Lessons of 9/11 from Brussels' Point of View

10 years ago, the intolerance and intransigence of a handful of fanatics connected in several parts of the world threw down a gauntlet against the United States and all democratic societies.

The world has changed, but not in the way the terrorists that perpetrated the attacks against New York and Washington wanted. On the other hand, now in the second decade of this century, societies are even more eager for the liberty that terrorists and fanatics despise; this year those wishes have even reached Arab countries that had lacked rights and basic liberties.

Among other lessons, 9/11 is an example of the importance of transatlantic cooperation between Europe and the United States. In the years following the attacks, both sides have collaborated to fight, side by side and at all levels (judicial, military and political), the scourge of terrorism that can affect any country, as we have seen in Madrid and London.

The result of that cooperation has been positive and today the world is more secure. Our great victory has been that this has been achieved without sacrificing the values that inspire societies like Europe and the United States, namely democracy, liberty, respect for human rights and solidarity. As Benazir Bhutto, who was also victimized by terrorism, said, “democracy is the best revenge.”

Nevertheless, work remains to assure that 9/11 doesn’t repeat itself. For example, Europe and the United States should support the Arab populations that are fighting for their liberty and trying to advance a real process of democratization that includes opportunities and benefits for them, while avoiding the fundamentalists masquerading as democrats seeking to bring them to a new submission.

In addition, this transatlantic cooperation has been critical over the last decade in combating the terrorist threat. With all the resources that rule of law offers, this relationship should be strengthened and updated because the threat remains, despite the achieved advances.

The leaders of the European People’s Party have always been distinguished by a firm stance in the fight against terrorism — both inside and outside of the EU. And I am sure that they will continue to work for a more secure world for all.

Today, of course, my memory and solidarity are with the families of the victims of 9/11 and with the American people, who illustrated to the world how to come out of the worst situations with dignity and without giving up their very essence.