Guy Verhofstadt, leader of the Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament warmly welcomed ETA's announcement of a definitive end to violence which marks an historic end to Europe's longest standing terrorist campaign.

"The announcement of an end to terrorism in the Basque country will surely be greeted by everyone as a very welcome development and an opportunity for the Basque people to pursue opportunities and prosperity free from the fear of violence and retribution.  Although the memory of all the victims of the decades of violence will remain for a long time to come, there is now a chance for a bright future. The EU should do all it can to assist the Basque and Spanish authorities to consolidate the new atmosphere of peace and stability in the region."

PNV-EAJ MEP Izaskun Bilbao Barandica, underlined the historic nature of the new reality. "I feel both solidarity for all the victims of the conflict that have been killed or bereaved over the years as well as pride in the Basque people and institutions who have remained defiant throughout in favour of democracy and peace.

It is now for everyone to work to ensure a lasting peace in the country. I will personally be pressing the European Union to establish a similar programme to support the peaceful transition in the Basque country as they have done in Northern Ireland."