European Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of Nazi Capitulation in World War II
A Modern-Day Retrospective: Europe 80 Years After V-E Day
May 2025 – Today marks the 80th anniversary of the announcement of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender, a milestone known as Victory in Europe Day. The event signified the end of World War II in Europe, before Japan's surrender in September 1945.
This occasion, steeped in history, is commemorated across Europe, albeit amid concerns about the continent's future security. Tensions soar as Russia continues its war in Ukraine, and relations with the United States fray.
Recent Remembrances and Celebrations
In Britain, a four-day commemoration began with a military parade that saw King Charles III saluting soldiers. At the defense conference, Prime Minister Keir Starmer reminded everyone that this victory symbolized good fighting against "hate, tyranny, and evil." The remembrance culminated in a memorial service at Westminster Abbey and a moment of silence across the country. United Kingdom neighborhoods hosted street tea parties, and pubs remained open late, honoring the "greatest generation."
In Paris, ceremonies included a wreath-laying ceremony for wartime General Charles de Gaulle. However, in Germany, festivities were somber, with speeches emphasizing the dangers of fascism.
A Controversial Concept of Liberation
Reflecting on Germany's commemorations, historian Katja Hoyer points out that the concept of liberation implies that Germans were involuntarily captivated by their own Nazi regime and subsequently freed. This interpretation can relieve ordinary Germans, according to Hoyer, as it avoids acknowledging their support for the regime.
She also discusses the Germans' ongoing struggle with assuming responsibility for their ancestors who supported the Nazis. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul acknowledged this responsibility, stressing the importance of defending peace and freedom in Europe today.
A Changing World Order – Threats to Europe's Security
In 2015, the 75th anniversary of V-E Day felt like a celebration despite the COVID lockdown. But in 2025, the 80th anniversary creates a sense of dread, compounded by fears of a crumbling global order and increasing threats to European security.
Three extraordinary challenges confront Europe in 2025: ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine, the rise of non-Western powers, and the political landscape shifted by the presidency of Donald Trump. Europeans now question their reliance on U.S. security guarantees and worry about the implications of a changing post-WWII global order.
- The current government's defense conference in Britain emphasized the symbolic significance of Victory in Europe Day, highlighting the victory as a triumph over "hate, tyranny, and evil" in the politics of war-and-conflicts.
- During the commemorations, the King of Britain, Charles III, stood alongside allies in the military parade, whereas German commemorations were characterized by a somber tone, with speeches addressing the dangers of fascism.
- Historian Katja Hoyer questions the conventional notion of liberation during Germany's commemorations, suggesting that it masks the support by some Germans for their own Nazi regime.
- As Europe confronts the 80th anniversary of V-E Day, there is a growing apprehension about the continent's future security, especially amid threats like ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine, the rise of non-Western powers, and the geopolitical changes instigated by the presidency of Donald Trump, questioning the reliance on traditional U.S. security alliances.
