The European Union voiced shock yesterday over the “abhorrent” bombing blast that rocked Norway’s government buildings, a country it said was famous for its peace-making efforts abroad.

“I am deeply shocked by the bomb blasts this afternoon in Oslo which have killed a number of innocent people and left many others injured,” Herman Van Rompuy said in a statement.

“I condemn in the strongest terms these acts of cowardice for which there is no justification.”

Mr Van Rompuy said he sent a message of “condolences and solidarity” from the 27-nation EU to Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg.

European Commission president José Manuel Barroso voiced shock at the “abhorrent images” of the bomb blast in Oslo’s government quarter.

“An attack of this magnitude is not something one would expect in Norway, famously associated with peace at home and peace-making abroad,” Mr Barroso said.

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said Norway had been one of the bloc’s closest partners.

“Norway has demonstrated its staunch support of the EU in many contexts and the EU is ready to support Norway in these difficult circumstances.

The European Union will continue to closely monitor the situation,” she said.

European Parliament Jerzy Buzek expressed his solidarity with the Norwegian people over the “regrettable and despicable act”.

“Norway has been providing good services for peace in the most volatile spots areas around the globe,” he said.

“The last thing Norway deserves is a terrorist attack on its soil. Terrorist attacks are never justified anywhere.”

The Norwegian capital is a well-known symbol of international peace efforts, including as the birthplace of the 1993 Israeli-Palestinian Oslo Accords. It also hosts the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony.

Norway has acted as peace mediator in efforts to resolve conflicts worldwide, including Sri Lanka and the Philippines.