14 July 2016

The European Patent Office – its employees, managers and all staff – are deeply shocked and saddened by the terrorist attack which took place in Nice on Thursday, 14 July 2016.

As an international organisation the European Patent Office firmly believes in an open and inclusive society based on fundamental principles of freedom, equality and justice.

We believe that terrorism and blind hatred will never be able to destroy these principles, nor our values of cultural diversity, tolerance and mutual respect.

We express our deepest solidarity with the people of France and our heartfelt sympathy goes to the victims, their relatives and friends.

Benoît Battistelli