Public Services International (PSI) and the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) express their strong condemnation of the terrorist attacks that occurred today (22nd of March) in Brussels and convey their deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. We also confirm the commitment of the trade union movement to peace, and against terrorism and acts of violence that have no place in democratic societies.

PSI General Secretary Rosa Pavanelli and EPSU General Secretary Jan Willem Goudriaan, whose headquarters are in Brussels, convey their sympathy, solidarity and support to all Belgian workers and trade unions, saluting the commitment of the health and emergency services, police and the army in these very difficult circumstances.

These attacks are meant to inspire fear and hatred, pushing towards a spiral of ever more violence. The perpetrators of these heinous crimes, and those who support them, have to be identified and brought to justice, but we must also tackle the root causes of this terror. PSI and its affiliates around the world stand united and in solidarity for peace, tolerance, justice and a better future for all.

PSI’s Steering Committee adopted an emergency resolution on terrorism on 17 November 2015.

EPSU also joined ETUC in solidarity with the people of Belgium.