The threat of terrorism in the European Union (EU) remains high despite the drop in the number of acts of terror observed in recent years, as reported by Europol.
In its EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report (TE-SAT) 2022, which Europol presented in Hague today, 13 July, indicates that the threat comes mainly from individual terrorists and far-right extremists.
In addition, Europe is at risk of influence from the war in Ukraine. Opponents to governments’ adopted anti-covid measures also present certain threats, experts concluded.
The report’s conclusions confirm terrorism still creates real and tangible threats for the EU, as reported by Europol executive director Catherine De Bolle.
«In a time of geopolitical shifts, the EU needs to continue more than ever its counter-terrorist measures. Europol will continue to work closely with its partners to meet the challenges ahead.»
In 2021 investigators in EU countries registered 15 acts of terror, including failed and prevented attempts. This is significantly fewer when compared to 2020, when 57 acts of terror and attempts were registered, the new report mentioned.
Last year authorities detained 388 suspects. Two-thirds of them are suspected of Jihadist terrorism in Austria, France and Spain. 449 people were arrested in 2020 and 723 in 2019.
The report mentions that in 2021 terrorist propaganda on the internet continued reflecting topics related to Covid-19.
Multiple EU member states and countries outside the bloc suffered violent extremism aimed at the pandemic and the government. This violence was not related to traditional violent extremism and terrorism, however, the report mentioned.
«Such forms of violent extremism materialised in open threats, hateful messages spread online and, in some cases, the use of violence.»
The war in Ukraine also creates threats for security. Extremists from the EU who have joined the war could become a problem upon their return to the EU, experts warn.
The current terrorism threat level for EU member states does not seem affected now that Afghanistan is under Taliban rule, the report mentions.