The key facts

  • The shooting in Kraków became known on 8 November 2026; leaders of Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain and other countries reacted.
  • The European Commission, the EU's diplomatic service and the European Parliament expressed condolences; all EU institutions lowered their flags.
  • Condolences were also sent by the presidents of Ukraine, Lithuania and Romania, the US Ambassador to Poland and Hungary's foreign minister.

International reaction to the shooting in Kraków

News of the shooting in Kraków spread quickly around the world, and already on 8 November 2026 representatives of European governments and leaders of individual states issued statements. As euronews notes, in their statements they mainly expressed solidarity with the victims, offered condolences and condemned the violence. The publication does not provide details about the incident itself or the number of dead and injured.

Statements by heads of government

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz wrote that the events in Kraków had deeply moved him and assured that Germany, as a friend and partner of Poland, stands by its side in this difficult moment. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed shock and condolences to Poland, the victims and their loved ones. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called what happened a 'cowardly and unacceptable act of violence' and stated that the country will always defend security and freedom from any form of terror and violence.

Solidarity from other countries and EU institutions

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was shocked and saddened by what happened, emphasising the United Kingdom's solidarity with the Polish people. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez wrote that Spain stands together with Poland and the victims. Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, while Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda declared full solidarity with President Karol Nawrocki and the Polish people. Condolences were also expressed by Romanian President Nicușor Dan and Hungarian Foreign Minister Anikó Orbán.

Reaction from Brussels and other countries

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen thanked the police officers who acted at risk to their lives and wrote that Europe shares Poland's pain. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called what happened a tragedy that will be felt far beyond Poland's borders, noting that in this moment of mourning Poland is not alone. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola thanked the police and emergency services for their swift intervention and for bringing the situation under control; all EU institutions lowered their flags. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called what happened a shocking crime and expressed confidence that the perpetrator will be brought to justice. US Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose stated that America stands with Poland in this difficult hour.