Peace Advocate: Alexander Langer
In the heart of South Tyrol, a region that borders Austria, a man named Alexander Langer was born. This man would go on to become a beacon of hope and a champion for peace in Europe during turbulent times.
Langer's political activism began in the 1980s, in the context of the emergence of the Green Movement in Italy. He was a co-founder of the Italian Greens and had previously been involved in left-wing and alternative groups, such as the "Alternative List for the Other South Tyrol." His work took place within the context of politically left and ecological movements that advocated for peace, environmental protection, and social justice.
Langer's most notable contributions came during his tenure in the European Parliament from 1989 to 1995. He tirelessly called for an end to the violence in the Balkans, advocating for a peaceful, diplomatic solution that involved all parties. His efforts extended beyond the European Parliament, as he visited the region on multiple occasions, building relationships with those working for inter-ethnic harmony, like the mayor of Tuzla in Bosnia, Selim Bešliagić.
Langer was a devout Catholic and sought peaceful co-existence in a region with ethnic tensions. He believed that peace is inseparable from justice, from solidarity between peoples, and from the conservation of nature. In line with these beliefs, he co-presided over the first Green group in the European Parliament.
Langer's legacy encourages us to reflect critically on the present, on the way we act, and the need to devise innovative and informed responses to today's challenges. He championed the Verona Forum for Peace and Reconciliation, a network that brought together different pacifist and democratic groups from the region who opposed the war.
One of Langer's most significant proposals was the creation of a European civilian peace corps. Composed of professionals and volunteers trained in mediation, this corps was intended to prevent violence, monitor peace, and facilitate non-violent dialogue and negotiation with local authorities in conflict zones.
Langer also focused on environmental protection, North-South international relations, and the defence of human and minority rights during his terms in the European Parliament. He saw the end of the Cold War as a crucial moment to restart the European integration process with a federalist and regionalist bent.
On 26 June 1995, Langer joined a delegation in Cannes to launch a manifesto titled "Europe is reborn or dies in Sarajevo," denouncing the policy of "neutrality" that robbed Europe "of any credibility with Bosnians and any respect from the aggressors."
Alexander Langer was a leading figure in the Italian and European green movements. His beliefs in peace, justice, and the conservation of nature continue to inspire us today, reminding us of the importance of critical reflection and innovative action in addressing the challenges of our times.
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