Brussels, 16/12/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 15 December, the European Commission pledged to present a European Charter to defend the victims of acts of terrorism. "We intend to move towards a European Charter for the rights of victims of terrorism", said Jacques Barrot, the European Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs. "The victims of terrorism are the victims of attacks perpetrated against the democratic values of our societies. These victims of course bring home to us the human tragedy that is terrorism. We have a duty of solidarity, recognition and support towards them", the Commissioner told the MEPs. He stressed that over and above the initiatives already undertaken, the Commission plans to step up its actions for victim protection, particularly by dint of measures to encourage the victims of terrorism to come forward and speak about their experiences. "It is a question, in effect, of increasing the awareness of the European citizens to the reality of terrorism, to prevent terrorism", he said. The Commissioner also pleaded for fast compensation for the victims of terrorism, and in favour of the "delegitimisation" of discourse which could create the impression that killing innocent people can be a way of saving humanity. He also added that, thanks to the Stockholm Programme, the EU should adopt "exemplary legislation" in the field of victim protection. In order to fulfil this objective, Mr Barrot explained that in 2010, the Committee would analysis all of the existing gaps in victim protection in the various Member States. "On the basis of this study, we will see how we can harmonise measures to improve victim protection in Europe", he said. The Stockholm Programme provides for improvements to existing legislation on victim protection. It also provides an opportunity to merge the directive on victim compensation with the framework decision on victims. Lastly, the Commission is called upon to continue to pledge Community funds to support the victims of terrorism. For the year 2008 alone, a budget of 2,200,000 euros was earmarked for projects to provide victims and their families with the aid and social or psychological support they need. Since then, the Commission has also set in place a European network of associations of victims of terrorism to stimulate cross-border cooperation to defend the interests of victims at European Union level. A budget of 200,000 euros has been pledged to this initiative. (B.C./trans.fl)