President Meloni’s statement on European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism

Today marks the European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism. On 11 March 2004, ten backpacks full of explosives were detonated on four local trains in Madrid during rush hour, causing terrible carnage: 191 people were killed and more than 2,000 were injured.

The attack, carried out by a jihadist cell and one of the most bloody in Europe since the Second World War, shocked the world and left a deep mark on European history.

The Madrid bombings were unfortunately not an isolated case and Islamist terrorist attacks continued, spreading death and destruction in other European capitals and cities.  

Today, the Italian Government renews its condolences to the Spanish people and for all victims, and confirms its utmost commitment to countering terrorism.

We must never lower our guard, and it is essential to continue strengthening all useful instruments and tools, starting with international cooperation on this issue, in order to avert possible threats and ensure the safety of our citizens.

[Courtesy translation]