Mobilize anarchists: resistance against Rheinmetall in Cologne!

Mobilize anarchists: resistance against Rheinmetall in Cologne!

On July 13, 2025, the first public meeting of the “Anarchist Barrio” took place in the Autonomous Center in Cologne. Interest in this event was great, and numerous visitors flocked to Luxemburger Straße 93 to find out about the anarchist and autonomous participation in the upcoming Rheinmetall disarm camp, which will take place in Cologne from August 25th to 31st, 2025. The main focus was on exchanging ideas and planning creative mobilization actions against militarism and war. Indymedia reports

The gathering was also historically charged with a clear call for mobilization that highlighted the urgency and need to sabotage the war economy. Connections were drawn to the Edelweiss Pirates and the fights against remilitarization in the 1950s. In Cologne, a city dominated by war industry companies such as Rheinmetall and Thyssen-Krupp, it was time to speak out against colonialism and the arms lobby. Various topics were also discussed in detail during the meeting: from the structural background of the Anarchist Barrio to Germany-wide networking and international participation. Anarchist Barrio

Insights into the antimilitarist movement

The anti-capitalist and anti-militarist movement has a long history of resistance in Cologne and the Ruhr area. In particular, Keupstrasse in Cologne-Mülheim became the scene of another fight against inhumane ideologies due to the nail bomb attack in 2004. It is remarkable how strong resistance to the war economy and the militaristic system is in this region. Indymedia

From a historical perspective, the development of anarchist antimilitarism in Germany is extremely complex. Already in the German Empire, some protagonists such as Karl Liebknecht, who published the brochure “Militarism and Antimilitarism” in 1907, began to argue against the militarization of society. Liebknecht called for anti-militarist agitation among the youth subject to military service, which, however, could not prevail in the Social Democrats. anarchismus.at

Current developments and goals

The call for mobilization in Cologne is aimed at anarchists and anti-authoritarians in order to fight together against the social problems mentioned above. The aim of the event is to create connections within the movement as well as to provide a space for the discussion of actions against the war economy. This initiative represents not only a response to current challenges, but also a reference to historical stories of resistance that have new relevance today. Indymedia

For anyone interested: Further information about the “Anarchist Barrio” and the upcoming camp can be found on the project website. This is an opportunity to actively participate in the resistance against militarism and the exploitation that comes with it. Be part of this important event and join the protests!