Holocaust: “Never again is now,” say EU governments

Brussels – “Respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights, including the freedoms of expression and religion or belief, as well as the rights of persons belonging to minorities, must and will guide our actions at all times, in line with the values upon which our European Union is founded, and which are common to us all.” On the Holocaust Remembrance Day, the institutions of the European Union commemorate the Holocaust by assuring that the commitment is that “never again” can such a terrible tragedy happen. This declaration is from the member states, who note today “an unprecedented increase in antisemitism on our continent, not seen since the Second World War,” and of course condemn ” in the strongest possible terms the alarming rise in violent antisemitic incidents, Holocaust denial and distortion, as well as conspiracy theories and prejudice against Jews.”

According to the governments of the 27 member states, today, “more than ever, it is crucial that we uphold our responsibility to honor the victims of the Holocaust. We are determined to combat antisemitism and to protect and foster Jewish life in Europe. We denounce all forms of discrimination, intolerance, racism, and xenophobia, and will take decisive action to address these threats to democratic societies.” For EU governments, “never again is now.”

The European Parliament on Jan. 29 at 12 noon will commemorate the Day during a plenary session in Brussels with a special speech by Corrie Hermann, the 92-year-old daughter of Pál Hermann, considered one of the best cellists of his time, who was killed by the Nazis in a death camp in the Baltics in 1944.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen marked the Day with a tweet yesterday, warning that “as the last survivors slowly disappear, it is our duty as Europeans to remember the unspeakable crimes and honor the memory of the victims.”

Tomorrow marks 80 years since the liberation of the Nazi concentration and extermination camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

We will never forget the 6 million Jews murdered in cold blood and all the victims of the Holocaust.

As the last survivors fade, it is our duty as Europeans to… pic.twitter.com/fRG7wItejw

– Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 26, 2025

Over 1,000 journalists are accredited for the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, with royalty, heads of state and government, and other dignitaries from over 50 countries attending the main ceremony this afternoon. King Charles III of Great Britain, Felipe of Spain, Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, Philip of Belgium, Frederik of Denmark, Haakon of Norway, and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden are among the expected crowned heads, along with Presidents Emmanuel Macron, Alexander von der Bellen, Sergio Mattarella, and Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other prime ministers from nations such as Canada, Croatia, and Ireland will also attend, while other countries will send foreign ministers or ambassadors. Education Minister Yoav Kisch will represent Israel and the Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, the United States. The European Parliament and Council presidents will also attend, while Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis will represent the Commission.