22.03.2016 – As we are all trying to make sense of the tragic loss of life perpetrated by these senseless attacks, we would like to thank you for all your messages and to let you know that everyone at the EM International office is safe and well.

We hope that all our members, colleagues, partners and friends in Brussels are away from harm. Our thoughts go to the victims of today’s attacks and their families. Their suffering is ours too. We can only wish for no more news of casualties.

The dark forces of extremism, hate and violence and those xenophobic, populist, isolationist scaremongers who try to capitalise on today’s awful events can only be defeated if we do not allow our values and principles, our sense of solidarity and our commitment to our cause to waver.

Petros Fassoulas, Secretary General, European Movement International

Photo Credit: Tania Berman

Unis Contre la Haine

European Movement member organisations from around Europe have been reacting to the Brussels attacks. Below you will find links to these comments. Please also feel free to leave your own comments in the comment section at the bottom of this page.

AEGEE Europe
We are deeply saddened and shocked by the attacks that occurred today in Brussels. The members of the board and staff of AEGEE-Europe are safe, and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of these attacks and their beloved ones. We stand strong against violence and fear, which can never be a solution.

Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Party
The ALDE Party condemns the attacks in Brussels on Tuesday 22 March. Freedom, democracy, and an open society must prevail in Europe. Our thoughts go to the victims, the wounded, and their family and friends. ‪More

Association of Local Democracy Agencies (ALDA)
Once again, the world is shaken by hideous terroristic attacks. This time it happened in Brussels, the heart of Europe, a city speaking all the languages of the world and home to Europeans and non-Europeans – colleagues, family, and friends. Our thoughts are with the victims of this nonsense, and our deepest condolences go to their families. More

European People’s Party
We will not yield to terror and we will not let anybody undermine our freedom and our values in Europe. Today, the heart of Europe is under attack. An attack on Belgium is an attack on every European citizen. We must remain united to protect our democracies and what we stand for. More

Party of European Socialists
The Party of European Socialists and its member parties stand firmly against terrorism and in favour of freedom, democracy and human rights. The PES extends its condolences to the families of all the victims in this moment of mourning. More

Union of European Federalists
The UEF team is safe and sound in the office, praying for those who have been affected by the explosions at Brussels Airport and Maalbeek metro station this morning. Stay safe! United we stand strong.

Young European Federalists
Today, the heart of Europe and our common capital, Brussels, was hit by barbaric and coward terror attacks. After the detention of Salah Abdeslam, allegedly involved in the Paris attacks, in Brussels on March 18th, Europeans may have felt relieved, for a short time. Today, pain and sorrow fill our hearts, yet again. Terror has reared its ugly face upon European citizens, once again. More

European Movement Croatia
European Movement Croatia would like to express its sincerest condolences to the victims of the terrible terrorist attacks in Brussels. We express deep sympathy and solidarity with all Belgian citizens. This is an attack on the entire Europe, on democracy and basic human rights, an attack on the fundamental values of European Union. In these difficult times we need to stay united and determined in preventing future attacks.

European Movement Ireland
European Movement (EM) Ireland has condemned today’s attacks in Brussels and offered sympathies to the victims and their families. Speaking this afternoon, Noelle O Connell, EM Ireland Executive Director, said “We have been left in a state of shock by the horrific attacks this morning in Brussels. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims of today’s atrocities, as well as their families and loved ones. European Movement Ireland would like to express our support and solidarity with the people of Brussels, including our international colleagues and the many Irish people who live, work and study there.” More

European Movement France
Tout notre soutien va à ‪#‎Bruxelles‬ et ses citoyens ! Restons unis contre cette haine.

European Movement Germany
Wir trauern! Um alle Opfer des Terrorismus!

European Movement Italy
Il Movimento europeo in Italia esprime la propria solidarietà con il popolo belga nel momento dell’orrendo attacco terrorista del 22 marzo e cordoglio per le vittime di paesi, culture, religioni diverse tutte accomunate dalla violenza di chi tenta di annullare i principi di una società tollerante, rispettosa della dignità umana e multiculturale.

European Movement Latvia
Dziļas sēras par vakardienas radikāļu teroraktu, kas gļēvi izbeidza un sakropļoja neskaitāmu cilvēku dzīves. Teroristi mēģina vērsties pret brīvību un demokrātiju, sējot bailes. Starptautisku teroristisku grupējumu apkarošanai nepieciešama vēl ciešāka un labāka ES dalībvalstu dienestu sadarbība. Kaut pēdējos mēnešos, t.sk. Latvijas ES prezidentūras laikā daudz darīts, tomēr vēl plašs darbs ir priekšā.
Vēlam mūsu politiķiem izlēmīgumu, dienestiem ātrumu un mums ikvienam tādu spēcīgu pārliecību par savām vērtībām un brīvību, kuru bailes neuzvar.

European Movement Norway
Et meningsløst og tragisk angrep i Brussel. Vi følger opp våre nærmeste, venner og kolleger. Våre tanker og dypeste medfølelse med de som berøres og de som har mistet noen idag.
Tragic and meaningless attack in Brussels. Now checking family, friends and colleagues. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy with those hit. More

European Movement Switzerland
“Terroranschläge sind die Steilvorlage der Islamisten an die Rechtspopulisten. Win-Win-Situation: Wählerzulauf für extrem rechte sowie rechtsextreme Parteien, die das Geschäft der Terroristen erledigen, nämlich die Spaltung der Gesellschaft überall in Europa. Und kaum einer nennt diesen Teufelspakt beim Namen, im Gegenteil. Man legt sich, wie kürzlich in Basel-Stadt, unter beschönigenden Titeln wie ‘bürgerliche Zusammenarbeit’ auch noch mit den Rechtspopulisten ins Bett.”
(Matthias Bertschinger, Präsident NEBS Sektion Basel)

European Movement Sweden
Vi har med bestörtning följt händelserna i Bryssel igår och idag. Vårt hjärta finns hos alla som drabbats. Nu måste Europa hålla ihop och slå vakt om de demokratiska värdena. ‪#‎WeStandWithBrussels‬

European Movement UK
Our thoughts today are with the people of Brussels.
Those using the tragedy for Brexit are misguided. Terrorists don’t attack us for our institutions or nationhood. They attack us for our way of life. An attack on Belgian freedom is an attack on all our freedoms, and we must confront it together.

European Movement Partners

Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe
La Conférence des OING condamne l’attaque terroriste à Bruxelles et appelle à une plus grande solidarité entre les pays membres.
Nos sincères condoléances vont à l’égard des familles de victimes. Les ONG doivent renforcer leur mobilisation pour montrer que l

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