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Briefing item
MEPs debate the Holodomor, the Ukrainian famine of the 1930s
External relations - 16-10-2008 - 10:04
MEPs will hear a Commission statement and hold a debate to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Holodomor, the large-scale famine that took place in Soviet Ukraine in 1932-33. Holding a debate on this topic was a request of Professor Geremek (PL) before he passed away. The House will also vote on a resolution on this topic.
Estimates for the number of deaths from the famine run into the millions, although some survivors are still alive today. Severe food shortages arose during the collectivisation of agriculture and the rapid industrialisation driven by the Soviet authorities. Some historians view the famine as the deliberate tool of a government seeking to destroy opposition to its authority.
The Conference of Presidents, meeting on Thursday 16 October, is expected to agree to a proposal for Parliament to vote on a resolution on this topic which would express solidarity with the victims.
Commission statement - Commemoration of the Holodomor, the Ukraine famine (1932-1933)
Debate : 22.10.2008
