European Commission pledges to promote democratic memory in the EU

The European Commission has reiterated its dedication to promoting the collective memory of crimes committed by totalitarian regimes across Europe. This commitment was articulated by Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders in response to inquiries from Spanish socialist representatives in the European Parliament. The statement comes amid proposals in several Spanish Autonomous Communities, including Aragón and Castilla y León, to repeal existing laws on democratic memory in favor of new "laws of concord." Reynders emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of these historical injustices, particularly in light of recent legislative changes proposed by regional governments led by the Popular Party (PP) and Vox. He highlighted that the Commission's efforts are aimed at ensuring that the shared memory of totalitarian crimes remains a focal point in the EU's commitment to uphold fundamental values such as human dignity, democracy, and the rule of law. The Commissioner’s remarks also referenced a previous response concerning the repeal of the Democratic Memory Law in Aragón, underscoring the ongoing dialogue about how best to address the legacy of totalitarianism in Europe. Reynders' statement reflects a broader concern within the EU regarding the potential erosion of democratic values and the need for a unified approach to historical memory. As the debate continues in Spain, the European Commission remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard the lessons of the past, ensuring that they inform the future of European democracy and human rights.