Resolution on preserving the memory of the victims of the post-war communist period in Slovenia

The European Parliament adopted by 357 votes to 266, with 16 abstentions, a resolution on preserving the memory of the victims of the post-war communist period in Slovenia.

The resolution highlighted that European history, in all its complexity, should be respected and addressed through an objective, inclusive and evidence-based dialogue that promotes understanding and reconciliation and that should be conducted by professional historians and not be subject to political influence. According to Parliament, the memory of crimes committed by totalitarian regimes should form part of the collective memory that makes up modern European history. It acknowledged the crimes committed by Nazi, fascist and communist totalitarian regimes and the role these crimes have played in shaping historical perceptions in Europe. It underlined the importance of including historical facts in educational programmes and history textbooks to ensure that young people understand the importance of democracy and human rights.

Parliament highlighted that many of those responsible for post-war crimes were not held accountable for their actions and that the victims of Second World War and post-war retribution violence by the Yugoslav communist authorities in Slovenia must be buried properly and with dignity.

The resolution called:

- on Slovenian authorities to continue investigating concealed graves, conduct dignified burials, and establish memorial sites to serve as reminders for future generations;

- on the Commission to continue the programme of historical remembrance taking into account all tragedies, to support projects across Europe that address the history of totalitarian crimes, encourage remembrance and serve reconciliation;

- that all totalitarian regimes should be condemned and that their symbols should not be promoted;

- on Slovenia and the other Member States to strive to strengthen historical memory, mutual understanding and reconciliation based on truth and respect for all victims of totalitarian regimes.