Commemoration of the NSU attack: Cologne remembers with touching speeches

Commemoration of the NSU attack: Cologne remembers with touching speeches

On June 10, 2025, the city of Cologne looked back on a dark day in its history: 21 years have passed since the right-wing terrorist attack by the National Socialist Underground (NSU) on Keupstrasse. This attack, which took place on June 9, 2004, injured 22 people, including four seriously. On the occasion of the sad anniversary, a memorial hour was held organized by IG Keupstraße, at which Mayor Henriette Reker and the Turkish Consul General laid wreaths. Reker emphasized the still important wish to finally realize the memorial on Keupstrasse and thus do justice to the victims of the attack.

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also took part in the commemoration event and addressed emphatic words to those present. His performance was briefly interrupted by an incident involving an explosives dog striking a fire hydrant. After the area was cordoned off and checked, the event was still able to take place as planned. Steinmeier recalled the tragic fates of the victims and noted that the flawed investigations after the attack continued to burden those affected.

Keep the memory alive

“The stories and pain of those affected must be honored,” said Steinmeier. He called for a renewal of trust in the rule of law and sharply criticized the fact that the memories of the victims were often pushed into the background. As part of his speech, he also addressed the need to monitor and combat right-wing extremism, the dangers of which continue to affect society. The NSU attack changed the perception of right-wing terrorism in Germany and underlined the importance of targeted measures to combat such violence.

The memorial festival “Birlikte – Standing Together”, which took place again this year, is not only a sign of remembrance, but also a cultural expression format that strengthens the community. The festival not only addressed the terrible events of 2004, it also offered space for dialogue and encounters. NRW's Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst was also present and apologized to the victims and those falsely suspected. He explained that these serious mistakes by the authorities must be addressed.

A look at the causes

A deeper look at right-wing terrorism in Germany shows that the actions of the NSU and similar incidents are the result of a Germany-specific problem. Terrorism, especially right-wing terrorism, is characterized by an ideological orientation towards nationalism and racism. If we look at history, it becomes clear that the right-wing terrorist structures did not arise overnight. Violent attacks on political opponents and people with a migration background took place as early as the 1970s, which led to an increase in xenophobic violence in the following decades.

Consequently, it is clear that the current discussion about right-wing extremism and the need for systematic monitoring and combating it is long overdue. Analyzes of the past are essential and help to prevent future outbreaks of violence. In Cologne, the commemoration of the NSU attack serves as a reminder for society to actively combat these dangers.

Linked sources: Radio Cologne, WDR, bpb