Politicians across Europe on Monday paid tribute to the victims of the terrorist attacks in Brussels that claimed the lives of dozens of people and injured hundreds five years ago.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo, alongside members of the royal family, took part in a ceremony at Maelbeek metro station that included a minute of silence at 9:11 a.m. the moment when bombs exploded in the subway station on March 22, 2016.

Two bombs went off at Brussels airport in Zaventem at the same time.

European Council President Charles Michel, who served as Belgian prime minister at the time, expressed his condolences to family members.

“Five years ago, Europe was struck right in its heart, in Brussels.

“Let’s take a moment to remember. We must live up to their memory, move forward and never forget what unites us. We owe it to them, he said on Twitter.’’

Ahead of the anniversary, survivors had criticised the Belgian government for a lack of support.

Mark Rutte, the Prime Minister of Belgium’s neighbour the Netherlands, said his country would stand “shoulder to shoulder with Belgium in the fight against terrorism.’’

The chief of military alliance NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, argued that religion was a mere cover for extremists.

“We’ve seen so many other terrorist attacks since, in London, Paris, Kabul and Christchurch. Terrorists may try to hide behind religion or ideology but our answer must be the same, to stand up for our values, against violence and hatred,’’ he said.

Other EU politicians expressing their condolences on Monday morning included European Parliament President David Sassoli, and EU Foreign Affairs Chief Josep Borrell.

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