Today marks ten years since one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in recent European history was carried out in Paris - at the Stade de France, in the streets and inside the Bataclan concert hall. On 13 November 2015, 132 people lost their lives and many more were injured during what became a night of profound tragedy for France and for Europe as a whole. We honour the victims, their families, and all those whose lives were forever changed. We also acknowledge the efforts and commitment of the law enforcement officers who worked side by side across borders and agencies to identify the perpetrators and ensure they were brought to justice.The months that followed witnessed an unprecedent wave of terrorist attacks across Europe. Today, we also remember all those who lost their lives in these acts of violence: the victims of the attacks in Brussels, Nice and Berlin, as well as those who felt victims to subsequent attacks in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain and Sweden. From Charlie Hebdo to Brussels, Nice, Berlin, and Stockholm, each attack serves as a stark reminder that terrorism remains a persistent and evolving threat. Terrorism is a threat that no country can confront alone.On the occasion of today’s day of remembrance, Europol’s Executive Director Catherine De Bolle, stated: Ten years later, we have not forgotten anything. The victims, the dignity of the families, the relatives and our bruised communities. Today, our thoughts are with them. We pay tribute to them and to the many acts of solidarity and courage of citizens, and first-responders. The fight continues, and we're more committed than ever to fighting terrorism.In response to the terror wave of 2015 and 2016, Europol and EU Member States strengthened their collective preparedness to prevent, disrupt, and mitigate terrorist plots. Counterterrorism and the prevention of violent extremism are not only about stopping attacks, they are about protecting communities, building resilience and addressing the drivers of radicalisation before they turn into violence.These events marked the beginning of a new phase in Europe’s security landscape. Organised terrorist networks, returning foreign terrorist fighters and online radicalisation demonstrated that the threat had become increasingly transnational and complex. In response, the European Counter Terrorism Centre was established in January 2016 within Europol to reinforce coordination, strengthen investigative links, support operational activities and assess emerging risks. In addition, the EU Internal Referral Unit was also established within Europol to monitor and address terrorist propaganda online.Today, as we commemorate the victims of the Bataclan attack and all other victims of terrorism across Europe, we reaffirm our shared commitment to safeguarding our societies and upholding the values that terrorism and violent extremism seek to undermine. Then, now and always, European authorities remain united in their determination to safeguarding citizens and protecting our societies from those who seek to undermine them. 

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