EU Leaders Condemn Berlin Pride Attack, Vow Unity Against Hate

European Union leaders have strongly condemned a deadly vehicle attack that targeted the LGBTQI+ Pride parade in Berlin, expressing deep solidarity with the victims and their families. The incident, which occurred during the Christopher Street Day (CSD) celebrations, has been characterized as an assault on the core values championed by the EU.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen conveyed her sincere condolences, stating that the CSD is "synonymous with freedom, dignity, and equality, the fundamental values of the EU." She emphasized that "all people must be able to live, love, and defend their rights without fear," adding that "hate and violence have no place in our societies." The EU stands united with the LGBTQI+ community, she affirmed.

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, echoed these sentiments, extending her condolences and asserting that "hate and violence have no place in our Europe of freedom and respect." She pledged continued unity against those who seek to sow fear and division. Similarly, António Costa, President of the European Council, and Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative, condemned the attack as a direct assault on the Union's defining principles.

Costa stated that the EU "condemns in the strongest possible terms any form of hate, extremism, and violence," while Kallas warned that "those who resort to violence, hate, and intolerance will never prevail." The attack, which involved a driver fleeing the scene after ramming the vehicle into parade participants, resulted in at least one fatality and 16 injuries, underscoring the vulnerability of public gatherings to acts of violence.

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El odio y la violencia no tienen cabida en nuestra Europa de libertad y respeto. Seguiremos manteniéndonos unidos frente a quienes pretenden sembrar el miedo y la división.