Severe flooding in Europe: Solidarity with Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and Luxembourg

It is with the deepest sadness that everyone at the EPO is following the news of casualties and widespread destruction caused by severe flooding in parts of western Europe in recent days.

As a sign of solidarity and out of respect for the victims of the floods, the flag of the European Patent Organisation is flying at half-mast at all EPO buildings today. To coincide with the national day of mourning in Belgium, the Belgian flag is flying at half-mast in The Hague and Munich. We intend to mark subsequent days of mourning with similar gestures of solidarity and respect, and continue to align our measures with the decisions of our member states and other international organisations.

Our thoughts are with the victims and their families at this difficult time.