At the International Anti-NATO Summit organized by the Communist Party of Turkey (TKP), communist and workers’ parties from NATO member states and the European Communist Action, together with international peace and youth organizations, came together in İstanbul on 4 July ahead of the NATO Summit in Ankara. Participants called for a common struggle against imperialist war policies, the arms race, and NATO military bases. In the meeting, organized under the slogans “Humanity Does Not Deserve Humiliation and Death” and “NATO and Imperialism Will Be Defeated,” participants called for a common struggle against imperialist war policies, the arms race, and NATO military bases.
Okuyan: NATO is everywhere in Turkey
Opening the meeting, TKP General Secretary Kemal Okuyan drew attention to the historical and political consequences of Turkey’s NATO membership. He recalled that in recent years the TKP has complemented its long-standing demand that “Turkey should exit NATO” with the slogan “NATO should leave Turkey,” stressing that the two demands are mutually reinforcing.
Okuyan argued that NATO is not merely a military issue in Turkey, stating: “NATO is everywhere in Turkey. It is in our politics, in our economy, in our culture. It is behind political assassinations, the planning of military coups, psychological warfare, and the channels of disinformation that relentlessly spread lies.”
Rejecting the historical justification that Turkey joined NATO because of a “Soviet threat,” Okuyan said the Soviet Union had never posed a military threat to Turkey and had instead supported Turkey’s War of Independence and the Turkish bourgeoisie joined the imperialist alliance in order to secure its own rule and protect the existing social system.
“The government is preparing to renew its alliance with NATO”
Okuyan argued that under the AKP government, Turkey has become more systematically integrated into NATO and U.S. military strategy. Referring to the Greater Middle East Project, the war in Syria, and the policy of neo-Ottomanism, he said that while the government occasionally used its relations with Russia as leverage in negotiations with the West, since 2023 Turkey has once again returned to a NATO-centered foreign policy.
He attributed this shift to the Turkish bourgeoisie’s need for external resources, the ambitions of Turkey’s arms industry to expand its share of global markets, developments surrounding the war in Ukraine, and broader U.S. regional strategy. Referring to the upcoming summit in Ankara, Okuyan said, “The government is preparing to renew its alliance with NATO.”
He added that the summit would not be merely symbolic but would serve to further reorganize and strengthen NATO as an aggressive military alliance. While Turkey’s ruling class seeks to exploit contradictions within NATO for its own benefit, he argued, the country is witnessing “a new version of neo-Ottomanism under NATO’s umbrella.”
International representatives: NATO is an instrument of war
Representatives of Party of Labour of Austria, German Communist Party, Communist Party of Greece, Hungarian Workers’ Party, New Communist Party of the Netherlands, Portuguese Communist Party, Communist Party of the Workers’ of Spain, World Federation of Democratic Youth (WFDY), World Peace Council (WPC), and the Greek Peace Committee addressed the meeting. A written contribution from the Portuguese Council for Peace and Cooperation, whose representatives were unable to attend, was also presented.
Speakers emphasized that NATO is not a “defensive alliance” but an organization of imperialist war and intervention. They condemned rising military expenditures, the expansion of NATO bases, the arms race intensified by the war in Ukraine, NATO’s role in aggression in the Middle East, and support for Israel’s attacks on the Palestinian people.
Militarism, military bases, and the war economy in Europe
Lukas Haslwanter, deputy chairperson of the Party of Labour of Austria (PdA) argued in his address that although Austria has formally remained neutral since 1955 when “the Neutrality Act”, enacted with the combined efforts of the Soviet Union and the Communist Party of Austria, its neutrality has been “continually undermined and eroded” through growing integration with NATO and the European Union. Haslwanter said Austria’s participation in the NATO Partnership for Peace, EU and NATO missions in Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as its involvement in the “Sky Shield” missile defence initiative, has made NATO membership “increasingly a mere formality.” Accusing successive governments of hypocrisy for “professing neutrality whilst simultaneously pushing ahead with Austria’s integration into the EU and NATO’s war and rearmament plans,” the party stressed that public opposition to NATO remains strong, citing polls showing that 75 percent of Austrians oppose joining the alliance. Linking militarization to cuts in social spending, it argued that “imperialism is incapable of peace” and maintained that lasting peace can only be achieved by breaking “the power of the monopolies,” rebuilding a class-based peace movement and ultimately establishing socialism and communism.
