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.