We do not need a war plan. We need a plan for peace
There is probably no one of us who would not be worried about the news and the statements of military threat and the need for European armaments. We can see that in recent weeks and months over Europe, a cloud of war rhetoric has healed. We could also say that we are witnessing a war hysteria. Instead of connecting, cooperation and dialogue, there is too much talk about arms for my concepts.
We are part of Europe, so we cannot avoid discussing security and defense in our country either. It is no problem that this exists, the problem is when it becomes exaggerated, husky and starts to panic. We are mainly responsible for politicians who should first act (and communicate) responsibly and calmly. Any acquisition of political points and liking at the expense of such a serious topic is irresponsible and unproductive. Including political campaigns to call a referendum.
I agree that we are talking too easily about the readiness for war. We are already calling for multi -day supplies from Brussels, as if everything has been decided and that the armed conflict is a fact that cannot be avoided in any way. As if this is the only option for our future.
As a social democrat and as a Slovenian, I do not agree with this. Not because he would live in the illusion that there is no danger. Not because it would be naive about the threats that threaten our continent. And not because I would not understand the rules of collective defense within NATO. Or because I wouldn’t understand how, because of Trump and Putin, the world we were used to changing.
Minister Matjaz Han. Photo: Leon Vidic
It is clear to me that security commitments must apply and that Slovenia also has a responsibility for collective defense. The question is not whether we will take care of our security. The question is how we take care of our security. Will we achieve this by promoting the conflict or by its calm resolution? Social democracy has a clear position here.
We do not believe in safety based solely on weapons. We believe in safety based on peace, cooperation, trust and justice. Security is not just military power. Security is also a strong welfare state. Respect for institutions and respect for arrangements. Respect for international law. I do not agree to prepare Europeans – as well as Slovenes – in advance for war instead of doing everything to ensure peace. Europe does not need a war plan. It needs a plan for peace.
While it is predicted a crashing increase in defense expenditure, it should not be forgotten that we have many subsystems of our society to ensure the development and social security, which are also threatened by the unstable international conditions and the constant crises we have witnessed in recent years.
Europe will not be stronger if it is more armed. Europe will be stronger if it is fairer, more uniform and more human. If she follows her fundamental idea at home and in the world: peace. But not to be mistaken: Slovenia has to fulfill its international commitments. But that doesn’t mean we have to become a society of fear. It does not mean that we have to accept that the war is inevitable. That’s why I call for reason.
Slovenia must meet its international commitments. But that doesn’t mean we have to become a society of fear.
As President of the Social Democrats and as a member of the Slovenian Government, I urge that:
1. We strengthen European peace initiatives, including the European Peace Plan in Ukraine, long -term coexistence with the Russian Federation and to end the genocide in Gaza,
2. Increase defense capabilities by developing a common European defense, because this is the most economical and because at EU level we can ensure greater efficiency of these investments with a coordinated European defense plan. On the day when Trump’s administration introduced new customs duties to European goods and when we obviously enter the reality of the trade war, it is necessary to return to reason. If we want to prevent us from finally slipping into a crazy world, we all have to stop together and sobely think about our responses to all kinds of threats.
I am a man who believes in an agreement. The agreement – for our safety or for our competitiveness – is only a dialogue. To hear each other. To understand each other. Looking for options. To overcome differences. None of this is possible without dialogue. This is the duty of social democracy.
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Matjaž Han, President of SD, Minister of Economy, Tourism and Sport.
The article is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily express the views of the editorial board.
