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Food law expert David Pipoyan and his colleagues are currently in the Belgian capital, Brussels, to attend a meeting of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST).

Panorama.am asked David Pipoyan for comments on the situation in Brussels in the wake of an Islamist terrorist attack which killed two Swedish football fans and injured another on Monday night.

Belgium's Euro 2024 qualifier against Sweden was suspended at half-time and subsequently abandoned following the fatal shooting.

Brussels police on Tuesday morning shot dead a Tunisian man suspected of the terrorist attack.

Panorama.am: What is the situation on the streets after the terrorist attack?

David Pipoyan: In the evening we decided to walk around the city. The Swedish fans were carelessly singing, dancing and drinking beer. Naturally, we talked about both the problems in our country and regional challenges. We watched their carefree life with white envy, and a few hours later we learned about the incident.

Belgian authorities immediately raised the terror alert to the highest level because the perpetrator remained at large. Even in the morning there were reports that they could close the land border. There were transportation delays in the morning when we were supposed to arrive at the event. I can't say if it was related to the incident or not. But when we arrived at the forum, we were told that the perpetrator had already been neutralized and the terror threat level could be lowered soon.

Panorama.am: How did the European participants of the event react to the incident?

David Pipoyan: The level of risk perception in Europe is higher than in Armenia. I am sure that it’s attributed to a greater number of challenges in our region, while people in the EU have gotten used to a more peaceful life over the years.