"I am shocked by today's bomb attacks in the city of Mumbai andI condemn in the strongest possible terms these despicable acts of terrorism, which have caused death and injuries to scores of innocent people," said EU foreign policy and security chief Javier Solana in a statement.

"I wish to convey my deepest condolences and solidarity to the families of the victims and to the government and the people of India and my sympathy to all those who have been injured.

"I hope that those responsible for these horrible acts of terrorism will be brought to justice."

Finland, which holds the rotating EU presidency, also issued a statement on behalf of the bloc to condemn the bombings.

"The Presidency of the European Union wishes to convey its deepest condolences to the government of India. The presidency extends its sympathy to the families, relatives and friends of those who have died and wishes a speedy recovery to those who were injured in these atrocities.

"The European Union deems it important that those responsible for these barbarous acts of terrorism will be brought to justice. There can never be justification for such heinous attacks on innocent civilians."

European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso sent a message to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to offer his condolences.

"I was profoundly shocked to hear of today's terrible series ofbomb blasts in Mumbai.

"On behalf of the European Commission and on my own behalf, allow me to express my deepest and most sincere condolences to the government of India. My heartfelt thoughts go out to many families who have been bereaved by this despicable and cowardly act, which I condemn in the strongest possible terms."

"I hope that the perpetrators can be quickly brought to justice. We, in the international community, must continue to do all we canto combat the scourge of terror, in all its manifestations."