On Monday 16 October, European leaders condemned the attack in the centre of Brussels that killed two Swedish supporters during the Belgium-Sweden football match.
The shooter, a 45-year-old Tunisian who claimed to be a member of Islamic State, was shot dead by Belgian police on Tuesday 17 October.
“Tonight, my thoughts are with the families of the two victims of the despicable attack in Brussels. I extend my heartfelt support to the Belgian police, so they swiftly apprehend the suspect. Together, we stand united against terror”, declared Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on X on Monday evening.
“The heart of Europe has been struck by violence. My heart goes out to the families of the victims of the murderous attack in the centre of Brussels. My support goes to the Belgian authorities and security services, who are monitoring the situation”, commented the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.
The Home Affairs ministers of the EU27 will meet in Luxembourg on Thursday 19 October.
The implications of the situation in Israel and Gaza for internal security in the EU are expected to be added to the agenda. However, no specific point relating to the recent attacks in Belgium, as well as in France on 13 October with the murder of a teacher, had yet been confirmed on 17 October. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)