Question by Sahra Wagenknecht, 1 March 2007

The Estonian Parliament has passed a law backing the removal of a memorial on Tönismägi Hill in Tallinn that honours Soviet soldiers who died fighting fascism.

What is the Commission's opinion on the planned demolition of anti-fascist memorials in Estonia, in particular of the memorial for fallen Soviet soldiers in Tallinn, commemorating victory over German fascism? What view does the Commission take of comments by Estonian politicians that the memorial to Soviet soldiers should be pulled down without any legal basis if need be?

Written Answer by Commission, Annex to Protocol of Debate on 26 April 2007

(EN) The Commission recognises that the controversy surrounding the so-called "Bronze Soldier" statue in Tallinn is an extremely sensitive historical matter. However, it is for the Member States themselves to decide how best to address their past in full respect of their international commitments, including under the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 and their Additional Protocols. The Commission also considers that external pressures are not helpful in seeking solutions to such sensitive matters.

Let the Commission remind the Honourable Member, that the bill to which the Honourable Member refers – the Illegal Structures Bill – was not signed by the President of Estonia and has not therefore become law. It is the War Graves Protection Act adopted in January 2007 which provides the legal basis for Estonia to deal with this question.