EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has paid solemn tribute to those killed in one of Belgium’s darkest days.
“Ten years ago, on 22 March 2016, Brussels, our common home, was attacked in a way it will never forget,” she said.
“That morning, 32 people set out on ordinary journeys, heading to work or to catch a flight.
“They never returned home,” said the Commission president.
She was recalling the tragic events of a decade ago that shook Belgium to the core: the coordinated bombings killed dozens of people at Brussels Airport and Maalbeek metro station.
On Friday, von der Leyen, in a statement, said, “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.”
She went on, “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.” Von der Leyen said, “Nous sommes avec la Belgique.Wij zijn met België.Wir stehen an der Seite Belgiens.“
She concluded: “We are with Belgium.”
Belgium will mark the 10th anniversary of the attacks with a series of ceremonies organised by the airport, Brussels transport operator MIVB and the government, working with victims’ associations, the prime minister’s office said.
King Filip and Queen Mathilde will attend ceremonies on Sunday marking the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
Belgain broadcaster VRT nws reports: “The royal couple and the Federal Prime Minister (Flemish nationalist) Bart De Wever will attend 3 ceremonies on Sunday. The first will take place at Brussels Airport, where 2 bombs exploded at 7:58 on Tuesday 22 March 2016. The second will be at Maalbeek in Brussels’ European District where a a bomb exploded at 9:11am.”
It goes on: “The third ceremony will take place at the Monument for the Victims of Acts of Terror on the Wetstraat, near to Jubel Park.
“There, the names of those who died will be read out. A minute’s silence will be observed.“
