This month marks 25 years since Germany began compensating victims of forced labour under the Nazi regime. The Remembrance, Responsibility and Future (EVZ) Foundation has paid €4.4 billion to 1.66 million survivors and their heirs, but many argue this came too late and was insufficient compared to the scale of suffering endured by an estimated 26 million forced labourers.
The EVZ was established in 2000, partly in response to international pressure and class-action lawsuits, particularly from the US. Despite earlier compensation measures, many victims, especially from Eastern Europe, were overlooked for decades due to Cold War politics and societal stigma.
Critics highlight that the compensation fund, initially set at 10.1 billion deutschmarks, was a result of negotiations rather than a true reflection of the damages. Historical studies suggest that proper compensation could have reached between €90 billion and €112 billion, indicating a significant gap between what was paid and what was warranted.
As the last survivors age, the focus has shifted from financial compensation to ensuring historical recognition of their suffering. Many still seek acknowledgment of their victimhood, highlighting the ongoing need for remembrance and justice in the face of historical atrocities.
Source: DW News
