Spain, EU commemorate 20th anniversary of March 11, 2004, Madrid train bombings

Spain and the European Union solemnly paid tribute on Monday to the 192 victims of the March 11, 2004, Madrid train bombings, a pivotal event that marked the onset of mass Islamist attacks in Europe.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia presided over the official ceremony at the Royal Collections Gallery, remembering a day that shook the Spanish capital.

Organized by Brussels, March 11 has become the official European Day of Remembrance “for the victims of terrorism,” reflecting on the enduring impact of this tragic event. In 2004, Madrid faced unprecedented chaos as 10 bombs tore through commuter trains during the morning rush hour, leaving nearly 2,000 wounded.

While Spain had previously endured violence from the Basque separatist group ETA, the magnitude of this attack was unparalleled. Despite the immense pain, Madrid stood resilient, with citizens rallying in solidarity to aid emergency services.

Reflecting on the 20th anniversary, City Mayor Jose Luis Martinez Almeida described March 11, 2004, as “a day of wickedness” that failed to bring Madrid to its knees, highlighting the enduring spirit of solidarity.

Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz echoed the sentiment, recalling the fear and silence in the streets but also the pride of a nation that rose to the occasion. “We have not forgotten,” she emphasized.

The attacks, known as 11M, occurred in a politically charged context just days before a crucial March 14 general election. At the time, the ruling right-wing Popular Party faced the opposition Socialists, with the aftermath revealing a government’s misstep in handling the situation.

Initially, the Aznar government blamed the Basque separatist group ETA, despite mounting evidence to the contrary. Al-Qaeda later claimed responsibility for the attacks, linking them to Spain’s involvement in the Iraq war.

The public response was swift and impactful. On March 14, voters handed a resounding victory to the opposition Socialists, signaling a clear discontent with the government’s handling of the crisis.

In the aftermath, seven suspected members of the jihadist cell involved in the attacks blew themselves up, and a police officer became the 193rd victim. After a three-year investigation, 29 suspects, mostly Moroccan, went on trial in 2007, resulting in 18 convictions.

Two decades later, only three perpetrators remain in prison, serving lengthy sentences. The rest have been released, with the majority deported or extradited, closing a chapter on a tragic episode that reshaped Spain’s political landscape and heightened awareness of terrorism in Europe.