The European Women’s Lobby is deeply shocked and saddened by the deadly attack that took place during Christopher Street Day celebrations in Berlin on 25 July 2026, which claimed one life and left 29 people injured.
Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone affected by this horrific act. EWL stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community in Germany and across Europe.
Pride is a celebration of dignity, equality and the hard-won rights of LGBTQ+ people. It is also a reminder that these rights can never be taken for granted. Violence against people exercising their fundamental freedoms to assemble, express themselves and live openly has no place in a democratic society.
This tragedy comes at a time when hate speech, anti-gender narratives and attacks against women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights are increasing across Europe. These forms of hatred are interconnected.
The European Women’s Lobby calls for a thorough and transparent investigation from German authorities, accountability for any failures that may have contributed to this tragedy from German justice, and provide comprehensive support to all victims and their families. Terror must never be allowed to undermine human rights or democratic freedoms.
As Europe’s largest umbrella organisation of women’s associations, the European Women’s Lobby reaffirms its unwavering commitment to a Europe where women, girls and all people can live free from violence, discrimination and fear. Feminist and LGBTQ+ movements have long stood together in the defence of human rights, equality and democracy. We will continue to do so.
Our solidarity is with everyone who continues to defend these values in the face of violence.
