The concept of autonomy already exists in our struggles, we may simply be using different names for it:
freedom, independence, self-determination, self-sufficiency, self-organization… It’s what the capitalist system has taken away from us, the people–or society–to ensure the exploitation of life and nature for the gains of the few. How can we reclaim our local autonomy by joining forces at the international level?
We will look for the answer to this question together during our self-organized gathering for building autonomy “From Grassroots to Revolution” happening in Catalonia from June 4-7, 2026. Sharing our experiences of social struggle and self-organization, as well as our practical skills for grassroots work (work with and within society), we will identify common problems and put together our collective knowledge, creativity and experience to overcome them. We will work collaboratively on urgent social issues such as housing, health, communal economy, ecology, gender equality, culture and identity, and security and militarization. The point is to understand that self-organization is already happening in cities, villages and neighborhoods all around Europe, and that only by organizing together in the long term, we can strengthen our connections, amplify our voices and promote a vision of hope that counters the rising fascism, war and hate.
This initiative comes from the Peoples’ Platform of Europe (PPE), a transnational framework that unites anti-systemic initiatives, collectives and organizations. We collaboratively address social issues, coordinate struggles, and develop a shared vision for a just and self-organized society. The PPE started in 2025, when 800 delegates of self-organized collectives and organizations from all over Europe came together in Vienna to discuss, exchange and organize together. More info about the PPE is available here: https://peoplesplatform.net/.
The working group of Building Autonomy—one of the thematic committees of the PPE and the main organizer of the gathering in Catalonia—consists of a variety of organisations and collectives from all over Europe. We have different practices and we live in different territories, but we have all reached a common conclusion: in times of radical isolation and fragmentation of society, the revolutionary potential lies in an autonomous, communitarian approach to society itself. All organizations sharing the same vision are welcome to register for the gathering via email at autonomy_ppe@riseup.net, where you can share with us any lingering questions and doubts. Please also follow our website for the full program of the gathering: https://building-autonomy.com/
Finally, if you want to see the faces behind this gathering, check out our promotional video:
Invitation, Draft program and Press release to download:
Hope to see you soon in the warm and sunny Catalonia!
In solidarity,
Building Autonomy Working Group