“Detaching the working class from the imperialist war course is the main task”
Joāo Pimenta, member of the International commission of the German Communist Party (DKP) argued in his speech that German imperialism is pursuing a strategic reorientation aimed at making the country “war-ready,” warning that Berlin seeks to build “the strongest army in Europe” while deepening its role within NATO. Describing NATO as an inherently “counter-revolutionary” and aggressive alliance, Pimenta accused it of driving the world toward the danger of nuclear war through eastward expansion, military build-up and confrontation with Russia and China. The DKP representative condemned Germany’s support for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and the use of Ramstein Air Base for US military operations, while portraying the war in Ukraine as a NATO proxy conflict designed to weaken Russia and contain China. He also claimed that militarization is being accompanied by growing repression at home, with communists, peace activists and Palestine solidarity campaigners facing increased surveillance and political pressure. Warning that workers will “pay first with their sweat, and then with their lives,” Pimenta described “detaching the working class from the imperialist war course and winning it to the labor and peace movement” as the most urgent task in Germany., ending his address with the slogan: “Down with imperialism, down with NATO! No to the arms race and preparations for war!”
“Disengagement from NATO is a matter of survival for the people and the working class”
Giannis Protoulis, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) took the floor after Pimenta. He described NATO as “the military arm of imperialism against the peoples” and “NATO’s murderous machine,” arguing that the alliance is driving the world toward a wider imperialist war while forcing ordinary people to bear the economic and social costs of militarization. Condemning the Turkish government’s restrictions on anti-NATO protests, Protoulis expressed the solidarity of KKE with the Communist Party of Turkey. He argued that Greece has been transformed into “a vast war base for the advancement of imperialist plans” through the expansion of US–NATO military facilities, while billions of euros spent on military equipment are depriving healthcare, education and social security of vital resources. Rejecting what it called “the myth that NATO and the EU guarantee the security of the peoples,” the party called for the closure of US–NATO bases, the withdrawal of Greek forces from imperialist missions abroad, and insisted that “disengagement from NATO is a matter of survival for the people and the working class,” linking the anti-NATO struggle to the broader goal of building a socialist–communist society.
“Socialism remains the only force that can end the wars of capitalism permanently”
Following Protoulis, Vince Lisztes, member of the National Presidency of the Hungarian Workers’ Party argued in his address that NATO has never served Hungary’s security but instead served “the defence of imperialist capital,” recalling that the country joined the alliance in 1999 following a referendum backed by all major capitalist parties. Lisztes said Hungary’s territory was immediately used to support NATO’s bombing of Yugoslavia and later its military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo, asking, “What do these missions have to do with the country’s protection?” It also criticized Hungary’s role in NATO’s military build-up linked to the war in Ukraine, arguing that increased defence spending under the Zrinyi 2026 programme enriched Western arms manufacturers while diverting resources from social needs. Stressing that Hungary’s strategic location makes it a key logistical hub for NATO deployments, he questioned how long the country could realistically remain outside a wider conflict if Article 5 were invoked. Reaffirming its long-standing opposition to NATO membership, the Hungarian Workers’ Party representative pledged to continue campaigning against militarization and called on communist parties to strengthen international cooperation, concluding that “socialism” remains “the only force in the world that can end the wars of capitalism permanently.”
NATO’s War Economy Benefits the Monopolies
Nefs Sjoerd, member of the international commission of the New Communist Party of the Netherlands (NCPN) who took floor on behalf of his Party, condemned NATO as “a deeply reactionary, anti-communist and anti-democratic” imperialist alliance, accusing it of sacrificing “the rights, interests and the blood of the people” to protect the interests of Euro-Atlantic monopolies. Expressing solidarity with the Communist Party of Turkey over restrictions on anti-NATO protests, the party argued that current conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and escalating tensions in the Middle East, are part of NATO’s strategic confrontation with Russia and China and preparations for “a third World War.” The NCPN representative criticized plans to raise military spending to 5 percent of GDP, saying the burden would fall on workers through cuts to healthcare, pensions, education and social security, while denouncing the Dutch government’s “freedom tax” and the expansion of what it described as a war economy benefiting monopolies and the arms industry. Pointing to the growing role of Dutch companies in military production and common projects with Ukraine war industry, Olthof called for the Netherlands to exit NATO, pledged to strengthen anti-war and trade union struggles, and concluded with the slogans: “Down with NATO imperialism! Long live international solidarity! Long live the struggle of the people for peace and socialism!”
