Who are we?
V-Europe brings together victims of terrorism.
The association was established following the terrorist attacks in Brussels on 22 March 2016.
V-Europe currently represents close to 250 members who have been victims of terrorism..
V-Europe was created by the victims of terrorism, both for the victims of terrorist acts in Belgium and for Belgians affected abroad. The association has been set up primarily for past events, and also - unfortunately, it seems possible - for future events.
The first objective is essential because the needs of these victims have still not been met. The second objective relates to the fact that this critical situation is likely to recur in future events unless new systems and structures are put in place. V-Europe is therefore committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that lessons are learned and concrete action is taken.
Our distinctiveness
V-Europe has a dual focus and membership. While NGOs work on behalf of another community, we and our members are ourselves victims of terrorism and the ultimate beneficiaries of our actions. As an organisation for and by the victims of terrorism, we have first-hand experience and channel the voices of the people we represent.
Our mission
Essential values
Focus on the victims
V-Europe is driven by a victim-centred approach. We act in the sole interest of the victims
Empowering the victims
We support the autonomy of victims of terrorism, contribute to their psychological recovery and reintegration into society, and promote their role as "experts by experience" in relations with all stakeholders.
Non-discrimination
As far as the rights of victims of terrorism are concerned, we are fighting discrimination from all angles, in particular on the basis of nationality and place of residence.
Guiding principles
Independence and autonomy
V-Europe is a non-political, non-profit organisation. We are an independent organisation. We govern ourselves autonomously according to our governance structure, mission and vision, and are transparent in all our activities. V-Europe is not affiliated to any particular government department, political party or legal entity.
Transparency
We are transparent in all our dealings with members and allies, partners and governments. We disclose our sources of funding and make our financial accounts available.
Representation
We have established consultation procedures with our members and we have a permanent consultation body made up of victims of terrorism who represent the diversity of our membership.
Responsibility
We are accountable for our actions and decisions to our members and governing bodies. Our statements and opinions reflect the views and opinions of our members.
Confidentiality
We maintain the strictest confidentiality about our members and do not divulge any information without prior consent.
Collaboration
We maintain ethical, trusting and constructive relationships with other associations or governmental and intergovernmental organisations that share V-Europe's values and contribute to the achievement of V-Europe's mission.
Our objectives
V-Europe's aims are to provide help and support, to represent the voice and to defend the interests of victims of terrorism, irrespective of their origin, race, nationality, political or religious beliefs.
Since the organisation was founded in November 2016, we have been providing direct support to victims, providing them with information, organising internal meetings for peer support and information, organising social activities and preparing commemorations. We represent the interests of victims to federal, regional and local authorities, as well as at European and international level.
V-Europe has been recognised by the United Nations as an organisation of victims of terrorism.
Providing information and support to victims of terrorism and organising commemoration and remembrance activities.
Advocate for strong rights and effective, comprehensive and coordinated services for victims of terrorism.
Awareness-raising and education.
Connecting with other stakeholders and sharing our experiences to further our missions.
Strengthen the structural capacity of V-Europe to ensure efficiency and sustainability.