European Parliament condemns communist crimes in Slovenia

On July 8, 2025, the European Parliament passed a resolution condemning communist-era crimes in Slovenia, marking a significant moment in the country's historical reckoning with its past. The resolution was adopted with 357 votes in favor, 266 against, and 16 abstentions. It came as a response to a citizens' petition and was initiated by Romana Tomc, a Member of the European Parliament. This document represents a direct rebuke from Europe to Slovenia’s political leadership regarding how the nation has handled its wartime communist period. It also serves as international recognition of the suffering endured by those whose right to life, name, grave, and memory was stripped away over decades. The resolution explicitly condemns the mass killings of tens of thousands of civilians and military prisoners by the Yugoslav communist regime during the war. It highlights the systematic concealment of mass graves and the prohibition of public discussion about these atrocities. Additionally, it criticizes the removal of the Day of Remembrance for Victims of Communist Violence in 2023 under the government led by Prime Minister Robert Golob. The resolution also points out the double standards present in Slovenian legislation concerning symbols of totalitarian regimes. According to the Commission for Concealed Graves, more than 750 locations have been identified where mass graves containing the remains of over 100,000 victims are hidden. These sites remain largely unacknowledged and unmarked, despite efforts by activists and historians to bring attention to them. The resolution calls for the proper burial of victims and the recognition of their suffering, emphasizing the need for truth and justice. Among the Slovenian members of the European Parliament, five voted in favor of the resolution. They included Romana Tomc, Zala Tomašič, Milan Zver, Branko Grims, all affiliated with the EPP/SDS group, and Matej Tonin from EPP/NSi. On the other hand, four members voted against the resolution. These were Irena Joveva and Marjan Šarec from Renew/Svoboda, Matjaž Nemec from S&D/SD, and Vladimir Prebilič from Greens/EFA/Vesna. Left-wing politicians strongly opposed the resolution, calling it an example of revisionism and political theater. Matjaž Nemec accused the EPP of leading the European Parliament into a darker era through collaboration with far-right forces. He described the resolution as an attempt at historical revisionism. Irena Joveva labeled the adoption of the resolution as a clumsy and corrupted effort to clean up dirty laundry, while Marjan Šarec called it a distortion of history. Vladimir Prebilič added that the resolution was driven by internal political calculations that harm Slovenia's reputation. In a joint statement before the vote, left-leaning MPs characterized the resolution as an unacceptable revisionist text that deliberately ignores the crucial context of World War II. They argued that the resolution fails to consider the broader historical framework and risks undermining the collective memory of the conflict. Their criticism reflects deep divisions within Slovenian politics regarding how to address the legacy of communism and its impact on national identity. Romana Tomc, the main instigator behind the resolution, celebrated its passage as a victory for truth. She emphasized the historical significance of the document, stating that it will forever be part of European history. She expressed hope that eventually even the left in Slovenia would accept this reality. Zala Tomašič echoed this sentiment, describing the resolution as a clear condemnation of the government led by Robert Golob and stressing the importance of properly burying victims of communism and acknowledging the truth for the nation to heal. The resolution marks a pivotal step in Slovenia’s ongoing struggle to confront its past. While some see it as a necessary acknowledgment of historical injustices, others view it as politically motivated. As debates continue, the resolution stands as a testament to the complex and often contentious process of reconciling with history. What comes next remains uncertain, but the resolution has undoubtedly sparked renewed discussions about the role of memory, justice, and reconciliation in shaping Slovenia's future.