“Billions of public resources go to the military-industrial complex”
Following Sjoerd’s speech, Lara de Almeida Leal, member of the National Board of the Portuguese Communist Youth (JCP) argued that the international situation is being driven by “the structural crisis of capitalism” and a “warmongering escalation led by US imperialism,” stressing that NATO, the G7 and the European Union are increasing the risk of “a conflict of catastrophic proportions.” Leal accused the United States and its allies of seeking neo-colonial domination while targeting countries that pursue independent paths of development, citing Palestine, Lebanon, Iran, Cuba and Venezuela as examples of imperialist aggression. She also criticized NATO and the EU for prolonging the war in Ukraine, promoting “war propaganda,” preventing dialogue and diverting “billions of public resources to the military-industrial complex at the expense of the living conditions and rights of workers and peoples.” Condemning the Portuguese government for aligning itself with US, NATO and EU policies, Leal called for stronger international resistance, the dissolution of NATO, the rejection of EU militarization and the establishment of “a collective security system” based on the UN Charter, arguing that only socialism offers a lasting alternative to “exploitation, oppression, aggression and predation.”
“Neither land, nor sea, nor air for the imperialists”
Astor Garcia, the general secretary of the Communist Party of the Workers of Spain (PCTE) described NATO as “an imperialist alliance” serving the strategic interests of the major Western capitalist powers rather than the security of ordinary people. Reviewing four decades of Spain’s NATO membership, the party argued that the alliance has been responsible for wars, military interventions and mass displacement from Yugoslavia to Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya, while turning Spain into “a NATO military platform in South-West Europe.” It highlighted the strategic role of the Rota and Morón bases, NATO facilities in Torrejón and Bétera, and Spanish troop deployments in Slovakia, Romania, Latvia, Turkey and Iraq, arguing that the war in Ukraine has accelerated rearmament and “the normalization of a war economy.” Rejecting what it called NATO’s attempt to equate “the security of capitalist states with the security of the peoples,” general secretary urged anti-NATO forces to link opposition to militarization with workers’ living conditions and social rights. It concluded by calling for Spain’s withdrawal from NATO, the closure of foreign military bases, the withdrawal of Spanish troops from overseas missions and reaffirmed its central slogan: “No to NATO, Bases Out – Neither land, nor sea, nor air for the imperialists.”
“Young people refuse to be cannon fodder”
Suniel Sosa, the general secretary of The World Federation of Democratic Youth (WFDY) condemned the NATO Summit in Ankara, describing the alliance as “the greatest threat to Peace on the planet” and “an instrument of war and Imperialism” used by the United States to preserve its global hegemony. Tracing NATO’s history through interventions in Yugoslavia, Iraq, Libya and Syria, as well as its links to fascist regimes and military coups in Europe, Sosa argued that the alliance bears primary responsibility for prolonging the war in Ukraine and for escalating militarization across the continent. He also criticized NATO’s push for member states to raise defence spending to 5 percent of GDP, warning that resources would be diverted from healthcare, education, culture and social welfare while governments increasingly expand or reintroduce compulsory military service. Stressing that young people “refuse to be cannon fodder” and “disposable pawns of Imperialism,” Sosa highlighted youth mobilizations against conscription, particularly in Germany, and called on youth organizations worldwide to campaign for their countries’ withdrawal from NATO and “for its end,” concluding with the slogan: “Yes to Peace, No to NATO!”
“The Peoples United Will Never be Defeated!”
