Terrorism: “These events have affected us, but they have not made us afraid”
March 23, 2016
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Following the terrorist attacks on Tuesday 22 March 2016 in Brussels, the EU Heads of State or Government and the leaders of the EU institutions, said in a joint statement: “The European Union mourns the victims of today’s terrorist attacks in Brussels. It was an attack on our open democratic society”. They added: “This latest attack only strengthens our resolve to defend the European values and tolerance from the attacks of the intolerant. We will be united and firm in the fight against hatred, violent extremism and terrorism”.
The President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, said that “these attacks have hit Brussels today, Paris yesterday – it is Europe as a whole that has been targeted”. He added: “The European Union and the European Institutions must stay united in face of terrorism. These events have affected us, but they have not made us afraid. We will continue our work, to face the terrorist threat together, and to bring European solutions to questions that concern us all. I would also like to reassure the employees of the Commission and the European institutions that their security remains a priority for us and that all possible measures will be taken in concert with the Belgian authorities”.
The European Parliament in Brussels raised its alert to the highest level, said a press release published on the same day. “I am horrified by the despicable and cowardly attacks which took place in Brussels today. My thoughts go out first and foremost to the victims and the wounded, as well as their families and friends” said Martin Schulz, President of European Parliament.