Summary: March 11, 2005: Declaration by José Manuel BARROSO, President of the European Commission - One year after the terrorist attacks in Madrid (Brussels)
The 11 March attack against Spanish and other citizens was an attack against all European citizens, an attack against the very principles on which the EU is founded.
Terrorism seeks to destabilise societies by creating tension, fear and panic through violence on innocent citizens. The Madrid events of last year made it clear that a terrorist attack on any part of the EU affects the EU in its entirety; as was shown by the response of the EU in its entirety.
Preventing and combating terrorism has become one of the EU's greatest challenges. I am fully aware that threats to security are one of our citizen's main worries. 8 out of 10 European citizens fear terrorism. A very large majority, 83%, believe on the added value of EU action against terrorism and therefore demand further EU action. This has therefore been named as one of the priorities of my Commission in its 5-year Strategic Objectives.
The March 11 events revealed how serious and complex the threat is. Our response has to be effective in the long term. We will fight terrorism by the law and within the law. Fighting terrorism is about preserving our most fundamental and cherished human rights. In the fight against terrorism, we must uphold those very same principles we are so adamant to defend. Our campaign, therefore, has to be resolute and systematic and solidly anchored in respect for human rights and the rule of law.
One year after March 11 we remember the brutal loss of lives in Madrid. And as we express once again our solidarity and compassion with those who still bear the mental and physical scars of that day, the EU will continue its relentless fight against terrorism. It is also a fight to preserve and uphold our most fundamental and cherished values and freedoms. We owe it to the victims of terrorism.
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