The European Parliament adopted a written declaration proposing that 23 August be proclaimed European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism , in order to preserve the memory of the victims of mass deportations and exterminations, and at the same time rooting democracy more firmly and reinforcing peace and stability in our continent.

Members recalled that the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact of 23 August 1939 between the Soviet Union and Germany divided Europe into two spheres of interest by means of secret additional protocols. The mass deportations, murders and enslavements committed in the context of the acts of aggression by Stalinism and Nazism fall into the category of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Under international law, statutory limitations do not apply to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The resolution points out that the influence and significance of the Soviet order and occupation on and for citizens of the post-Communist States are little known in Europe.

Parliament noted that Article 3 of Decision No 1904/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing for the period 2007 to 2013 the programme 'Europe for Citizens' to promote active European citizenship calls for support for the action 'Active European Remembrance', intended to prevent any repetition of the crimes of Nazism and Stalinism.