Belgium

#BrusselsAttacks: Heightened security at European institutions

Published

10 years ago

March 23, 2016

The European institutions in Brussels have raised their alert level in the city to orange and heightened security in close cooperation with the Belgian authorities, following the terror attacks in Brussels on Tuesday 22 March.

The European Parliament is closed to visitors and journalists today 23 March. The President has decided to ask staff to telework today 23 March and to close all Parliament buildings in Brussels with the exception of the main building, which will remain accessible but which will be further secured through systematic checks of ID documents and bags. In addition, it is closed to journalists and visitors, so mainly only politicians can enter.

Also, all missions, meetings and visits scheduled have been cancelled.

European Parliament President Martin Schulz issued the following statement:

"I am horrified by the despicable and cowardly attacks which took place in Brussels today. My thoughts go out first and foremost to the victims and the wounded, as well as their families and friends. These acts anger and sadden me at the same time. They are born from barbarism and hatred which do justice to nothing and no one. Brussels, like other cities hit by such terrorist attacks, will stand strong, and the European institutions hosted so generously by the Brussels institutions and its inhabitants will do likewise."

Schulz also added: "In the name of the European Parliament, I have expressed to the Belgian Prime Minister my compassion and solidarity towards the Belgian people."