4
recognition of the socialist experience as a ‘relevant past’ of Europe. All
these interpretations were in line with the standards supported by the
European institutions, such as overcoming historical antagonisms and
protecting fundamental rights. Moreover, focusing on victims avoided
controversies regarding the definition of totalitarianism and the ranking
of different painful pasts, even though the steps to preserve the memory
of the socialist crimes were largely modelled on those already in place to
commemorate the Nazi atrocities.
The rationales of anti-communist
mobilisations
Anti-communist mobilisations were led by a small group
of representatives, primarily from the former Eastern bloc, who
participated in all the debates on communism at the PACE and the EP,
drew up official texts condemning communist crimes, and contributed
to awareness-raising actions in the European assemblies or at their
periphery. How can we explain the ability of these newcomers, who
were still relative outsiders at the European assemblies, to impose an
interpretation of communism that altered the dominant approach to
historical memory in Europe?
Focusing on their sociopolitical profiles sheds light on the memory
entrepreneurs’ biographical, partisan and ideological motivations,
but also on the constraints placed on their mobilisations. The calls
for remembrance of the socialist crimes and justice for their victims
launched by mainly conservative or liberal representatives, some of
whom had actively opposed the Soviet-type regimes, can be considered
48
Observing Memories
ISSUE 3
Joint Statement: Ministerial Conference on the
European Day of Remembrance for Victims of
Totalitarian Regimes. Bratislava, August 23,
2016 | sk16.eu