The European Parliament message of solidarity towards victims of terrorism.

The battle against terrorism requires the mobilisation of all citizens to guarantee freedom and security for all. Each year on 11 March, the European Union dedicates a Memorial Day expressing its solidarity to all victims of Terrorism.

The European Parliament decided to designate this day as a consequence of the terrorist attacks in Madrid and in London.

European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek made the following statement on the European Day of Victims in Terrorism - 11 March:

"Today we are commemorating the sixth European Day of the Victims of Terrorism.

Today we honour the more than 5000 people killed in Europe, and show solidarity with the scores of people wounded, who have suffered the barbarity of terrorism.

The bomb attacks in Madrid six years ago on 11 March 2004, which saw 191 victims from 17 countries, as well as the bombing in London on 7 July 2005, were some of the worst acts of terror perpetrated on European soil.

Terrorism is an attack on us all. Terrorism is an attack on the very fabric of our democratic society.

This is why Europe will always stand united in its fight against terrorism of all kind, whether separatist, religious or political.

Terrorism can never be justified. This European day gives us the opportunity to demonstrate that no terrorist or terrorist action will ever be able to diminish or destroy our faith in core values such as fundamental human rights."

Buzek on European Day for the Victims of Terrorism 11 March
The President of the European Parliament, Strasbourg