Witold Pilecki’s story is one of courage and sacrifice, and a meeting room of the European Parliament has just been inaugurated with his name, 75 years after being executed by Stalin. President of the Parliament Roberta Metsola was present together with different MEPs from different groups, but especially from ECR (Anna Fotyga), as that is the room where they do their group meetings.

Witold Pilecki meeting room inaugurated at the European Parliament

On May 31st, a room has been inaugurated with name at the European Parliament. A ceremony Has been be held to name the ECR Group meeting room, SPAAK 1A002, in honour of Witold PILECKI, a Polish World War II officer, intelligence agent and resistance fighter who fiercely resisted both Nazism and Communism and whose opposition to totalitarian regimes represents the core values underpinning European integration. Roberta Metsola, EP President attended the ceremony alongside ECR Co-Chairmen Ryszard LEGUTKO, and Mr Marek OSTROWSKI, nephew of Witold PILECKI.

Metsola said during the ceremony:

Ryszard Antoni LEGUTKO (ECR, PL), Head of ECR group said that:

Witold Pilecki was a Polish resistance fighter who volunteered to be imprisoned in Auschwitz during World War II. His mission was to gather intelligence and organize a resistance movement from within the camp. Pilecki’s bravery and sacrifice helped to expose the atrocities of the Holocaust and inspire others to resist Nazi oppression. Learn more about this heroic figure and his legacy.

As part of the ceremony, Marek OSTROWSKI, nephew of Witold PILECKI stressed that:

Early Life and Military Service

Witold Pilecki was born on May 13, 1901, in the town of Olonets in the Russian Empire (now part of Russia). He grew up in a patriotic family and was educated in Poland. In 1918, he joined the Polish military and fought in the Polish-Soviet War. He continued his military service in the interwar period, rising to the rank of captain. When Germany invaded Poland in 1939, Pilecki joined the underground resistance movement and began his mission to infiltrate Auschwitz.

Infiltrating Auschwitz

Witold Pilecki’s most famous mission was his infiltration of Auschwitz, the Nazi concentration camp. In 1940, he volunteered to be arrested and sent to the camp, where he spent the next two and a half years gathering intelligence and organizing a resistance movement. Pilecki’s reports on the atrocities committed at Auschwitz were some of the first to reach the Allies, and his actions helped to expose the horrors of the Holocaust to the world. Despite the danger, Pilecki continued his resistance work until he was discovered and executed by the Nazis in 1948.

Gathering Intelligence and Organizing Resistance

Witold Pilecki’s bravery and dedication to the resistance movement during WWII is truly remarkable. His mission to infiltrate Auschwitz and gather intelligence on the atrocities committed there was a dangerous and selfless act. But Pilecki didn’t stop there. He also organized a resistance movement within the camp, providing hope and support to fellow prisoners. His actions helped to expose the horrors of the Holocaust to the world and inspired others to resist. Pilecki’s legacy as a hero and symbol of resistance continues to inspire people today.

Escape and Continued Resistance

After nearly three years in Auschwitz, Pilecki managed to escape in April 1943. He continued his resistance work, joining the Home Army and fighting in the Warsaw Uprising in 1944. Despite being captured by the Germans and sentenced to death, Pilecki’s legacy lived on. His reports from Auschwitz were used as evidence in the Nuremberg Trials, and his story continues to inspire people around the world to stand up against oppression and fight for what is right.

Legacy and Recognition

Witold Pilecki’s legacy as a hero of WWII has been recognized in various ways. In 2006, he was posthumously awarded the Order of the White Eagle, Poland’s highest civilian honour. In 2013, a monument was erected in his honour in Warsaw. Pilecki’s story has also been told in books, documentaries, and films, ensuring that his bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. His actions continue to inspire people to stand up against injustice and fight for freedom and human rights. And now, in 31st May 2023, a meeting room of the European Parliament has been given his name.