Verklaring van eurocommissaris Malmström over herdenkingsdag voor slachtoffers van terrorisme (en)

"The European Day for victims of terrorism is a time for commemoration and remembrance, a time for solidarity and encouragement. On this particular day, I express my sympathy and solidarity with all victims of terrorism, their families and loved ones.

The tragic events in Norway in July of last year which led to the death of so many young people were particularly painful for all of us. It reminds us that the threat of terrorism remains very real and that we can never let our guard down. We must undermine the efforts of terrorists to radicalise our youth and recruit new members. . We must counter their message of destruction and despair.

Our actions will never be driven by fear but guided by our values. Every day across the European Union people of all walks of life come together to challenge extremist ideas. This is a key priority of my mandate as European Commissioner and is also at the core of the anti-radicalisation network I set up last year.

Survivors will continue to play an important role in countering terrorism and spreading a message of non-violence and reconciliation to prevent others from suffering. Solidarity, tolerance and a firm belief in the respect of fundamental rights must remain our guiding principles".

What is being done?

On 22 November 2010 the Commission adopted a Communication on an "EU Internal Security Strategy in Action" (IP/10/1535 and MEMO/10/598). Preventing terrorism by addressing radicals turning to terrorism is among the top five security challenges identified in this strategy.

With the aim of empowering key groups in vulnerable communities, in 2011, the Commission established an 'EU radicalisation-awareness network' (IP/11/1011).

This EU-wide network helps prevent radicalisation leading to terrorism and the recruitment of vulnerable individuals, bringing together stakeholders from all across Europe. Social workers, religious leaders, youth leaders, police, researchers and others can share experiences and discuss best practices for challenging the terrorist narrative. Victims of terrorism also play an important role in this network.

In addition, the Commission provides financial support to projects and actions for aiding and protecting of victims of terrorism. Last year, the Commission committed a budget over € 2 million for proposals specifically covering "radicalisation leading to terrorism and the role of victims of terrorism in preventing radicalisation".

On 18 May 2011, the Commission also adopted a package of measures to ensure minimum levels of rights, support and protection for all victims of terrorism across the EU, no matter where they come from or live (IP/11/585). This was made possible by the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, which gave the EU an explicit competence to legislate on the rights of victims of crime, which includes victims of terrorism.