The Europe–Kurdistan Ecology Movement (TEV–EKO) convened in Darmstadt, Germany, for a two-day interim meeting attended by 30 delegates. Participants joined from Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and Austria, with internationalist ecology movements also expressing their support.
Why TEV-EKO?
The two-day discussion platform mainly focused on why a structure like TEV-EKO was needed. In this context, participants stated: “Ecology has long been one of the core principles of the Kurdish Freedom Movement; however, a free, functional, and effective system can only be realized when individuals take their destinies into their own hands and collectively organize every aspect of their lives.”
Attention was also drawn to the necessity of constructing an alternative model based on radical, anti-capitalist, communal, and self-governing principles. The participants noted that, in response to the ongoing destruction of nature in Kurdistan, they had felt compelled since 2024 to establish such a movement, which led to the creation of the Europe–Kurdistan Ecology Movement.
It was emphasized that TEV-EKO aims to develop its organizational structure in line with social ecology, grounded in the principles of the Kurdish Freedom Movement and the fundamental tenets of the democratic modernity paradigm. The movement seeks to advance the ecological struggle globally through a political and ideological framework.
The discussions also highlighted that the exploitation and destruction of nature beyond its essential needs are directly linked to the hierarchical system that began with the oppression of women. Today, people continue to face discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, and faith, while also being subjected to economic exploitation.
The components of the Europe–Kurdistan Ecology Movement stated that they aim to build a free and solidarity-based society, emphasizing that viewing nature as a living subject and the foundation of life and defending the rights of all living beings is of vital importance. The central point underlined in the discussions was that embracing life as a whole is only possible by recognizing ourselves as part of nature.
It was also stressed that “defending nature and life requires an ecological and solidarity-based understanding of the economy.” The participants expressed their determination to raise ecological awareness among Kurds through the Kurdistan Ecology Movement, ensure its influence in all activities, and make the ongoing ecocide policies in Kurdistan known to Europe and the world.
We could not fulfill our role
The discussions also focused on TEV-EKO’s working style and methods. Regarding its institutional mission, participants acknowledged that the movement had not yet fully played its role and that there was still no clear consensus on whether its struggle should be conducted primarily within the framework of Kurdistan or with a focus on the European context.
In addition, a self-critical perspective emerged concerning unresolved questions such as which audiences the movement should address, whether it should prioritize diplomatic efforts or practical organizing, and on what basis it should carry out its international work.
Social ecology is possible through peace
It was noted that ecological work has so far been most active in Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, while sufficient organization has not yet been achieved in other European countries. In the new phase, discussions focused on expanding and institutionalizing the organizational model, prioritizing ecological education, preparing for a multilingual website, and promoting ecological awareness so that it reaches and influences social life. It was also emphasized that ecology should find practical expression in everyday life.
Internationalist friends of the Kurdish movement participating in the discussions stated that the significance of ecology can only be realized if there is collective participation in peace and active efforts toward it. They pointed out that sensitivity to social ecology can best develop and be understood in an environment of peace.
Despite existing shortcomings and limitations, the participants reaffirmed their determination to build an ecological society, pledging to continue their work and advance it in the spirit of the “Manifesto for Peace and a Democratic Society.”
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