EU Commemorates Roma Holocaust Memorial Day with Renewed Commitment to Combat Discrimination

On 2 August, the European Commission marked the 80th anniversary of the tragic events at Auschwitz-Birkenau, where approximately 500,000 Roma were murdered during the Holocaust. President Ursula von der Leyen, alongside Vice-President Věra Jourová and Commissioner Helena Dalli, emphasized the importance of upholding human dignity and celebrating diversity, while denouncing hatred. The European Parliament officially designated this date as “European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day” in 2015, highlighting the need for remembrance and action against antigypsyism. The European Commission and EU Member States have pledged to combat discrimination against Romani people, which was a significant factor in the genocide. This commitment was reiterated in the Joint Communication titled “No place for hate: a Europe united against hatred,” adopted in December 2023. The EU aims to foster an inclusive environment where all citizens, including Romani individuals, are treated equally and with respect. In 2024, the European Commission will allocate €14 million through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme to support projects focused on European remembrance. This funding will aid initiatives like the RomaMemory project, which seeks to raise awareness about the systematic persecution of Roma during the Holocaust. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola underscored the importance of learning from history, reaffirming that Romani people deserve the same rights as all European citizens. The EU's ongoing efforts reflect a broader commitment to ensuring that the lessons of the past inform a more equitable future.