The Group of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament today condemned the terrorist attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils, and asked the EU member states to strengthen co-operation and intelligence-sharing.
S&D president Gianni Pittella said:
“Once again, we are obliged to express our sorrow, our indignation and our anger in reaction to the events from yesterday’s bloody terrorist attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils.
“Once again, we are here to reiterate our strongest willingness and commitment to fight back against terrorism and radicalization without giving up our values.
“Once again, however, we urge the member states to finally realize that the threat of terrorism cannot be eradicated without real co-operation and the exchange of information at the European level.
“Here Europe can really make the difference, but only if European leaders opened up their eyes to the facts. The setting up of a strong European FBI could really make the difference. This should be our common goal.
Iratxe García Pérez, head of the PSOE delegation to the European Parliament, said:
“We are deeply upset by this new brutal attack on an open and cosmopolitan city such as Barcelona, and on the coastal town of Cambrils. Now is the moment to stand up for the victims. However, terrorists must know that they will not defeat our values of freedom and democracy. On the contrary, this is the time for the unity of all democrats.
“This global terrorism hits all corners of the world. At this time of grief and shock we are grateful for all the sympathetic messages of solidarity; particularly those coming from our European partners. Together we will face this threat with police efficiency and the defence of our common values.”
