the plight of migrants in the Mediterranean. This time, though, could be different. Survivors and NGOs have accused Greek authorities of playing a role in the deaths. The Hellenic Coast Guard, they say, watched the boat drift for hours without making any attempt to rescue people — and may have then contributed to its capsizing. What are the latest developments in this crisis? Who should be held accountable? And what needs to change to prevent further tragedies? Join us for this vital conversation featuring our special guest, Miguel Duarte, a tireless migrants’ rights activist who has already aided in the rescue of 14,000 people. And send us your comments and questions live. SUPPORT US Join: https://diem25.org/join ​  Donate: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official 

DiEM25 has always stood firmly against transphobia and all forms of discrimination. There is no question for our movement about the validity of transgender rights. In mainstream media and the wider society, though, numerous related issues have ignited fiery debates, including potential implications for women's spaces, the question of youth transitioning, and the impact on sports competitions. As a result, the trans community has been under attack not only by the Right, but also some on the Left and in the LGBTQ+ community. Some of these debates are clearly a smokescreen for veiled bigotry. But are some of them just reservations in response to rapidly evolving gender norms? And, if so, how do we address some of the myths and concerns currently driving transphobia, and make sure people out there ally with the cause of the trans community around Europe? Our team, including Yanis Varoufakis, Julijana Zita and Dusan Pajovic, investigates. SUPPORT US Join: https://diem25.org/join ​  Donate: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official 

There are growing calls for the crime of "ecocide", meaning mass damage and destruction of ecosystems, to be recognised in international criminal law. This would ensure that individuals, company directors, CEOs, can be prosecuted for the ecological damage caused by the organisations they head up, like oil spills, deforestation, or soil pollution, wherever these organisations may be. Could this be the missing piece in the broader battle against climate change? Is it workable? And what are the steps to get there? We interview Jojo Mehta, executive director and co-founder of Stop Ecocide International, to find out. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST Stop Ecocide International Young Climate Activists Lead Blockade at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner Eradicating Ecocide by Polly Higgins The World We Made by Jonathon Porritt #futuregen, Lessons from a Small Country by Jane Davidson SUPPORT US Join: https://diem25.org/join ​  Donate: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official 

Not so long ago, the term “green politics” had a much more radical meaning, and a vote for a Green party was a vote for climate justice. Green parties have benefitted politically from the impact of growing movements like Fridays for Future and Extinction Rebellion. They have entered government in countries like Germany and Austria, partnering with far-right parties in the process. In Germany, they are razing villages to open the way for new coal mining, while the world is careening towards the crucial 1.5 °C mark in the average global temperature rise. And when it comes to world affairs, while previously firmly anti-war, some are now taking pro-war stances. In addition to this, terms like “green” and “sustainable” are being coopted by politicians and corporations alike (with the EU’s recent Beyond Growth Conference providing some fresh examples). What happened? Our team, including Yanis Varoufakis, Julijana Zita and Dusan Pajovic, investigates. SUPPORT US Join: https://diem25.org/join ​  Donate: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official