Austrian Government commemorates end of the Second World War with ceremony

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On May 8, 2025, Austria commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe with the “Festival of Joy” (Fest der Freude) at Vienna’s Heldenplatz. Organized by the Mauthausen Committee Austria (MKÖ), this annual event honors the victims of National Socialism and celebrates liberation from Nazi rule. This year’s theme, “80 Years of Liberation from National Socialism—Never Again and Peace in Europe,” emphasized the importance of remembering past atrocities to safeguard democracy and peace today.

The evening featured speeches from Austrian President Dr. Alexander Van der Bellen and MKÖ Chairman Willi Mernyi. A highlight was the address by journalist and Holocaust survivor Paul Lendvai, who shared his experiences of surviving Nazi persecution in Hungary and his journey to Austria.

Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) emphasized Austria’s historical responsibility. Too few once dared to stand up against authoritarian ideologies and hatred. Especially now, when anti-Semitism is on the rise, Austria’s responsibility means that “Never again” must be more than an empty phrase.

“We must stand up against this wherever it happens, and we must not stand idly by when Jews in Austria and beyond no longer feel safe,” says Stocker. For far too long, Austria had seen itself exclusively as a victim of the National Socialists. Today, all chapters of its history are faced openly and impartially, “the bright ones, but also the dark ones.”

In his speech, the Chancellor recalled the more than 65,000 Austrian Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust, as well as Roma and Sinti, politically persecuted people, people with disabilities, homosexuals, and all others who were disenfranchised, expelled, tortured, and killed by the Nazi regime. Hundreds of thousands of forced laborers were exploited under inhumane conditions; men, women, and children were killed in combat and bombing raids.

The Vienna Symphony Orchestra performed, culminating in Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” symbolizing unity and hope. ORF broadcast the event nationally and streamed it internationally with English subtitles, allowing global participation.

Beyond Vienna, commemorations occurred across Austria, including ceremonies at former concentration camp sites like Gunskirchen and Ebensee. These events featured wreath-laying, solidarity walks, and cultural programs, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to remembering the past and promoting peace.

Austria’s observance of May 8 as a day of liberation reflects its dedication to confronting its history and ensuring that the lessons of the past inform a more just and peaceful future.