While on the Frederiksplein the heads of state and governments move on with finalising the internal market and the introduction of the euro, the Alternative Summit has presented its Alternative Declaration of Amsterdam. This declaration is the reply to the onesided policies of the European Union and its shortsighted focus on economic and monetary policies. During the Alternative Summit a changing group of well above 500 international participants have taken part in workshops and debates about a different Europe than the one currently shaped by the European Union governments. In the Alternative Declaration of Amsterdam this different Europe is outlined.

A first point of critique concerns the undemocratic procedure which has lead to the Treaty of Amsterdam. Certainly in The Netherlands there has been no serious debate about the future of Europe. The process has not sufficiently involved the citizens and cannot be considered democratic. The Treaty of Amsterdam does not repair the democratic gap in the EU.

The introduction of the Economic and Monetary Union has far reaching social impacts. To reach the EMU criteria, social expenditure is cut dramatically. The 20 million unemployed and 50 million people in Europe living in poverty pay the price for the euro.

The Treaty of Amsterdam lacks commitments in the direction of changing course towards a sustainable economy. There is insufficient intiatives to realise strong joint environmental policies. The Dutch presidency has not fullfilled its obligation on this area.

The declaration of the Alternative Summit calls the European and national parliaments to reject the Amsterdam Treaty as long as the basic principles of democracy have not been fullfilled. Movements in every country of the EU will start campaigning for this joint demand.

The declaration of the Alternative Summit ends with an agenda of joint action agreed on by NGOs from all over Europe present at the Alternative Summit. The plans, for the next six months and beyond, focus on a stronger cooperation between NGOs working for a different Europe, including mobilisation for a week of action in early December.

If you want to receive more information about the Alternative Summit, the Dutch Coalition for a Different Europe or the alternative declaration of Amsterdam, you can contact Olivier Hoedeman (0653 867632 or +31 20 4222712).