While the attack on Paris, the tourist capital of the world, brought significant attention to the growing terrorist threat from ISIS, the March 22 attack on Brussels, Belgium is heightening fears of further attacks on Europe. As the capital of the European Union (EU), Brussels contains the European Commission, the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament.

The attacks occurred in the Brussels Airport, with bombs blasting through a nearby metro station soon after.

The root cause of the attacks is unknown, but many believe that they are connected to the recent arrest of a key suspect behind the Paris attacks.

“The Paris attacks, and their subsequent investigation, appear to indicate a shift towards a broader strategy of [ISIS] going global, specifically since they attacked France,” a Brussels report stated. “They also indicate the possibility of future attacks against other member states of the EU.”

Following the incident, The United States State Department warned American citizens about potential risks of traveling in Europe. According to a State Department report, “Terrorist groups continue to plan near-term attacks throughout Europe, targeting sporting events, tourist sites, restaurants and transportation.”

Because of the growing international fear of terrorism, the attacks have led to caution and fear of traveling to Europe.

For instance, Homestead’s orchestra has been planning a trip to Spain on March 26. Although plans for the trip were initially halted due to the Paris attacks several months ago, after careful consideration, the trip was reinstated. Now, with news of the attack on Brussels, the school is struggling with the decision of whether or not to cancel the trip to Spain.

An emergency meeting, where the fate of the trip was decided, was held on March 22. According to Mr. John Emanuelson, orchestra teacher, “At this well-attended and open meeting, board members were given the opportunity to ask questions about the upcoming tour to Spain in the wake of the Brussels incident.”

Further elaborating on the meeting, Mr. Emanuelson said, “[The school] has worked with [this travel company] on several occasions in past international orchestra performance tours, and we continue to have great confidence in the company’s professionalism, attention to detail and approach to student safety.”

Following the meeting, the School Board met and offered unanimous support for the trip. “The [Board] received direct recommendations about the status of the trip from Dr. Demond Means and Mr. Emanuelson,” a report issued by Principal Brett Bowers stated. “Dr. Means accepted that feedback and continues to endorse the trip as well.”