The European Parliament adopted a resolution to preserve the memory of the victims of the post-war communist period in Slovenia, which divided Slovenian MEPs.
Strasbourg – The European Parliament has adopted a resolution in Strasbourg to preserve the memory of the victims of the post-war communist period in Slovenia. This has divided Slovenian MEPs.
MEPs approved the resolution, initiated by Slovenian MEP Romana Tomc (EPP/SDS), with 357 votes in favor, 266 against, and 16 abstentions.
The resolution emphasizes the importance of preserving the memory of all victims of totalitarian and authoritarian regimes in Europe, highlighting the crimes of the Yugoslav communist regime in Slovenia after World War II, the issue of post-war killings, and mass graves.
It calls on the Slovenian authorities to continue investigating concealed graves and also includes a call for a comprehensive review of the archives of Yugoslav secret services, expressing the opinion that a national day of remembrance in Slovenia should honor the victims of authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, including communism.
It was initiated based on a petition submitted to the European Parliament two years ago, after the Slovenian government of Prime Minister Robert Golob abolished May 17 as a day of remembrance for the victims of communist violence at the beginning of its term in 2022. This was declared by the previous government led by Janez Janša just before the end of its term.
Slovenian MEPs were on opposing sides during the adoption of the resolution. While EPP MEPs expressed satisfaction with the adoption, MEPs from the left-leaning groups S&D, Renew, and Greens strongly condemned the resolution’s adoption. (July 8)
