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Europe observes Day of Remembrance for victims of totalitarian regimes
August 23 marks the European Day of Remembrance for the victims of all totalitarian and authoritarian regimes, including Nazism, Fascism, and Communism. The date commemorates the 1939 signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which facilitated the division of Eastern Europe and led to widespread atrocities.
Across various regions, officials and community members have held ceremonies to honor victims. In Montenegro, Vice President Momo Koprivica emphasized the state's duty to uncover the truth regarding mass graves and political repression to uphold human dignity and the rule of law. In Croatia, government representatives and local organizations held commemorations at sites such as Mirogoj and various war memorials, stressing the importance of democracy and the lessons of history.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, ceremonies were held at the Peace Cemetery in Bilima to honor victims of war and oppression. Other regional observances included commemorations for victims of WWII-era terror in Bosnia and historical battles in Montenegro. These events serve as a collective effort to ensure that the suffering of past generations is not forgotten and that the principles of human rights and freedom remain central to European identity.
Entities
Andrija Mandić · European Day of Remembrance for the Victims of All Forms of Totalitarian and Aut · European Parliament · European Union · HDZ · Janez Janša · Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact · Momo Koprivica · Nazi Germany · Pavlos Marinakis · Soviet Union · Stefania Perzanowska