I am deeply shocked by the news from France. Terrorism has struck once again, this time in a church in northern France. This fanatical and murderous hatred now does not even stop at attacking places of worship and the faithful.

We share in the pain of the victims of today’s callous attack and their families. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our French friends in good times and, like now, also in times of mourning.

We are determined to stand up to terrorism with our partners. The perpetrators do not only want to spread terror – they also want to sow discord in our societies. It is our task – a task for all of us, but particularly for those in positions of political responsibility – to ensure that they do not succeed in this.

We will not relinquish our values, freedom and way of life.