The call for a fortified "democratic Europe" against autocrats and extremists
Europe needs to defend itself against "authoritarian leaders and extremists," according to Scholz - Europe requires unity against "authoritarian rule and radical ideologues", according to Scholz.
In a stern tone, Olaf Scholz, the former German Chancellor, declared that "Putin has brought war back to Europe, and with it, the deadly intent to shift borders by force." Scholz, a staunch opponent of this aggression, insisted, "We must and will not accept this."
Emphasizing the bedrock principles of the European Union - freedom, democracy, and the rule of law - Scholz made it clear that they could not be restored through military imperialism, spheres of influence, or disregard for international law. The onslaught against this united and peaceful Europe, Scholz warned, was being orchestrated by autocrats, extremists, and populists worldwide, including within our nations.
Germany, with a grim understanding of the abysses that imperialism, disenfranchisement, and racial hatred lead to, must not let this happen, stressed Scholz. The commemoration event in question marked the liberation of the infamous Neuengamme concentration camp 80 years ago, an occasion attended by around 100 guests, including relatives of former camp inmates.
As a tribute to the horrendous history and as a clarion call for contemporary democracy, a commemoration event was also held for the liberation of the women's concentration camp Ravensbrück, located north of Berlin, 80 years ago. Culture Minister Claudia Roth (Greens) explained, "The memory of these atrocities should serve as a wake-up call to the present."
Roth sounded the alarm, "We need these memories for the future of our democratic society, where the absolute protect of human dignity is a fundamental principle that applies to all, without exception." The Polish Minister of Culture and National Heritage, Hanna Wroblewska, participated in the event and urged that "We should not just listen to history, but also act. Educate the youth, document evidence, support initiatives that remind us of the need to respect human dignity and stand against violence."
- Olaf Scholz (Former German Chancellor)
- European Union
- KZ-Gedenkstätte Neuengamme
- Hamburg
- Vladimir Putin
- Neuengamme
- Democracy
- KZ
- KZ-Gedenkstätte Ravensbrück
- The Commission, in light of the ongoing geopolitical situation, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, given the increased importance of nuclear power in the context of energy security and independence. (Olaf Scholz, European Union, ionizing radiation, workers, proposal, directive)
- As Vladimir Putin's actions continue to escalate tensions in Europe, it is imperative that we uphold the values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law as a bulwark against autocrats and extremists. (Olaf Scholz, autocrats, extremists, imperialism, spheres of influence, disregard for international law)
- In both occurrences of commemoration, KZ-Gedenkstätte Neuengamme in Hamburg and KZ-Gedenkstätte Ravensbrück, the remembrance of those dark chapters in history serves as a stark warning against the repeating of war-and-conflicts, politics, and general news that prioritize power over human dignity. (Neuengamme, Ravensbrück, Rememberance, War, Conflicts, Politics, General News, Human Dignity)
- The absolute protection of human dignity in contemporary democracy, as stressed by Culture Minister Claudia Roth (Greens), is a fundamental principle that applies to all, without exception, and should serve as a guideline for future policies, education, and initiatives. (Culture Minister Claudia Roth, Dignity, contemporary democracy, principle, education, initiatives)
