20 March 2026 15:31 UTC · European Commission · EU Commission Press Release · Source · Email X Link

European Commission observes 10th anniversary of Brussels attacks

Key points

Remembers victims and expresses solidarity with Belgium
Notes stronger EU cooperation and legal framework against terrorism

TL;DR

President von der Leyen marks the tenth anniversary of the 22 March 2016 Brussels attacks, honours the victims, and reiterates solidarity with Belgium while noting strengthened EU cooperation and legal measures against terrorism.

Original text

European Commission - Statement Statement by President von der Leyen on the 10th anniversary of the Brussels terrorist attacks Brussels, 20 March 2026 Ten years ago, on 22 March 2016, Brussels, our common home, was attacked in a way it will never forget. That morning, 32 people set out on ordinary journeys, heading to work or to catch a flight. They never returned home. Today, we take a solemn moment to remember the victims of that blind, heinous act of terrorism. We think of them, and of their loved ones, who continue to carry a loss that time can hardly heal. When Brussels was struck, it was the very heart of Europe that was under attack. It was an assault on our values: freedom, peace, and tolerance. The values which define our Union, and which we are determined to protect. That is why, ten years ago, Europe rose and stood as one, united in solidarity with Belgium. Across the continent, city lights shone in black, yellow, and red. Crowds gathered on the streets, with candles flickering in remembrance. For the past 10 years, we have strengthened our resolve and deepened our cooperation to fight terrorism. We have worked to prevent such horrors from happening again. We now have a stronger legal framework, there is closer operational cooperation across borders, we have taken determined action against radicalisation, both online and offline. Today, as in 2016, we stand united. Nous sommes avec la Belgique. Wij zijn met België. Wir stehen an der Seite Belgiens. We are with Belgium. STATEMENT/26/674 Press contacts: Paula PINHO (+32 2 29 20815) Arianna PODESTA (+32 2 298 70 24) Olof GILL (+32 2 29 65966) General public inquiries: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 67 89 10 11 or by email

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