Following the tragic events of last night in Paris, Gianni Pittella, President of the S&D Group, and Pervenche Berès, Leader of the Delegation of the French Socialists in the European Parliament made the following statement:

"Today, France and Europe has woken in shock to the news of the barbaric acts perpetrated in Paris. We strongly condemn this mindless violence and express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims.    

“The year 2015 began with a horrific attack on freedom of expression. Yesterday’s deadly attacks were aimed at the entire French society. These are unspeakable crimes which strike at the heart of our values and the fundamental freedoms of European democracy.

"Faced with this challenge, we wish to express our solidarity and support to the French people."