During a special session in Strasbourg, the European Parliament commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. “We are determined to stand together and say clearly and firmly: never again,” emphasized Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament. Both the veterans, whose presence added gravitas to the ceremony, and the MEPs emphasized that the European integration project was conceived as a response to the threats to peace at the time—peace that must be continuously safeguarded together.
On the evening of May 8, 1945, in a military engineering school in the Karlshorst district of Berlin, the unconditional surrender of the Wehrmacht and other Third Reich forces was signed. This marked the end of a devastating global war that claimed tens of millions of lives. Vigilance, remembrance, and a commitment to peace were among the key messages conveyed during the special European Parliament session held on Wednesday, May 7, in Strasbourg, on the eve of the anniversary.
“If the democratic forces had not won World War II, we would not be in this building today, and this solemn ceremony would not be taking place,” said Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus, MEP from Poland’s New Left party, in an interview with Newseria. “Unfortunately, there are also forces in today’s European Parliament that look directly toward Russia without considering the consequences of what might happen if the war in Ukraine doesn’t end.”
Veterans from various fronts of the war—those who fought the fascist invaders over eight decades ago—attended the ceremony, stressing the importance of defending shared values and continuing the fight for freedom and peace, albeit in new forms. MEPs honored them with a standing ovation.
“Eighty years after the guns fell silent across Europe, we pay tribute to the courage of those who fought and the sacrifice of those who died. We remember not just the end of the war, but also the birth of our Union. The most powerful tribute to those who gave their lives is not only our memory but also our determination. We are determined to stand together and say clearly and firmly: never again,” Metsola declared in her speech.
The idea of European cooperation emerged shortly after the war. In 1951, the European Coal and Steel Community was established, aiming to build a new post-war order rooted in economic cooperation.
“The European Union is truly something extraordinary, and we must acknowledge this clearly. If there were no EU—no united Europe—I don’t even want to imagine what would be happening in Poland right now, considering what’s going on in Ukraine,” said Scheuring-Wielgus. “The EU was a brilliant idea. Of course, many things need improvement, but as a concept, it’s incredibly valuable.”
She emphasized that this is especially important given the ongoing war in Ukraine, right on the EU’s eastern border, as well as the conflict in Gaza and other geopolitical tensions. In such times, a united Europe has a critical role to play in ensuring security and peace.
“There are tectonic geopolitical shifts occurring globally, and in this context, the European Union must be strong—and united. Paradoxically, the current global situation, including the election of Donald Trump, presents an opportunity for Europe to integrate even more, to become stronger, to build its defense, and for its member states to cooperate more closely. We haven’t seen such intense collaboration across so many levels before,” the MEP noted. “We should treat this as a chance to be stronger in future negotiations with global powers—not only the U.S., but also India and China.”
“We know how ruthless ideologies that divide people and nations can be. That’s why today, we say with full conviction: community is strength. A community of nations that respects the traditions and cultures of all people who want to live in peace,” stated Janusz Maksymowicz, a participant in the Warsaw Uprising, during his speech.
António Costa, President of the European Council, called on EU member states and their partners to remain united in the face of Russian aggression, as this is the best way to honor those who gave their lives in defense of freedom 80 years ago. He emphasized that peace is both a legacy and a responsibility.
