Peace Facilitator: Alexander Langer
Alexander Langer, a prominent figure in the Italian and European green movements, dedicated his life to promoting peace, sustainability, and dialogue in the Balkans during the turbulent 1990s. Born in Sterzing-Vipiteno, South Tyrol, a predominantly German-speaking Italian province, Langer's multicultural upbringing may have influenced his desire to build bridges between people from different cultures and backgrounds. Langer's political career began in the 1980s as a councillor in Italy's South Tyrol province. He later served as a member of the European Parliament from 1989 to 1995, championing the Verona Forum for Peace and Reconciliation, a network that brought together pacifist and democratic groups from the former Yugoslavia region who opposed the war. His work extended to collaborating with Italian peace groups such as the Non-Violent Movement, Beati Costruttori di Pace, and Associazione per la Pace, as well as global pacifist organizations like Pax Christi and the International Fellowship of Reconciliation. Langer was known for his mediation skills, sensitivity, and unwavering commitment to peace. He tirelessly called for an end to the violence in the Balkans and for a peaceful, diplomatic solution that involved all parties from the benches of the European Parliament. In 1994, Langer proposed the creation of a European civilian peace corps to strengthen EU foreign policy, made up of professionals and volunteers trained in mediation. He also advocated for a free and less nationalistic press, support for forces of peace and democracy in the region, and the granting of asylum to deserters, draft evaders, and refugees. Langer saw the end of the Cold War as a crucial moment to restart the European integration process with a federalist and regionalist bent. He believed that the political unity of the European Community should come before economic and market unity, and the European Parliament should strengthen its powers to consolidate the democratic system. His political platform advocated for peace between people and nature, and a form of co-existence between linguistic communities that respected each of them without leading to political and social conflict. Langer visited the region on multiple occasions, building relationships with those working for inter-ethnic harmony, like the mayor of Tuzla in Bosnia, Selim Bešlagić. Langer's work to end wars convinced him that institutions like the UN and international law needed to be reformed to provide better tools for preventing conflicts. His legacy is his multifaceted thinking, unwavering activism, advocacy for nonviolence, pioneering environmentalism, and strong commitment to peaceful coexistence. On 26 June 1995, Langer joined a delegation 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.' Today, Langer's approach can be applied to complex challenges through his vision of dialogue, respect for diversity, and sustainable, peaceful solutions. His legacy continues to inspire those who strive for a more peaceful and sustainable world.
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