Brussels, Belgium – The President of the European Commission expressed her profound shock at the shooting incident in Sydney, Australia, which resulted in deaths and injuries. She emphasized that what happened was a horrific act that can in no way be justified.
In an official statement, the European official strongly condemned what she termed “anti-Semitism.” She asserted that targeting civilians based on religious or ethnic grounds threatens the values of coexistence and tolerance, values upon which democratic societies are founded.
The Commission President affirmed the European Union’s full solidarity with the Australian people and the families of the victims. She also noted that Europe stands united against hatred and violence. She called for strengthened international cooperation to combat extremism and hate speech.
This European stance comes after Australian authorities announced that the attack in Sydney’s Bondi district is suspected to have been motivated by terrorism. This is taking place amidst extensive investigations to uncover the circumstances of the incident and any potential perpetrators.
The European Commission reaffirmed that protecting religious minorities remains a top priority on the EU agenda. It also emphasized its commitment to combating all forms of racism and antisemitism, particularly in light of the rise in violent and hateful incidents in several countries around the world.
