“We don’t know why exactly the EU flags became so popular, but we are definitely ordering more – small and big ones,” they say.
Within a week, a grassroots “We are Europeans” social movement gained more than 1,500 supporters and 13 regional pages with over 400 “likes” on Facebook.
On Oct. 20 and Oct. 26, the movement also carried out its first two public demonstrations with about 300 attendees in total. The percentage of those who accepted a Facebook invitation and actually turned out for the event was unexpectedly high. Many brought their friends, co-workers and children. The support of Ukraine’s European choice is huge –activists claim – and the movement has a huge potential to grow.
“We are Europeans” movement represents a new quality of peaceful protest – with a very clear positive idea and no – at least, for the time being –clearly defined organizational structure. Its members almost exclusively communicate over the internet and are happily contributing their resources such as time, small money, ideas and connections. This makes the movement independent of any external funding, and its activities do not actually require any.
“We strive to mobilize the most intelligent, educated and honest people in Ukraine, those whose services are not wanted by the government or by the opposition. Anyone who wants [to bring] real change and reform [will join]. …A think tank of 200 smart people can do a lot,” Yevgen Ikhelzon, one of the movement’s founders and intellectual leaders, writes in his blog at Ukrainiska Pravda.
The movement unites people around European values, clearly defined by the Treaty of Lisbon and the Copenhagen criteria. They are democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, protection of minorities, market economy, as well as respect for human dignity, freedom, and equality. So far, according to “We are Europeans”, there is only one criterion that Ukraine definitely falls into – geographically it is in Europe.
“The European choice for Ukraine is not just its future EU membership, but also the implementation of European values in Ukraine. This is a consensus in Ukraine which the government cannot ignore. They will have to get on this train or to jump out as it moves,” Ikhelzon writes.
The supporters of “We are Europeans” have no illusions that Ukraine will immediately join the EU or that crucial change in the country will happen quickly. “We are not going to turn the country upside down overnight, those who promote such ideas are charlatans and provocateurs,” Ikhelzon says.
After the 2004 Orange Revolution, many people were disappointed that there were not instant changes. “We Are Europeans”, as a movement, has no such illusions. It is providing a voice for the great number of Ukrainians who want to claim European identity and values.
As this text was being written, over 130 more members joined the “We are Europeans” group on Facebook – just one more little proof that the idea really works.
