Mehran Khalili made the opening speech at DiEM25’s event in Brussels on March 7, titled “WTF Happened To Europe?”, where he provided a powerful reminder of the problems that Europe is currently facing, from rapid militarisation, economic stagnation and the rise of the far right.

Highlighting the region’s complicity in global crises, he stated, “Europe armed, funded and shielded Israel as it carried out a genocide. Nearly 50,000 people were killed, mostly women and children.” This dire acknowledgment serves as a wake-up call to reflect on Europe’s international stance and its reverberating effects.

The militarisation of policy

Khalili critiqued Europe’s rapid militarisation as governments pivot towards a war economy, underscoring that “the EU, a peace project, is now aiming to mobilise up to 800 billion Euros for weapons, tanks, and defence. Without real debate. Without real consent.” The shift towards militarisation, and away from crucial public investment in education and healthcare, highlights a dangerous trajectory.

Economic stagnation and growing inequality

In the economic sphere, Khalili painted a picture of stagnation and inequality, a growing chasm between the wealthy and the working class: “40 million of our fellow Europeans can’t afford to heat their homes. Younger generations here will be poorer than their parents for the first time in modern history.” As more wealth is accumulated by the top 10 percent, the dream of home ownership has dissipated for many, leaving entire regions to languish.

The shadow of influence

Europe’s lack of autonomy in international affairs has compounded its domestic woes. Khalili pointed out that “Europe just follows Washington’s lead on trade, on war, on military spending,” thereby underscoring a dependency that further diminishes its global influence.

Challenging the hard right’s narrative

The current political landscape sees the rise of hard-right parties across Europe. Khalili attributed their success to how they “exploit people’s justified rage over poverty, insecurity, and corruption,” deftly steering public anger away from systemic issues to divisive scapegoats like immigration. This manipulation fosters a narrative of hostility and division, all the while deftly executing their unsettling agendas.

A call for a new vision

In closing his remarks, Mehran Khalili urged attendees and supporters to reflect on pivotal questions: “What happened to Europe? How do we get here? Where have we failed?” This appeal is not just for contemplation but for actionable change, encouraging a concerted effort to forge a new vision for Europe, one that reinstates hope and delivers tangible improvement for its citizens.

As we move forward, the need for a radical alternative becomes ever clearer. DiEM25 invites all to join in crafting this new narrative—a vision for Europe that revives its foundational values and fulfills the promise of a society that is fair, equitable, and truly united.

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