In the occasion of the seventh anniversary of the Madrid train bombings that killed 191 and injured at least 1800 people commuting to work, the European Union marks the Day of Remembrance of Victims of Terrorism. Commemorating this day Vice-President Viviane Reding and Commissioner Cecilia Malmström made a joint statement expressing the EU's solidarity with the victims of all type of terrorism in the world.

Seven years after the Madrid bombings, the physical and mental wounds of the victims who survived are still not healed. The European Union has devoted 11 March to remembering all victims of terrorist attacks in Europe and elsewhere in the world. As highlighted by Commissioners Reding and Malmström, terrorism can strike anywhere and at any time and the EU stands firmly against and condemns all terrorist acts.

Commenting on the occasion of the Victims Remembrance Day, Vice-President Viviane Reding, responsible for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, expressed her deepest sympathy with those who suffered and still suffer from the harm and injustice that was inflicted on them and their families by terrorists. Remembrance from all Europe is a signal of solidarity and a compromise saying it will not let victims walk alone.

On this occasion, Commissioner Reding recalled that improving the treatment of victims in criminal proceedings will be the cornerstone of a victims' package that the European Commission will propose later this spring. As EU Justice Commissioner, Reding plans to strengthen victims' rights and help contribute to the improvement of their lives. This victims' dimension is an integral part of the European Commission's work on strengthening mutual trust and confidence of citizens in the evolving European area of law and justice.

Deepening in this idea to support victims, Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmström, pointed out that Europe stands united with the victims and their loved ones to whom the EU expresses all its sympathy and solidarity. Their experiences and testimonies are important in our continued efforts to counter terrorism. As Commissioner for Home Affairs one of her strongest commitments is to make Europe more secure. The threat from terrorism is real, and the has a firm and long-standing dedication to prevent new terrorist attacks from happening.

An important aspect of that work is to counter radicalisation leading to terrorism. This has been identified as a key challenge in the Internal Security Strategy put forward by the Commission in November 2010 and the EU needs to step up efforts. Radicalisation can best be addressed by working together with local communities. Therefore, later this year, the Commission will establish an EU wide network to help prevent radicalisation leading to terrorism and the recruitment of vulnerable individuals.