European victims of terrorism meet once again to mark another anniversary in Brussels in the annual tribute organized by NAVT and the European Commission. 

The event was officially opened by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Cecilia Malmström, and it started with a respectful minute of silence to remember those who are no longer among us.

The first panel, under the title “The role of victims of terrorism in preventing violent radicalisation: An individual and collective approach to the European contribution” was moderated by the director of NAVT, María Lozano, who coordinated the speakers’ presentations. Irene Villa, representing Spain; Lisa French, from the United Kingdom; Massimo Coco, from Italy and Jean Louis Normandin, from France, shared their experiences and contributions with those present in a particularly moving session. After these speeches, the audience had the opportunity to watch a Spanish documentary with English subtitles called “Las Voces de Antígona” (The Voices of Antigone), a commendable production by the Spanish Terrorism Victims Foundation that was very well received by those present.

The second panel included members of Italian, British and French associations, who explained their work and future projects. The experience and work carried out by European associations, under the umbrella of NAVT as coordinator and liaison, became evident in an enriching exchange of opinions and new proposals for collaboration as an example of the marvellous understanding among the European partners.

In addition to the presentations by victims and associations, there were also words from Mr. Reinhard Priebe, on behalf of the European Commission, Mr. Gilles de Kerchove, EU Counter-terrorism Coordinator, and Olivier Luyckx, Head of Unit. The last speech of the day was given by Mr. Luis Aguilera Ruiz, Subsecretary of the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, whose speech was applauded by the audience.