My speech at the Ceremony of the commemoration of forgotten black heroes in the Nazi era (1933-1945)
Dear Audience,
On the international day for the elimination of racial discrimination, I would like to express my profound admiration and my gratitude to all people of African descent that have contributed to the liberation of Europe from Nazism.
Their contributions and their suffering have too often been forgotten in the steer of the holocaust.
Less than a century ago, populism and conservatism have contributed to the persecution of millions of families all over Europe; not only Jewish people but also minorities such as people with disabilities, with African origins, or from Roma heritage alongside queer people.
On this particular day, it is crucial to remember that we are stronger together, especially in this period of crisis.
In 2024, people are still discriminated, harassed, victims of hate speech and hate crime due to their origins, disability and their sexual orientation.
We should learn lessons from the past!
And we should not give the opportunity to far rights forces to divide our society.
On the contrary, we must stand with each vulnerable group by offering a safe and better place to live not only because they deserve it but also because it is one of the task of the Union.
Human dignity is a core value of the EU, a fundamental right and a key principle when reflecting on who we are. Moreover, I want to believe in a Union that protects rather than divides; a Union that creates opportunities rather than excludes; a Union of diversity rather than a Union of fear.
Dear audience,
We can only reach our full potential if we use all of our talent and diversity. Let us commemorate those black heroes that have too often been forgotten as well as other minorities who tragic stories have remained untold for far too long.
On this Remembrance Day, let us wish for a future full of solidarity for next generations.
