The European Commission has responded to the chanting of “For the homeland, ready” at the concert of Marko Perković Thompson, along with the display of Ustasha symbols by some attendees in Zagreb.

“We unequivocally condemn any manifestation of fascism that harkens back to the darkest chapters of European history,” stated the European Commission.

Inquiries from Index.hr regarding the concert and its associated events prompted responses from the EC, especially concerning Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković’s defense of the original Ustasha salute. He labeled it as “an integral part of Thompson’s repertoire” and asserted that “we should all take pride in the concert.”

“At the EU level, there exists a Framework Decision on combating racism and xenophobia, which mandates that member states criminalize hate speech. This includes public incitement to violence or hatred against individuals or groups based on race, color, religion, origin, or national or ethnic identity,” explained the Commission.

“Member States are also required to pursue legal action against public endorsement, denial, or gross trivialization of heinous acts such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. National authorities bear responsibility for each report of hate speech or hate crime, and they must operate in accordance with national laws that have transposed this Framework Decision,” the Commission elaborated in its statement to Index.

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