Centre for Civic Education (CCE) extends its congratulations to all citizens on Victory Day over Fascism. This date symbolizes the end of World War II in Europe, the defeat of Nazism and Fascism, as well as the beginning of building a world founded on freedom, dignity, and solidarity.
The unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany 80 years ago marked the end of the bloodiest conflict in modern history, with tens of millions of victims and massive destruction. This day must not remain merely a historical footnote, but a lasting obligation to never forget the victims of fascist terror, and to consistently uphold and cherish the values of anti-fascism, which are woven into the foundations of modern Europe and the international order.
In times of growing extremism, chauvinism, and insidious attempts at historical revisionism, the CCE emphasizes that anti-fascism is not an ideological choice but a civilizational norm. Anti-fascism means resistance to hatred, discrimination, and authoritarianism, as well as active advocacy for an open, democratic, and just society.
The CCE expresses concern over the increasingly frequent relativization of historical facts in public discourse, which threatens to undermine core democratic values. Particularly troubling is the recent glorification of Pavle Đurišić by Metropolitan Joanikije. As we have pointed out before, Đurišić, a notorious commander of the Chetnik movement, collaborated with fascist occupiers and was directly responsible for mass atrocities against civilians. Public promotion of such figures represents a serious violation of Montenegro’s anti-fascist legacy and insults the memory of the victims.
Montenegro holds a special place in the history of anti-fascist resistance, recognized for its organized uprising as early as July 1941. The citizens of Montenegro, through both armed and civil resistance, contributed to the fight for freedom, and the National Liberation Struggle remains one of the brightest moments in our recent history. Anti-fascism is an integral part of Montenegrin identity and should serve as a foundation for building a modern democratic state.
The CCE calls on institutions – especially the education system – as well as political and religious actors, to responsibly cultivate a culture of remembrance, unequivocally condemn all forms of fascist symbolism and rhetoric, and strengthen society’s resilience to contemporary threats to democracy and human rights.
The CCE also reminds that Victory Day is celebrated in Europe on either 8 or 9 May, with the difference in observance stemming from different interpretations of the exact time of Germany’s surrender. Namely, most Western European countries and EU members commemorate 8 May, as Nazi Germany signed the unconditional surrender at 11:01 PM Central European Time on 8 May 1945. In the former Soviet Union and its allies, the surrender came into effect according to Moscow time—i.e., 9 May at 12:01 AM – which is why 9 May is also observed as Victory Day.
On this day, more than ever, it is important to reaffirm: the fight against fascism is not over – it continues every time we defend freedom, truth, and human dignity.
Ivana Matanović, Programme Associate