The 21st European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism

11 March marks the European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism - an annual commemoration established by the EU after the Madrid bombings of 11 March 2004 which took the lives of 193 people and injured thousands more.  

The 21st European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism takes place in Strasbourg. The event honors the victims of terrorism across Europe and promotes solidarity against extremism.  

The Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs, Magnus Brunner, is hosting a ceremony for the 21st EU Remembrance Day in Strasbourg, together with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron; the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola; and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset. Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen is also attending. 

The aim of the Remembrance Day is to increase awareness and support for victims of terrorism, fostering unity and resilience across EU countries. It also provides a space for victims and survivors to share their experiences, ensuring that their voices remain at the heart of efforts to prevent radicalisation and combat violent extremism. 

Watch our testimonial video, which gives voice to 4 victims of terrorism who survived different attacks: the 2020 attack in Vienna, the 2016 attack in Brussels, the 2015 Bataclan attack in Paris, and the 2016 attack in Berlin. 

What the EU is doing to prevent terrorism and radicalisation 

The major EU initiative aimed at bolstering EU’s efforts against radicalisation leading to violent extremism and terrorism is EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation.  

The EU Knowledge Hub brings together practitioners, policymakers and researchers working on prevention across Europe and in priority third countries. By sharing knowledge and expertise, the Hub supports the development and implementation of effective policies and strategies to prevent radicalisation.  

European Commission is also further stepping up its efforts to prevent and respond to all threats to the EU’s internal security, with the new Internal Security Strategy which will be adopted in spring, as well as a new EU agenda to prevent and counter terrorism and violent extremism which will be presented later this year. 

Find out more 

21st European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism 

Live streaming 

EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation