Never Again Is Now: Why Europe Must Renew the Antifascist Struggle

Across most of Europe, 8 and 9 May mark the anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the liberation of Europe from fascism. For the Left, this cannot be merely an act of remembrance. It is a call to continue the struggle for a peaceful and antifascist Europe.

On 16 May 1945, the survivors of the concentration camp of KZ Mauthausen — where around 100,000 people from over 40 nations were murdered — addressed the world with these words:

“We, the liberated prisoners of Mauthausen, swear before the world:

We will continue on the common path of the free peoples of all nations.

We are determined to carry on the struggle against imperialism and nationalist hatred.

The construction of a new world of peace and freedom is our goal.”

The survivors of KZ Dachau, KZ Buchenwald and KZ Ravensbrück addressed humanity in similar words. Their legacy has still not been fulfilled.

By the time the Allied anti-Hitler coalition achieved victory over Nazi barbarism, more than 50 million people had lost their lives — in concentration camps and prisons, on battlefields, and in destroyed cities.

Today, wars once again rage across the world, forcing millions to flee their homes. A new arms race is escalating, raising the danger of another world war, while neo-fascist movements are advancing across Europe and beyond. These developments demand vigilance, solidarity, and the mobilization of peoples everywhere.

“Never again war — never again fascism,” swore the liberated prisoners and survivors.

We know today: “Never again” is not a slogan for the past. Never again is now.