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European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR)
News article23 January 2020Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations

Joint Statement by Presidents von der Leyen, Sassoli and Michel ahead of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau

Today, President Ursula von der Leyen together with Presidents of the European Parliament, David Sassoli and the European Council, Charles Michel are in Jerusalem, where they will be joining world leaders at the ‘World Holocaust Forum 2020...

Holocaust Remeberence

Today, President Ursula von der Leyen together with Presidents of the European Parliament, David Sassoli and the European Council, Charles Michel are in Jerusalem, where they will be joining world leaders at the ‘World Holocaust Forum 2020: Remembering the Holocaust, fighting anti-Semitism'. The Forum is organised ahead of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day on 27 January, which will mark 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Ahead of this important anniversary, the 3 Presidents issued a joint statement, in which they said: “The Holocaust was a European tragedy, it was a turning point in our history and its legacy is woven into the DNA of the European Union. Remembering the Shoah is not an end in itself. It is one cornerstone of European values. A Europe that places humanity at its centre, protected by the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights. […] As the numbers of survivors is dwindling, we will have to find new ways to remember, embracing the testimonies of the descendants of survivors. […] We have a duty to stand shoulder to shoulder with Jewish communities as they feel again threatened across Europe - most recently in Halle, Germany. All EU Member States stand united in the determination that any form of racism, antisemitism and hatred have no place in Europe and we will do whatever it takes to counter them. […] We cannot change history, but the lessons of history can change us.” On Monday, Vice-Presidents Věra Jourová and Margaritis Schinas will be in Poland to participate in the 75th anniversary of liberation of the German Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. The full statement of the 3 Presidents is available online in all EU languages. The French version of this news alert is available here. More information on the Commission's efforts to fight Antisemitism is available on the website.

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