Europe came together this week to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Across the continent, parades and ceremonies honored the sacrifices made, while leaders emphasized the ongoing importance of peace and unity.
In Poland, nationwide observances culminated in Warsaw’s Wesola district, home to the Polish Army’s Tadeusz Kosciuszko Armored Brigade. Prime Minister Donald Tusk addressed the army, pledging to strengthen Poland’s defense capabilities. Meanwhile, President Andrzej Duda took to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, with a powerful plea: “No more war! This appeal must resound today.” He called for a world founded on “the force of law” rather than “the law of force.”
German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier reflected on Germany’s historical responsibility, urging the nation to protect unity amidst rising extremist forces. In a significant move, CEOs of 48 major German companies, including BASF and Siemens, issued a joint statement acknowledging their companies’ roles during the Nazi era and calling for efforts against hatred and antisemitism.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, on his first trip abroad since being elected, met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The meeting held special significance as the leaders of two nations once bitter enemies highlighted the importance of German-French reconciliation. “German-French friendship is a gift, a gift of forgiveness and reconciliation, especially for us Germans,” Merz stated.
In the United Kingdom, nearly 30,000 ceramic red poppies cascaded down the walls of the Tower of London, symbolizing lives lost during the war. King Charles and Queen Camilla reviewed a military parade in front of Buckingham Palace as part of four days of commemorations.
Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico laid a wreath at the Red Army Military Cemetery in Michalovce, a city liberated by the Russian Red Army. He paid tribute to the young soldiers who sacrificed their lives, emphasizing that the victory over fascism is a celebration of peace and life.
In the Netherlands, flags were flown at half-mast during the national day of remembrance. Thousands gathered in Amsterdam, where King Willem-Alexander laid a wreath at a war memorial. The nation held a two-minute silence to honor those who had fallen.
Italy began its commemorations earlier, with Liberation Day parades in major cities like Rome and Milan. National museums and parks offered free admission. President Sergio Mattarella, alongside Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. “Defending the freedom of the European peoples is a shared task,” President Mattarella declared. “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.”
At the European Union level, the European Parliament marked the occasion with a plenary session featuring Second World War veterans. Parliamentary President Roberta Metsola stressed that the best tribute to those who gave their lives is the resolve to “never again” repeat such conflicts. European Council President Antonio Costa echoed these sentiments, stating, “Peace is a heritage, but also a responsibility.”
