- 29 May 2013 - 30 May 2013
- Brussels
Venue:
Salle de la FGTB-Bruxelles
rue Haute, 42
1000 Brussels
European Seminar
Left and Migrations
How to think common struggles between migrants, non-migrants and minorities? Issues, obstacles and possibilities.
Objectives
This seminar is aimed at making an effective contribution to the debate on the sometimes ambiguous relationship between the Left and migrant people, descendants of immigrants and minorities. However diverse they might be, these groups are often confronted with the same precarious social conditions and their participation to the fight for social emancipation appears to be essential for the society as a whole. Above the constraints that could complicate common action, some common struggles are also revealing the existing potentials.
The selection of participants to the seminar intends to launch a discussion between different social and political actors from political parties, trade unions and the civil society engaged in favour of social changes.
The European dimension of the meeting is based on the organizers shared will to strengthen the discussion on the search for alternatives at the continental scale. In the face of neo-liberal policies and their deleterious impacts – which also exist at the national level – it is more essential than ever for the different powers fighting for change to consider the successes and failures of the initiatives launched in a number of European countries. At a time when tensions and divisions are increasing amongst societies, we are hoping that this meeting will be part of a wider debate promoting gatherings of people and the identification of alternatives.
Organizers
FGTB, ACJJ, transform! europe, Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, REALPE, and GUE/NGL
Programme
Wednesday,29 May
13.00 Welcoming
13.30-18.30
Sharing of several experiences of common struggles at the associative, trade union, and political level. Analysis of progresses and obstacles.
With the participation of elected representatives, social and political actors from Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, Greece, Serbia, Poland...
15.30-15.45 Coffee break
19.30-22.00 Buffet at Espace Marx, rue Rouppe 4, Brussels (within walking distance of the FGTB)
Thursday, 30 May
9.00 Welcoming
9.30-10.00
What theoretical concepts can help to organize common struggles between migrants and non-migrants in European societies ?
Speech of Martin Deleixhe, University Researcher at the ULB (Université Libre de Bruxelles)
10.00-10.45 Debate
10.45-11.00 Coffee break
11.00-11.20
Migration policy in Europe, role of the European Parliament.
Speech of Mrs. Marie-Christine Vergiat, MEP, member of the group of the European United Left / Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL)
11.30-12.45 Debate
12.15-13.15 Lunch
13.15.15.30
What lessons can be drawn from discussed experiences in order to overcome divisions in the struggle for social and political progress ?
15.30-16.00 Assessment
