European leaders mourn ‘black day’

European countries on Tuesday vowed to defend democracy against terrorism after blasts at a Brussels airport and in the EU’s institutional heart.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel described Tuesday as “a day of tragedy, a black day,” while European Union president Donald Tusk lashed “another low by the terrorists in the service of hatred and violence”.

French President Francois Hollande said the attacks struck at “the whole of Europe”.

“Through the attacks in Brussels, the whole of Europe has been hit,” Mr Hollande said in a statement, urging the continent to take “vital steps in the face of the seriousness of the threat”.

Around Europe, national leaders pledged support for Belgium and many characterised the attacks — explosions that ripped through Brussels airport and a metro train during rush hour — and as an assault on the idea of liberty itself.

“At this difficult hour, Europe stands up, together and as one. Belgium is not alone,” German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said.

Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven described the blasts as “an attack against democratic Europe. We will never accept that terrorists attack our open societies.”