What’s happening with Terrorism in Europe?

Terrorism threatens our security, the values of our democratic societies and the rights and freedoms of European citizens. The number of terrorist attacks from Islamic extremists and far-right nationalists have increased dramatically.

205 failed, foiled or completed terrorist attacks in 2017

1219 people arrested for terrorist offences in 2017

EU fight against terrorism

Fighting terrorism is a top priority for the EU and its member states as well as its international partners.

The EU strategy focuses on four pillars:

1. prevent
2. protect
3. pursue
4. respond

CSIS’s Transnational Threats Project director Seth Jones explains what’s happening with terrorism in Europe.

Following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, the EU established a list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts and subject to restrictive measures.

These restrictive measures are:

• measures related to freezing of funds and financial assets
  measures related to police and judicial cooperation
• The EU adopted a comprehensive approach to tackle the issues of foreign fighters and home-grown terrorism.

Fighting serious international and organised crime (EU Policy Cycle)

Recent actions in this area include:

• strengthened rules to prevent new forms of terrorism
• reinforced checks at external borders
• enhanced firearms controls
• creating a dedicated body to curb terrorist propaganda online

EUROPE on high terror Alarm
– How safe is your country?