Commemorating the horror of Verdun

The Debates feature from Euro|Topics offers English (+ French and German) translations of a selections of articles in European news sources on this topic.German Chancellor Merkel and French President Hollande jointly commemorated the battle of Verdun on the 29 May 2016, in which 300,000 soldiers lost their lives. The EU project prevents such tragedies from being repeated, some commentators pointed out. Others feared that nationalist reflexes and closed-door policies would spark new wars in Europe.

The French and German leaders attended a series of events to commemorate those killed in the WWI campaign. They used the occasion to urge increased European unity in the face of many challenges.

Deutsche Welle 29.05.16: Hollande, Merkel mark centenary of Battle of Verdun http://dw.com/p/1IwbV

France24, 29.05.16: Hollande and Merkel remember WWI dead 100 years after Verdun Battle http://www.france24.com/en/20160529-hollande-merkel-remember-wwi-dead-100-years-after-verdun-battle

EurActiv, 30.05.16: Hollande, Merkel call for European unity at Verdun centenary http://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/hollande-merkel-call-for-european-unity-at-verdun-centenary/

---