Mission and vision

Vision

For decades to come, the historic Atlantic Wall, together with the protected sites of concentration camps and battlefields, will remain a highly visible, physical remnant of the horror of World War II and the German occupation of Western Europe. On D-Day, 6 June 1944, the Allies in Normandy broke through this German defence line. The allied success in breaching  the Atlantic Wall is still a symbol that no wall can keep the spirit of freedom at bay.

The citizens of Europe must never forget that from a Europe of oppression and exclusion we evolved towards a European Union of inclusion and freedom. The Atlantic Wall should therefore be a place of remembrance, linking events of the past with present-day European issues. Due to its location along the West-European coast in popular areas, and due to its sturdiness, visibility and tangibility it will be a place for present and future generations to commemorate and to reflect on our common European values. The Atlantic Wall will thus continue to mark the need, today more than ever, for a strong, united, democratic and inclusive Europe.