European Trade Union Committee for Education

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The European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE) expresses its deepest solidarity with the victims, families, and school communities affected by the devastating school shooting in Graz, Austria, and the tragic stabbing in Nogent, France. These horrific acts of violence have shattered the safe spaces where teachers, students, and school staff work every day to build a brighter future.

In Graz, on 10 June 2025, a tragedy struck at the heart of the school community when nine young students and one teacher lost their lives in a senseless act of violence. The scale of this tragedy has deeply shocked communities across Austria and Europe.

Only hours later, in France, a teaching assistant was fatally stabbed at a school entrance in Nogent. This latest attack follows a worrying rise in violence in educational settings across Europe, adding to the anguish and fear that teachers and school staff already face.

As European teachers’ unions, we stand united in mourning the lives lost and in solidarity with all those affected by these horrific events. Schools are places of hope, learning, and community. They must remain safe havens where teachers can focus on teaching and students can thrive without fear. When tragedies strike at the heart of education, they tear at the very fabric of our societies, challenging our collective commitment to democracy, respect, and inclusion.

We mourn the victims and stand with their families, friends, and school communities. Together, we must reaffirm our commitment to making schools places where every teacher and student can feel safe, respected, and empowered. Death has no place in our schools.