The European Union expressed its concern over the storming of the Egyptian Press Syndicate's building by the Egyptian security forces on the 1st of May. In an official statement, the EU called on Egyptian authorities to stop what they called "the continuous trend of restricting space for civil society and the freedom of expression." "Freedom of assembly and press freedom are essential for democracy, to guarantee that all peaceful voices are heard and respected," the statement read. The statement urged Egyptian authorities to release those detained for expressing their opinion, and bringing the law regulating assembly in line with the Egyptian Constitution.