Across Europe, parades and memorials marked 80 years as Nazi Germany’s surrender, concluding World War II on the continent. The anniversary arrives at a time of renewed geopolitical tension, casting a shadow over the celebrations.

Victory in Europe: A Day of Remembrance

Eighty years ago, Britons gathered around their radios to hear Prime Minister Winston Churchill announce an unconditional surrender of all German land, sea and air forces in Europe. This marked Victory in Europe, or VE Day. Celebrations this year included moments of silence and solemn memorials, juxtaposed against growing anxieties about Europe’s future security, strained relations with the U.S., and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Ceremonies in Britain

In London, Big ben’s bells tolled at noon, initiating two minutes of nationwide silence. Trumpets then sounded a fanfare as King Charles and Prince William, adorned with medals, entered Westminster Abbey for a thanksgiving service. Elderly veterans, some in wheelchairs, attended the service.

Among them was Harry Winter, aged 103, a former prisoner of war. Winter, reflecting on his liberation on May 8, 1945, told the BBC, I just felt, I’m free. I can do as I like again. I can go around without anybody trying to hold me back. Wartime ballads echoed through Westminster Abbey, while tea parties took place in streets across Britain.

A Somber Reflection in Germany

In contrast to the jubilant celebrations in Britain, Germany observed the anniversary with a more somber tone. Katja Hoyer noted that In Germany, it’s the exact opposite. It’s very much a sort of somber atmosphere. Hoyer explained that May 8 represents Germany’s “zero hour,” a time for reflection on the nation’s progress sence 1945. The reunification of Germany after the fall of the Berlin wall briefly fostered optimism, but Hoyer warns:

There was briefly a sense of jubilant optimism that now the Second World War and the Holocaust can just be seen as things of the past, when actually, now we’re seeing the rise of autocratic and authoritarian regimes onc more, and the questions perhaps of the first half of the 20th century seem more relevant and immediate again.

Katja Hoyer, Historian

Threats to the Post-War Order

Historians suggest the post-war global order is under strain. Timothy Garton Ash argues that VE Day celebrations might be a substitute for facing up to the very, you know, cold winds and storms we’re facing at the moment. He identifies three major threats to Europe:

• Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
• The rise of non-Western powers, including China
• The current American president

Ash summarizes these challenges as The Putin shock, what I might call the Xi Jinping shock and now the Donald Trump shock – and Europe is frankly reeling. The question is, can we look after ourselves?

Celebrations and geopolitical Maneuvering

While british pubs extended their hours for VE day celebrations, Russian President Vladimir Putin prepared to host a large parade in Moscow’s Red Square, with China’s Xi jinping as his guest.