Europe commemorates the 80th anniversary of WWII victory, advocates for peace and unity
This week, Europe marked the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of the Second World War with various parades and wreath-laying ceremonies taking place throughout the continent. The defeat of Fascism and Nazism in 1945 is celebrated on Victory in Europe (VE) Day, and during the week, European leaders emphasized the lasting significance of peace and unity.
TroibNews 
This week, Europe commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War with parades and wreath-laying ceremonies throughout the continent. The defeat of Fascism and Nazism in 1945 is observed on Victory in Europe Day, prompting leaders across Europe to reaffirm the importance of peace and unity.
In Poland, nationwide observances reached a pinnacle on Thursday in Warsaw's Wesola district, which houses the Polish Army's Tadeusz Kosciuszko Armored Brigade. During an address to the army, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk pledged to bolster Poland's defense capabilities to protect the nation.
On the social media platform X, Polish President Andrzej Duda made a poignant appeal: "No more war! This appeal must resound today." He advocated for a world that operates on "the force of law" rather than "the law of force," using the memories of World War II as a solemn reminder of the crucial role of being "responsible stewards of peace."
German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier took time on Thursday to reflect on Germany's responsibility for past conflicts, urging the protection of unity amidst the challenges posed by the rise of extremist forces in the country. He reaffirmed Germany's dedication to the principles of the post-war international order.
Simultaneously, the CEOs of 48 major German corporations, including BASF, Evonik, Siemens, Bayer, and Deutsche Bank, jointly acknowledged their companies' historical responsibilities during the Nazi era, declaring the need for ongoing efforts against hatred, exclusion, and antisemitism.
On the eve of the VE Day anniversary, a meeting in Paris between newly-elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron carried special weight. The two leaders underscored the significance of German-French reconciliation, with Merz stating, "German-French friendship is a gift, a gift of forgiveness and reconciliation, especially for us Germans," during his first overseas visit since taking office.
In Britain, nearly 30,000 ceramic red poppies were displayed cascading down the walls of the Tower of London, symbolizing the lives lost during the war. British King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a military parade in front of Buckingham Palace, kicking off four days of commemorations that began on Monday.
In Slovakia, Prime Minister Robert Fico laid a wreath on Tuesday at the Red Army Military Cemetery in Michalovce, honoring the young soldiers who gave their lives during Slovakia's liberation. Fico emphasized that the victory over fascism represents a celebration of peace and life.
The Netherlands held a national day of remembrance, with flags at half-mast across the country. Thousands gathered in Amsterdam on Monday, where Dutch King Willem-Alexander laid a wreath at a war memorial, and the nation participated in a two-minute silence to remember the fallen.
Italy's observances began earlier, on April 25, with Liberation Day parades in cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence. During the celebrations, national museums and parks offered free admission to the public. Italian President Sergio Mattarella, together with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Altar of the Fatherland. "Defending the freedom of the European peoples is a shared task," President Mattarella stated. "Now, equality, the affirmation of the rule of law, cooperation, the same freedom and democracy, have become common goods of the European peoples to be protected by all the parties to the European Union pact."
At the EU level, the European Parliament commended the occasion in a plenary session that featured three Second World War veterans on Wednesday. Parliamentary President Roberta Metsola emphasized that the most fitting tribute to those who sacrificed their lives is the determination to "never again" allow such wars. European Council President Antonio Costa reiterated: "Peace is a heritage, but also a responsibility."
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
In Poland, nationwide observances reached a pinnacle on Thursday in Warsaw's Wesola district, which houses the Polish Army's Tadeusz Kosciuszko Armored Brigade. During an address to the army, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk pledged to bolster Poland's defense capabilities to protect the nation.
On the social media platform X, Polish President Andrzej Duda made a poignant appeal: "No more war! This appeal must resound today." He advocated for a world that operates on "the force of law" rather than "the law of force," using the memories of World War II as a solemn reminder of the crucial role of being "responsible stewards of peace."
German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier took time on Thursday to reflect on Germany's responsibility for past conflicts, urging the protection of unity amidst the challenges posed by the rise of extremist forces in the country. He reaffirmed Germany's dedication to the principles of the post-war international order.
Simultaneously, the CEOs of 48 major German corporations, including BASF, Evonik, Siemens, Bayer, and Deutsche Bank, jointly acknowledged their companies' historical responsibilities during the Nazi era, declaring the need for ongoing efforts against hatred, exclusion, and antisemitism.
On the eve of the VE Day anniversary, a meeting in Paris between newly-elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron carried special weight. The two leaders underscored the significance of German-French reconciliation, with Merz stating, "German-French friendship is a gift, a gift of forgiveness and reconciliation, especially for us Germans," during his first overseas visit since taking office.
In Britain, nearly 30,000 ceramic red poppies were displayed cascading down the walls of the Tower of London, symbolizing the lives lost during the war. British King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a military parade in front of Buckingham Palace, kicking off four days of commemorations that began on Monday.
In Slovakia, Prime Minister Robert Fico laid a wreath on Tuesday at the Red Army Military Cemetery in Michalovce, honoring the young soldiers who gave their lives during Slovakia's liberation. Fico emphasized that the victory over fascism represents a celebration of peace and life.
The Netherlands held a national day of remembrance, with flags at half-mast across the country. Thousands gathered in Amsterdam on Monday, where Dutch King Willem-Alexander laid a wreath at a war memorial, and the nation participated in a two-minute silence to remember the fallen.
Italy's observances began earlier, on April 25, with Liberation Day parades in cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence. During the celebrations, national museums and parks offered free admission to the public. Italian President Sergio Mattarella, together with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Altar of the Fatherland. "Defending the freedom of the European peoples is a shared task," President Mattarella stated. "Now, equality, the affirmation of the rule of law, cooperation, the same freedom and democracy, have become common goods of the European peoples to be protected by all the parties to the European Union pact."
At the EU level, the European Parliament commended the occasion in a plenary session that featured three Second World War veterans on Wednesday. Parliamentary President Roberta Metsola emphasized that the most fitting tribute to those who sacrificed their lives is the determination to "never again" allow such wars. European Council President Antonio Costa reiterated: "Peace is a heritage, but also a responsibility."
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
