“These attacks have hit Brussels today, Paris yesterday – but it is Europe as a whole that has been targeted. The European Union and its Institutions stand united in the face of terrorism,” wrote the President of the European Commission, Donald Tusk, following yesterday’s attacks in Brussels. He also expressed his deepest sympathy to the people of Brussels and his full support for the solidarity with the Belgian authorities.
In response to the attacks that killed at least 30 people, the European Parliament has raised its alert level and heightened security in close cooperation with the Belgian authorities. While personnel have been requested to stay inside, the building remained open although the visitors’ entrance and the Parlamentarium have been closed.
Today, the staff has been asked to telework and all Parliament buildings, with the exception of the main building, remain closed. European Parliament President Martin Schulz issued the following statement: “I am horrified by the despicable and cowardly attacks which took place in Brussels. My thoughts go out first and foremost to the victims and the wounded, as well as their families and friends.”
German Chancellor Angela Merkel commented yesterday that Germany would work with Belgium to find and punish the perpetrators of the horrendous bombing attacks and confirmed that her cabinet would meet today to discuss the implications for Germany. US President Obama started his scheduled address during his historic visit to Cuba by saying that the US ”will do whatever is necessary to support our friends and ally Belgium.”
Mrs Mogherini, the head of EU diplomacy, yesterday cut a joint press conference in Amman with Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh short as she broke down in tears when speaking about the bombings. She said that the terror attacks marked a “very sad day” for Europe and compared the continent’s suffering to the pain experienced in the Middle East. “It is… a very sad day for Europe as Europe and its capital is suffering the same pain that this region has known and knows every single day”, she said.
