The video, featuring EU commissioners reading aloud the names of Nazi Germany's victims, has sparked criticism due to the specific mention of Auschwitz in the caption "Died in Auschwitz camp, Poland."
Critics argue that the caption lacks the necessary nuance, as it fails to acknowledge that Auschwitz was a "former German Nazi concentration camp" established in the occupied part of Poland. The controversy stems from the omission of crucial historical context, with concerns raised about the potential to perpetuate the misconception that Poles were responsible for the Holocaust.
The repeated use of the contentious quote – appearing nine times in the video – has fueled the controversy. Polish Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski abstained from participating in the recording, contributing to the ongoing discussions on social media.
Ryszard Pawlik, assistant to MEP Jerzy Buzek, slammed the video on Twitter, expressing disappointment that Commissioner Wojciechowski did not participate and highlighting the need for accurate historical representation.
The Auschwitz Museum also entered the discussion, clarifying on Twitter that the Auschwitz concentration and extermination camp were located in the occupied part of Polish territory annexed directly to Nazi Germany in October 1939. The museum also emphasized the importance of stating that the camp was on the territory of occupied Poland.
Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski addressed the issue on Twitter, stressing the need to indicate that Auschwitz was established under German occupation. While acknowledging that the European Commission would clarify the information on social media, Sikorski said that it was a “pity, that the Polish EU commissioner did not present the Polish perspective in advance.”
On Sunday, Ursula von der Leyen posted a clarification on X (Twitter), saying that yesterday’s tribute was paid to the victims of the German Nazi extermination camp Auschwitz and the commemoration of six million Jews, and all other victims murdered by the Nazis.
Source: RMF24, PAP, IAR