Natzweiler-Struthof
15 September 2026
On 13 September 2026, Eurocorps had the honour of taking part in the ceremony held in tribute to the victims of Nazi persecution at the Natzweiler-Struthof concentration camp memorial in the French Vosges Mountains.
A major site of national remembrance, managed by the French Ministry for the Armed Forces, the Memorial holds an annual ceremony remembering the victims of the camp. This year, particular emphasis was placed on the international dimension of the Natzweiler legacy. Victims deported to the camp came from 51 nationalities represented today, with prisoners, including many youths, originating from across Europe.
In the presence of around 300 international guests, the ceremony was held under the authority of Ms Marie-Christine Verdier-Jouclas, Director General of the French National Office for Veterans and Victims of War. Civilian and military authorities, representatives of associations of former Natzweiler deportees from France, Luxembourg, Germany, the Netherlands and Norway, as well as students from schools in Belgium and France, took part in this important act of remembrance.
The director of the Memorial Natzweiler-Struthof camp, Michael Landolt, highlighted the presence of Eurocorps as very important “since the camp received deportees from all over Europe especially from countries present within Eurocorps.” On this occasion, Eurocorps’ flag and guard of honour took part in this ceremony. Lieutenant-general Aroldo Lázaro, Commander Eurocorps, laid a wreath in memory of the victims and emphasized that it was an honour to participate in this ceremony together with all the families, institutions and representatives of Eurocorps’ Framework nations in this moving event. Eurocorps participated for the first time in this event. It highlighted the deeply multinational character of the ceremony and reaffirmed its commitment to a united and peaceful Europe. By preserving the memory of those who suffered under Nazi persecution, we honour the victims and strengthen our collective determination to ensure that such tragedies are never happen again.
