Summary: September 11, 2003: Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union, to commemorate the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 (Brussels)
On the second anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the European Union renews the expression of its deep sorrow and most heartfelt solidarity to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of the United States.
The heinous acts of terrorism that caused immense human sufferings and huge material damage and losses in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania were perceived by the European citizens as brutal attacks to the ideals and principles of freedom and peace, to the institutions of democracy, to their own security and way of life.
The European Union reacted to those tragic events with great determination with a view to promoting the broadest possible international cooperation in the fight against terrorism. In this effort the European Union has adopted a wide and significant set of measures and has participated most actively in the activities of the international fora, with particular regard to the United Nations, aimed at preventing and suppressing terrorism. Significant results have been achieved that have led, among
other things, to arrests and trials of suspect terrorists, to the disruption of terrorist cells, to the freezing of financial assets and sources of funding.
The European Union has also promoted political dialogue with many countries and regional organizations to raise awareness of the need to adopt appropriate and effective legislative and other measures, both at domestic and international levels, with the aim to eradicate terrorism, suppress its sources and channels of financing, and remove the conditions and modalities of its recruitment. Pursuing a comprehensive approach, promoting dialogue among cultures and civilizations, respecting human
rights and fundamental freedoms in the fight against terrorism are key elements and an integral part of this wide ranging commitment.
The European Union reaffirms its close solidarity with the United States and all other countries that have been the victims of terrorist acts and is determined as ever to pursue its internal policies and its strategy of international cooperation designed to defeat terrorism.
The Acceding Countries Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia, the Associated Countries Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area align themselves with this declaration.
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