Commemorating September 11

"Today, Europe honours the victims and expresses its solidarity with those who lost their loved ones in these and all other terrorist attacks," declared Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, and José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, in a statement commemorating the 9/11 attacks a decade ago.

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The European Union supports its allies in the fight against terrorist networks and their financing, say both presidents. Europe continues to make progress in enhancing law enforcement cooperation, protecting transport systems and critical infrastructure.

The two presidents stressed the importance of fighting radicalisation and preventing the recruitment of new terrorists, but on the condition that the EU stays true to its core values. "Promoting the rule of law, human rights and democratic governance, open intercultural dialogue and providing economic and educational opportunities is the best guarantee of enhancing the security of our citizens and of our international partners."

Against the background of the Arab Spring, Mr. Van Rompuy and Mr. Barroso concluded: "Ten years on, the people in the streets of Tunis, Cairo, Benghazi and across the Arab world have sent a strong signal for freedom and democracy. This is the strongest answer to the fatuous hate and blind fanaticism of the 9/11 crimes."

More information:
Joint statement by President Herman Van Rompuy and President José Manuel Barroso on 9/11 Ten Year anniversary (pdf)