On the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Totalitarian Regimes, the importance of the EU's core values is highlighted

On August 23, 2026, Europe observed the Day of Remembrance for Victims of All Totalitarian and Authoritarian Regimes, a day marked by solemn reflection and calls to preserve democratic values. In Slovenia, the observance included the opening of an exhibition on former prison cells in Ljubljana, candlelight vigils, and public appeals to maintain historical memory. The European Commission issued statements emphasizing that freedom, democracy, peace, and human dignity are not self-evident values but have been hard-won through courage, sacrifice, resistance, and perseverance. These principles remain under threat today, according to officials. The date was chosen to commemorate the signing of the Molotov, Ribbentrop Pact between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union in 1939, which paved the way for World War II. This agreement led to widespread suffering, occupation, repression, deportation, and systematic persecution across millions of people in Europe and beyond. The consequences of this period continue to echo through generations, with many still grappling with its legacy. The European Commission warned that the current generation must recognize these lessons to prevent similar tragedies from recurring. European Commission Vice-President Henna Virkkunen and Commissioner Michael McGrath highlighted the enduring impact of totalitarian regimes on contemporary society. They noted that while younger generations have grown up without direct experience of tyranny, there is a risk that they might take democratic values for granted. “For many, freedom, democracy, and peace may seem self-evident, but they are not,” they stated. These values were achieved through extraordinary bravery and resilience, and their preservation requires active commitment. Premier Janez Janša addressed the importance of remembering individual victims rather than abstract concepts. He emphasized that each person who suffered under totalitarian regimes has a name, family, and story that should not be forgotten. “No one’s story should be erased,” he said, calling for a comprehensive remembrance that includes all victims, regardless of which regime they endured under. He criticized selective memory, where some victims are acknowledged while others are ignored, stressing that such an approach undermines the true purpose of historical remembrance. In Slovenia, the ruling Social Democracy Party (SDS) reiterated the country's history of experiencing all three major forms of totalitarianism during the 20th century. They called on current generations to uphold historical memory, ensure dignified burials for victims, and unequivocally condemn the crimes of all totalitarian ideologies. They stressed that remembrance should focus on truth and justice, not political divisions. “Without truth, there is no struggle, and without memory, there is no free future,” they declared. The National Council of the Slovenian People’s Party (NSi) echoed these sentiments, affirming that the right to a grave and remembrance is a fundamental human and civilizational right. They praised the government for taking steps to honor victims of wartime and postwar atrocities, including legal commitments to properly bury them. They urged equal treatment of all totalitarian regimes and condemnation of their actions, noting that Europe has already recognized this necessity. “We hope Slovenia will fully embrace this responsibility,” they added. Across Slovenia, cultural institutions and religious leaders participated in commemorations. A candlelight vigil took place in Ljubljana’s St. Nicholas Church, followed by a speech by Minister of Culture Ignacija Fridl Jarc. An exhibition titled In the Shadow of Beethoven opened in the former prison cells of Ljubljana, offering insight into the history of correctional facilities from the end of World War II to the mid-1950s. The exhibition will be open to visitors starting October 1. These efforts underscore the broader societal commitment to preserving historical memory and ensuring that the past informs the present and future.