Victims of terrorism deserve special attention and support at both national and EU level. This is done through specific laws, networks and cooperation with partner countries and international organisations.
The EU has strengthened its response to terrorism and violent extremism over the past decade. However, the evolving nature of these threats requires an adapted and stronger response. In February 2026, the European Commission presented a new agenda to prevent and counter terrorism. The new agenda sets out the way forward to reinforce Europe's collective response to evolving terrorist and violent extremist threats.
Timeline
- 202622nd EU Remembrance Day
The ceremony will be held in Brussels, Belgium, marking the tenth anniversary of the Brussels attacks.
- 2025Policy and Practice Joint Event
22 October – Policy and Practice Joint Event: Victims, associations, policymakers and practitioners met to exchange experiences and prepare the launch of the EU guidelines on victims’ associations, focusing on their role in preventing radicalisation under the EU Knowledge Hub.
- 2025Final conference of the EU Centre of Expertise for Victims of Terrorism
12 September –Policymakers, practitioners and victims of terrorism met in Brussels at the final conference of the EU Centre of Expertise for Victims of Terrorism where victims shared their experiences and discussed long-term impacts and future policy needs.
- 2025First EU Remembrance Day organised under the EU Knowledge Hub
11 March – First EU Remembrance Day organised under the EU Knowledge Hub: The ceremony was held in Strasbourg, France, and chaired by Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration.
- 2024Launch of the EU Knowledge Hub on the Prevention of Radicalisation
14 June - Launch of the EU Knowledge Hub on the Prevention of Radicalisation. Victims of Terrorism play a central role, actively contributing across Hub initiatives such as the Thematic Panels.
- 2022The Victim’s Right Directive Evaluation
The Victim’s Right Directive Evaluation shows progress in EU-wide implementation and identifies gaps in access to information, support, and protection for victims.
- 2020Launch of the EU Victims’ Rights Platform
The EU Victims’ Rights Platform brings together EU institutions, Member States, and civil society to strengthen coordination and participation in addressing victims’ rights.
- 2020Establishment of the EU Centre of Expertise for Victims of Terrorism
Set up in January 2020, the EU Centre of Expertise for Victims of Terrorism offers expertise, guidance and support to national authorities and victim support organisations across Member States.
- 2017Adoption of Directive on combating terrorism
15 March – Adoption of Directive (EU) 2017/541 on combating terrorism which aims to ensure that victims of terrorism receive immediate and long-term support, recognising the unique and severe impact that terrorist acts have on individuals and communities.
- 2012Adoption of the Directive on Victim’s Rights
25 October – Adoption of the Directive 2012/29/EU on Victim’s Rights, which establishes a common framework to ensure victims’ access to justice, support, and protection across the EU.
- 2011Launch by the European Commission of the Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN)
- 2004Establishment of the EU Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism - 11 March
Following the Madrid bombings, and on the recommendation of the European Parliament, the European Council designated 11 March as the EU Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism, commemorated annually by the European Commission.
- 2004Compensation Directive
The Compensation Directive provides access to national compensation schemes to victims of violent, intentional crime.
Networks
European Network of Associations of Victims of Terrorism (NAVT)
The Commission has also set up NAVT to stimulate trans-national cooperation between associations of victims of terrorism and enhance the representation of victims' interests at the EU-level.
The network provides useful information, including the mapping of associations and organisations specialised in supporting victims of terrorism, funding opportunities, a calendar of events, a library with relevant publications as well as a chat forum.
Radicalisation Awareness Network of Victims/survivors of terrorism (RANVoT) Working Group
Victims of terrorism (including people who have been targets of an attack and those who have lost a relative) become involuntary experts on the harm that violent extremism can cause. With this in mind, the purpose of RAN VoT is three-fold:
- remember and honour all victims of terrorism, particularly by cooperating in the organisation of the European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism on 11 March each year,
- present victims’ experiences and give strength to their voices in order to highlight the human consequences of violent extremism with the aim of preventing and countering violent extremism,
- address victims’ needs and safeguard their rights.