European Movement in Serbia, a member of the European Movement International that was established shortly after World War II with noble intention of European statesmen and thinkers to overcome the evils and divisions inflicted upon European nations by defeated Nazism and Fascism, resolutely opposes any attempts of relativization of the anti-fascist tradition in Serbian society and impedingly growing instances of historical revisionism in the Western Balkans and wider Europe.
In this context, we draw utmost attention to the adverse consequences of uncritical celebrations of World War II axis’ collaborators and efforts to rehabilitate individuals with proven affiliations with these collaborators, or those convicted of war crimes, in court or otherwise. Despite the fact that Serbia and its people have made exceptional contribution and immense sacrifices during the anti-fascist struggle as an integral part of the allied coalition against Fascism and Nazism, recent developments, such as establishment of museums and monuments dedicated to historically controversial figures, could potentially implant new divisions within the society. Such phenomena are openly or tacitly supported by the authorities and are noticeable to varying degrees in other Western Balkans countries. On the whole, this process has the potential to further deepen mistrust among the region’s peoples and imposes a significant burden on young generations, especially considering that the divisions and disputes stemming from the wars of disintegration on the former Yugoslav territory still remain unresolved.
The European Movement in Serbia, founded three decades ago at a volatile period of conflicts, stands firm on its principles of rejecting chauvinism and extreme nationalism, which brought hardship to our nation and other Balkan countries in the last decade of the 20th century. We strongly denounce and condemn policy and practice of historical revisionism, including relativization and overlooking crimes committed in the name of Serbian people during last wars, which has, regrettably, become an integral part of Serbia’s official political narrative.
Our commitment remains unwavering as we continue to advocate for a society grounded in European values, truth, and justice, a society that looks towards the future and strives for Serbia’s full integration into the European Union as an indispensable prerequisite for modernization and progress.
