Baltic states, Czechia and Poland raise over EUR 250,000 for Brussels memorial to victims of totalitarianism

RIGA - More than EUR 250,000 has been raised for the creation of a memorial in Brussels to the victims of 20th century totalitarianism, with co-funding provided by all three Baltic states, Czechia, and Poland, Elina Bivina, an aide to European Parliament (EP) member Sandra Kalniete (New Unity), told LETA.

The EP presidency has been asked to decide in a parliamentary vote on funding for the memorial in Brussels to the victims of 20th century totalitarianism. Meanwhile, several European Union (EU) member states and non-governmental organizations have decided to financially support the memorial. Money for the project has also been raised through crowdfunding.

At a plenary session in Strasbourg last week, the EP reaffirmed its support for the memorial reflecting the diversity of historical experiences. The memorial is planned to be built next to the EP House on Esplanade Solidarnosc 1980.

MEP Kalniete stresses that the work on the memorial comes at a time when Europe is facing the reality of war, which is forcing a review of spending and creating a difficult economic situation. The EP History Group believes that the memorial project should continue, albeit gradually, by seeking and securing funding for it from various sources.

Kalniete believes that a Europe-wide memorial dedicated to the victims of the 20th century's totalitarian regimes - fascism, Nazism and communism - would send a message that Europe remembers the difficult history of the 20th century.