23 May 2017
The Management and staff of the European Patent Office are deeply shocked by the terrible news of the attack that took place after a pop concert in Manchester yesterday. We express our deepest solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom and our heartfelt sympathy goes to the victims and the wounded of the horrific attack, their families, relatives and friends.
As an international organisation the European Patent Office strongly condemns this appalling act of hatred, which has taken so many lives, some of them still very young. It believes in an open and inclusive society based on the fundamental principles of freedom, equality and justice. We are convinced that the attack will never be able to destroy these principles, nor our values of free cultural expression, artistic diversity, tolerance and mutual respect.
As a symbol of our solidarity with the United Kingdom and the British people, and out of respect for the victims, the flags in front of our buildings will be flown at half-mast.