1522nd Meeting of the Committee of Ministers (12 March 2025) EU Statement on terrorist attacks in Europe

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the EU and its Member States.

The European Union and its Member States condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the heinous terrorist attacks that have occurred in a number of Member States of the Council of Europe since last December, which have resulted in the loss of many innocent lives and many people injured including in EU Member States. 

The EU and its Member States marked yesterday the European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism. Unfortunately, we are in the position to send once again our profound condolences to the families and friends of victims, and express support and solidarity to the Member States affected as well as to their peoples. 

We unequivocally condemn all acts, methods and practices of terrorism and violent extremism in all their forms and manifestations regardless of their motivation. Terrorism and violent extremism cannot and will not be justified under any circumstances. We consider terrorism and violent extremism as an affront to the universal values on which the Council or Europe is based. Central to those values is a commitment to democratic institutions and free societies ruled by law and based on the respect for human rights. Our enduring commitment to these principles guides our determination in defeating terrorism and violent extremism. 

The European Union and its Member States reaffirm their determination in continuing to join forces in our common fight against terrorism and violent extremism. We underline the need to hold those responsible for the attacks accountable and bring justice to the victims. 

We reiterate our resolve to prevent terrorist attacks and ensure the security of citizens, including with the means offered by the Council of Europe through the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and its Protocol as well as other bilateral and multilateral instruments.

Dear colleagues, our thoughts and hearts are with all those affected by these tragedies.

I thank you, Chair.

Alignments: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Republic of Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine, and United Kingdom.