On Sunday, 21 April, the European Union—notably through the voices of the Presidents of the Commission, the European Council, and the European Parliament—condemned the attacks on hotels and churches in Sri Lanka that resulted in at least 310 deaths and 500 wounded. ISIS claimed responsibility for these attacks on Tuesday, 23 April.
On the same day, Commission spokeswoman Mina Andreeva reiterated that the EU was ready to provide assistance. “EU stands ready to send aid in any way whatsoever”, she stressed, wishing Sri Lanka “strength and courage”.
When asked by EUROPE about this possible support, the European External Action Service (EEAS) specified that following the Sri Lankan president’s request that the international community support his government (including in the technical fields of forensic medicine and law enforcement assistance), the EU was considering providing future assistance to the justice sector and was prepared to strengthen cooperation in the security and law enforcement sector.
Moreover, shortly after the attacks, the European consular response plan was activated, and the EU delegation on the ground is in constant contact with the Sri Lankan Disaster Management Centre and Member States. This delegation has taken the lead in coordinating aid provided to European citizens. “At the request of the EU, a briefing was organised by the Prime Minister, notably on the situation of European nationals”, added the EEAS.
A few hours after the first attacks, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini had emphasised the EU’s solidarity with the Sri Lankan people and authorities “at this difficult time”.
She had pointed out, “Easter Sunday is a special moment for Christians around the world. [...] Such acts of violence on this Holy Day are acts of violence against all beliefs and denominations and against all those who value the freedom of religion and the choice to worship”.
In a joint statement, EEAS Secretary General Helga Schmid and U.S. Ambassador to the EU Gordon Sondland had also felt, “Terrorism has no place in our world”. “Everyone should be free to practice their own faith without fear”, they had added. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)