Brussels, 26/03/2009 (Agence Europe) - 2009 has been designated the 20th anniversary of democratic change in Central and Eastern Europe, and one day, 21 August, has been chosen to commemorate the victims of Nazism, Stalinism and totalitarianism. It is only by confronting history that one can understand it and build the future: it was with these words that Council President Alexandr Vondra welcomed the initiatives proposed by Parliament to celebrate European conscience and condemn totalitarianism, especially only a few months before the European elections. Few countries in the EU have been spared one or other form of totalitarianism, Vondra said. This shared tragedy was a factor in bringing us together, he said.
Commissioner Jan Figel' announced that the Commission would present a report on this issue in 2010. This report will be informed, inter alia, by contributions to the hearing held in April 2008 under Slovenian Presidency. The Commission will also assess how Community programmes might raise people's awareness of these issues. (L.G./transl.rt)