On 10 June, the European Observatory on Memories (EUROM) and the European Parliament Office in Barcelona organized a public conversation to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. The event featured Vesna Andree Zaimovic, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Spain, and Davor Ivo Stier, Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the Delegation for Relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. The conversation was moderated by journalist Teresa Turiera-Puigbò.
Held at the headquarters of the European Parliament in Barcelona, the event served as a platform for reflection on memory and the ongoing importance of democratic commitment in Europe. Discussions addressed the enduring legacy of Srebrenica and the challenges facing the European Union today, including its response to international crises, the imperative for a values-based enlargement, and the urgent need to resolve conflicts in the Balkans to ensure Europe’s credibility as a global peace actor.
“Never again, anywhere. What happened in Srebrenica is what we’re witnessing daily in Gaza,” said Turiera-Puigbò, setting the tone for a deeply moving and timely debate.
In her opening remarks, Marina Solé, Secretary General of the University of Barcelona, highlighted the institution’s long-standing engagement in supporting displaced populations through its Refugee Support Programme, led by the UB Solidarity Foundation. Originally launched during the Balkan wars, the programme today places a particular focus on supporting Palestinian students and others affected by conflict.
Ambassador Vesna Andree Zaimovic underscored the critical need to confront and combat denialism. “It is never easy to speak about Srebrenica, especially in the current context, but it is necessary to ensure such horrors are never repeated,” she stated.
MEP Davor Ivo Stier emphasized the strategic and moral importance of European integration for the region: “Bosnia and Herzegovina’s future in the EU is the best path to reconciliation.”
The event concluded with closing remarks by Ramón Espadaler, Catalan Minister of Justice and Democratic Quality, who reiterated the Government of Catalonia’s commitment to preserving democratic memory: “What happened in Srebrenica is not only a scandal because of the images, but also because part of the population continues to deny the facts.”