Speeches
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FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF LONDON BOMBINGS
Declaration by
José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission on
behalf of the Commission:
"The bombings in London on 7 July 2005 were an attack against all European
citizens, an attack against the very principles on which the EU is founded.
"Our thoughts today are with the victims and relatives of the London bombings
and all victims of
terrorism.
"Terrorism seeks to destabilise societies by creating tension, fear and panic
through violence on innocent citizens. The London bombings, as with the earlier
attacks in Madrid, made it clear that a terrorist attack on any part of the EU
affects the EU in its entirety; as was shown by the united condemnation and
response of the whole European Union.
"Preventing and combating terrorism has become one of the EU’s greatest
challenges. The Commission is fully aware that threats to security are one of
our citizen’s main worries of a vast majority of Europeans. 8 out of 10
European citizens believe that Europe can do more in this area. The Commission
will continue to bring forward a package of initiatives to assist in the fight
against terrorism.
"The 7 July 2005 events revealed how serious and complex the threat is. Our
response has to be effective in the long term. The European Commission
continues its work following the EU Counter-terrorism Strategy, in order to
improve the European ability to respond. We will fight terrorism by the law and
within the law. Fighting terrorism is about preserving our most fundamental and
cherished human rights. In the fight against terrorism, we must uphold those
very same principles we are so adamant to defend. Our campaign, therefore, has
to be resolute and systematic and solidly anchored in respect for human rights
and the rule of law.
"One year after the London bombings we remember the brutal and senseless loss
of lives. And as we express once again our solidarity and compassion with those
who still bear the mental and physical scars of that day, the EU will continue
its relentless fight against terrorism. It is also a fight to preserve and
uphold our most fundamental and cherished values and freedoms."
July 7, 2005 EU Officials' Moment of Silence
