Solidarity with Austria, following the tragedy in Graz

We are devastated by the tragic school shooting that took place yesterday in Graz, claiming the lives of so many innocent people and leaving several others injured.

On behalf of the Workers' Group of the European Economic and Social Committee, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the victims' families and their loved ones. Our thoughts are also with the injured, wishing them a swift and full recovery.

People around the world go to work feeling reassured of the safe haven they leave their children in, daily. Schools should never become a place of violence. They are the first place where democracy and tolerance are taught and where young people can thrive on the basis of the fundamental values they learn.

We express our deepest solidarity with our Austrian colleagues and the people and workers of Austria in these sad, unstable times.

Lucie Studničná

President of the EESC Workers´ Group