Following the Suniel Sosa’s speech, the Executive Secretary of the World Peace Council (WPC), Iraklis Tsavdaridis took floor and described NATO as “the armed wing of imperialism” and “an offensive and war organisation,” arguing that the alliance has spent 77 years serving the interests of multinational corporations and major powers through wars, coups and military interventions. Condemning NATO’s plans to increase military spending to 5 percent of GDP, he warned that billions would be diverted to a “war economy” while conflicts in Ukraine and elsewhere continue to claim hundreds of thousands of lives. Tsavdaridis accused NATO of prolonging the war in Ukraine, escalating confrontation with Russia and China, and supporting Israel’s actions in Palestine, while also denouncing recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran and continued aggression against Lebanon. Reaffirming the WPC’s long-running “Yes to Peace – No to NATO” campaign, he called for stronger international mobilization against NATO and imperialism, stressing that “without justice and a resolution of the Palestinian issue, there can be no real peace in the Middle East.” He also reiterated the organization’s “militant solidarity with the brave Cuban people and its Revolution”, stressing that his organization rejects all actions, sanctions and threats of US imperialism which are aiming at strangling the people, at a collective punishment and violent overthrow in Cuba. Tsavdaridis concluded with the messages: “The Peoples United Will Never be Defeated!”, “United against Imperialism and its wars, for a World of Peace and Social Justice!”
“Imperialism is strong, but not invincible!”
Nikolaos Zokas, Vice President of the Greek Committee for International Detente and Peace (EEDYE), in his address, warned that the world is facing “the greatest attack by imperialism since World War II,” citing the wars in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran and Lebanon, as well as rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, as evidence of an escalating global confrontation among imperialist powers. He argued that governments are dramatically increasing military spending while preparing deep cuts to healthcare, education, wages and pensions, accusing the Greek government of urging society to adopt a “coffin culture” by sacrificing its youth for the interests of the bourgeoisie. Zokas criticized successive Greek governments for transforming the country into a hub for NATO operations through US and NATO bases, overseas military deployments and arms deliveries, warning that this policy makes Greece a target in future conflicts. Addressing Greek-Turkish relations, he rejected nationalist disputes and insisted that “the peoples have nothing to divide among themselves,” calling instead for common struggle against NATO and the European Union. Highlighting EEDYE’s nationwide peace mobilizations, he reaffirmed the organization’s slogan: “Imperialism is strong, but not invincible!”, and pledged to intensify the struggle “for peace, friendship, cooperation and brotherhood of peoples.”
“Opposition to NATO Is Not a Crime – It Is a Responsibility”
Closing the meeting, TKP General Secretary Kemal Okuyan thanked the participating parties and organizations, describing the gathering as a productive step toward strengthening the international anti-NATO struggle despite unprecedented government restrictions. Okuyan argued that the AKP government had gone “far beyond” previous practices in protecting the NATO Summit, effectively sealing off Ankara and imposing bans far beyond the capital, demonstrating that the measures were aimed not at ensuring security but at suppressing political opposition. He said the government’s growing alignment with NATO and its willingness to become more deeply involved in the war in Ukraine reflected “a new and dangerous phase,” while stressing that “opposition to NATO is not a crime – it is a responsibility.” Reaffirming that the Communist Party of Turkey would not allow state repression to dictate its political activity, Okuyan announced that the party had revised its plans and would organize demonstrations in Istanbul and many other cities. He also criticized the silence – or open support for NATO – among Turkey’s mainstream opposition parties, arguing that one of the central tasks of the anti-imperialist movement is to make defending NATO politically and morally unacceptable. While acknowledging that anti-war forces may not be able to stop every decision taken by the alliance, Okuyan insisted that they can ensure NATO becomes “a source of shame” in Turkey. He concluded by stressing that every protest and act of resistance defends not only an anti-imperialist political program but also “the dignity of the working people of Turkey,” expressing confidence that “the exploiters and the war profiteers will lose” and that “humanity, and the working people of the world, will prevail.”
International delegates joined TKP’s anti-NATO rally
Delegates attending the Anti-NATO Summit joined the anti-NATO rally organized by TKP in İstanbul on July 5, marching under the banners and flags of their respective parties and organizations in a demonstration of international solidarity. The march, which proceeded from Taksim to Dolmabahçe, brought together thousands of participants chanting slogans such as “Murderer NATO, get out of Turkey” and “No passage to NATO,” calling for Turkey’s withdrawal from the alliance and the closure of foreign military bases.
Addressing the crowd at the end of the march, TKP General Secretary Kemal Okuyan condemned the AKP government for rolling out the red carpet for NATO leaders while the U.S.-backed genocide in Palestine continues and U.S. and Israeli aggression against Iran threatens to drag the region into a wider war. Okuyan said TKP would closely follow every decision taken at the summit and continue mobilizing against NATO after the meeting. He called for “an independent, sovereign, free and socialist Turkey” and repeated the party’s demand: “Seize the bases, NATO out.”
