Europe is facing a resurgent and increasingly complex terrorism threat, driven by a mix of external conflicts, evolving extremist networks, and internal vulnerabilities, according to new analysis by Dr. Hans Jakob Schindler.
Between 2022 and 2024, Europol recorded 206 terrorist attacks—both foiled and successful—and more than 1,200 terrorism-related arrests, reflecting a steady pace of incidents across the continent.
The analysis points to instability beyond Europe’s borders as a key driver. Groups linked to ISIS and al-Qaeda continue to expand in regions such as West Africa and Afghanistan, while also influencing or directing activity inside Europe through propaganda and online communication.
At the same time, Europe is contending with additional pressures from Russian hybrid activities, including disinformation and sabotage, as well as the effects of the conflict in the Middle East, which have contributed to increased radicalization and the exposure of extremist networks on the continent.
Internally, the threat landscape is becoming more fragmented. Islamist, left-wing, and right-wing extremist violence persists, alongside newer forms of online-driven and individualized attacks that are harder to detect and prevent.
The analysis highlights how social media and digital platforms are accelerating radicalization, while legal and institutional constraints continue to limit some security responses.
It concludes that Europe will need to strengthen security capabilities, modernize its counterterrorism frameworks, and improve intelligence cooperation to address a threat environment that is both evolving and increasingly interconnected.
