In April i spent a few days in Belgium, just a week after the attacks. I spent one evening sitting next to the river, drinking beer and discussing in depth with the conference organiser the impact of the extremist acts. It was truly a humbling, and what I deem to be a pivotal moment in my life.
The fact that a stranger sat and opened up to me and one of my colleagues in such a personal manner, about such a difficult topic, is something that we felt to be in response to how unified and strong our countries are, and how they have supported each other. We discussed politics, extremism and more – and it definitely felt as though we were from the same country and as if we’d been friends for years.
For the conference to still take place just days after the Brussels attacks was incredible, and definitely was an act of unity. The conference organisers responded to outpours of love from all across the world, with the conference name suitably including the word ‘European’ it was a powerful reminder of how we are stronger together.
I am genuinely upset by our decision to leave the EU, and I sure bloody hope that the decisions we make in the coming days are the right ones that not only impact us in the ‘United’ Kingdom but also those across Europe.
Ella Robson 