Statement by the Secretary General on the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Strasbourg

"Following the dark years of occupation, the liberation of Strasbourg was a point of light on the road to the Allied victory in the Second World War. It signalled the return of freedom for the people of this most European city after four and a half years of occupation and repression.

"After the war's end, the establishment of European institutions - based right here in Strasbourg - was a clear statement of the collective will of governments and citizens to reconcile, overcome hatred and build peaceful societies.

"Today, there is again war on our continent and attempts to undermine our democracies. We see a polarised political environment in which misinformation and propaganda fuels antisemitism, anti-migrant sentiment, and discrimination against minorities of many kinds. We cannot slip further back into that past.

"Instead, let us remember with gratitude the liberation of Strasbourg and work once again for an inclusive, democratic and peaceful future for all Europeans."