Austria Commemorates Milestones: End of War and State Treaty
Austria is poised to celebrate significant anniversaries in 2025, marking 80 years since the conclusion of World War II, 70 years since the signing of the State Treaty, and 30 years since the country joined the European Union. Commemorative events will take place in the Parliament, Federal Chancellery, Mauthausen, and at the 'Festival of Joy' at Heldenplatz in Vienna, honoring the end of the war, its victims, and the liberation from Nazi oppression.
The State Treaty, signed in May 1955, will also be a focal point of discussions and celebrations, particularly at the Belvedere Palace where the treaty was finalized. The month of April saw the initial acknowledgment of the Republic's restoration in 1945, setting the stage for the upcoming commemorations of the liberation of the Mauthausen and Gusen concentration camps on May 5 and 6, as well as the overall end of the war in Europe on May 8.
On Monday, the Parliament will hold a ceremony against violence and racism, specifically remembering the victims of National Socialism, with a focus on the former NS killing site at Schloss Hartheim. This event will feature speakers, including descendants of those who suffered atrocities there. While the event is organized by Walter Rosenkranz, the National Council President from the Freedom Party (FPÖ), the opening remarks will be made by Peter Haubner, the Second President from the People's Party (ÖVP).
Rosenkranz, who is also the chair of the National Fund for Nazi Victims, has faced criticism from victim associations and the Jewish Community for his dual role. Nevertheless, he will address the Parliament during a separate event celebrating Austria's 30-year EU membership on May 9.
On May 8, which is celebrated as Europe's Liberation Day, a memorial event will occur at the Federal Chancellery in the morning. The 'Festival of Joy' organized by the Mauthausen Committee Austria (MKÖ) will take place at Heldenplatz for the 13th consecutive year, emphasizing the theme of '80 Years of Liberation from National Socialism - For a Never Again and Peace in Europe.' This event aims to promote remembrance of past lessons.
Notable figures, including 95-year-old journalist and eyewitness Paul Lendvai, will share their experiences of displacement and new beginnings. Musical accompaniment will be provided by the Vienna Symphony Orchestra. From May 5 to May 9, life-sized portraits and quotes from concentration camp survivors will be displayed at Heldenplatz. During the opening on Monday, Mark Olsky, one of the so-called 'Mauthausen Babies' born in the camps, will be in attendance.
Additionally, the main commemorative event, titled 'Together for a Never Again!', will be held on May 11 at the Mauthausen memorial site, featuring a remembrance march attended by delegations from various countries, including Spain's royal couple, Felipe VI and Letizia. Holocaust survivors are also expected to participate.
Further memorial events will be held at several concentration camp sub-camps, including Gusen on May 10 and Amstetten, Melk, and Steyr on May 12.
Looking back, on May 15, 1955, the Austrian government and representatives from the Allied powers signed the State Treaty at Belvedere Palace, which marked Austria's path to sovereignty. The phrase 'Austria is free!' was famously declared by Foreign Minister Leopold Figl after the signing. Two ceremonies will be held on this date, one in the Parliament at 11 AM featuring former National Council presidents and ex-President Heinz Fischer, and another in the evening at the Belvedere gardens, which will include a formation from the Federal Army.