Commissioner Johansson's opening speech at the 20th European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism

Victims of Terrorism

I would like to welcome you all and especially all the victims that are here, this is your day.

When I spoke to Spanish friends saying that we're going to have this memorial here in Madrid today, twenty years since the attack.

People said “Is it really twenty years”? It seems so recent that it happened, it's hard to believe 20 years have gone,

Now the city is at peace. Twenty years have passed but the pain remains.

Now it's eleven o' clock. By eleven o' clock twenty years ago ten bombs had exploded in trains in Madrid.

Ending the lives of nearly 200 people.

And wounding many, many more.

In face of this atrocity – there was also solidarity.

More than 11 million people – more than a quarter of the population of Spain – protested in the streets against terrorism, in support of victims.

That day, the 11^th of March, twenty years ago, all of Europe stood with Spain.

Like we stand with Spain today, in this moment of memory.

Out of this terrible tragedy also came this commemoration.

The European Day of Remembrance.

A day to remember, honour and support all those who fell victim to terrorism.

Among you today are survivors or relatives of the Madrid attacks.

But also of the Piazza Fontana bomb attack in Milano.

55 years ago – in 1969.

And most recently, of the 7^th of October attack last year.

You are living in fear for loved ones still held hostage.

And there are victims of many attacks in between.

From all over Europe. And across the globe.

From New York in the West to Afghanistan in the East.

From Brazzaville in the South to Turku in the North.

This day is for you.

And for all those who cannot be with us today.

It is always an honour to share this day with you.

This is now my fourth time as Commissioner.

I know that for you coming here, is like coming home.

Here, you don't need to explain.

You don't need to explain the sudden act of senseless violence.

What it means to lose a parent, a partner, a child.

What it means to lose your health. Mentally, physically.

Or the problems you face with bureaucracy.

Here, you find understanding without speaking.

As victims, as survivors you are a community of shared understanding, and a community of support.

But you are also a community of action.

Catherine Bertrand.

You were in the Bataclan. To discover a new rock group.

You heard noise. You thought it was fireworks.

You saw people falling. You could smell the gunpowder.

You escaped.

At home you were so happy to be alive.

But then came the nightmares. The guilt. The fear.

You say it's like carrying a ball and chain with you all the time.

And often the ball gets very big, and very heavy.

Drawing is your life.

Last year you gave me the wonderful book you drew. Chronique d'une Survivante. I tried to read it in French.

But as I promised you last year, we have supported a translation.

To help more people deal with their own big black ball.

And now your book is translated into English and Spanish, Italian and German.

And everyone should read it.

And Marion van Reeth, you went to New York.

You were cycling along the Hudson with your family.

Then a truck hit you from behind.

In an attack that killed eight people and hurt many more.

You were taken to hospital.

Where they amputated your legs.

And you spent a lot of time in hospital far away from home.

Your husband, who was also hurt said: we have a mountain to climb.

And climbing a mountain is now literally what you're doing to help other survivors.

You're cycling up a mountain together.

Because together you are stronger.

I see strong women. Who are supporting others, by taking action. Like many of you here today.

You have the European Union behind you.

We're updating our EU laws to better protect your rights.

We have set up a new EU centre of expertise for victims of terrorism.

And I compliment the Spanish authorities for making good use of our new EU law against terrorist content online.

Spain is issuing many removal orders to take down terrorist propaganda.

Propaganda praising the Utoya attack in Norway and the October 7^th attacks.

Devastating attacks that struck some of you here today.

Thanks to EU law and Spanish action, this propaganda is being taken down.

The threat is rising but so is our vigilance. Just last week police action prevented two major attacks.

One in Sweden. And one against a music venue in Brussels.
With suspects arrested thanks to EU police cooperation.

And you, relatives, victims, survivors are our most important ally in the fight against terror.

When you speak, schoolchildren listen.

You say talking to children is like magic. They listen in total silence.

Your stories inspire me to do my job to work for a safer Europe. Today and every day.

So I would like to say thank you.

Thank you for bearing witness, thank you for all the actions you are taking.

I thank you on behalf of a grateful Europe.