Remembering the Brussels terror attacks 10 years later

On 22 March, Belgium will mark 10 years since the attacks in Brussels in 2016, when suicide bombers targeted Brussels airport and its metro. The attacks claimed 32 lives and left more than 300 people injured, sending shockwaves across the country and across Europe.

Ten years on, many survivors continue to live with the physical and psychological consequences of that day. Commemorations are taking place to honour victims and survivors, as well as to remind us of the resilience and solidarity in the face of evolving threats.

In a statement, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, paid tribute to these victims. She also praised both the way Europe came together following the attack and how for the past 10 years, we have strengthened our resolve and deepened our cooperation to fight terrorism. 

Indeed, the ensuing years have shaped both Belgium and the EU’s approach to security and counterterrorism. Fighting terrorism and ensuring the safety of citizens continues to be one of the EU’s top priorities. In February 2026, the European Commission presented a new agenda to prevent and counter terrorism through ProtectEU, the European internal security strategy. The agenda sets out the way forward to reinforce Europe's collective response to evolving terrorist and violent extremist threats.    

The EU has also strengthened its efforts against radicalisation. The EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation brings together practitioners, policymakers and researchers working on prevention across Europe and in priority third countries.

The anniversary of the Brussels attacks comes just shortly after the European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism, held earlier this month. This annual ceremony honours the victims and survivors of terrorist attacks across Europe and reaffirms the European Union’s solidarity with those affected. 

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Security and defence

Counter-terrorism and radicalisation