Europol has warned of the persistent "threat" of jihadist terrorism in the old continent, with 24 plots (six attacks and 18 foiled attempts) throughout 2024, compared to 14 in 2023 and just six in 2022. The latest report from the European Police Office warns of the massive use of new technologies and artificial intelligence in the service of the extremist cause, as well as the recruitment of increasingly younger sympathizers.
"Terrorism and violent extremism remain top priorities," stated Europol's Executive Director Catherine De Bolle to Le Figaro, emphasizing the worrying increase in plots related to jihadist terrorism in the past year (alongside incidents attributed to far-left militants and hate campaigns instigated from the far-right).
"All these trends are even more concerning in light of the use of generative AI to create and spread propaganda and hate speech, which has reached unprecedented levels," highlights the report, warning about the creation of "a digital terror ecosystem" and its impact on minors and individuals with psychological disorders.
"In 2024, several coordinated propaganda campaigns were launched threatening major events, aiming to incite supporters to carry out attacks, gain visibility, and attract support," warns Europol, highlighting foiled plots against the Olympic Games in Paris, the European Football Championship in Germany, or a concert in Vienna.
According to the report, a total of 14 countries in the EU reported a total of 58 terrorist attacks (19 of them foiled) attributable to all ideologies. The deadliest were precisely those attributed to the jihadist cause, with five fatalities and 18 injured.
Of the six attacks attributed in 2024 to supporters of Daesh (Islamic State) or Al Qaeda, two were carried out in France (Le Mans and La Grande-Motte), two in Germany, one in Ireland, and one in the Netherlands. Of the 18 foiled attacks, nine occurred in France, four in Germany, three in Austria, one in Belgium, and one in Spain.
Europol also warns that suspects are increasingly younger (a third of them under twenty years old). "The trend of involving younger individuals continued over the past year through social media contact," highlighted the report, which also reveals a growing disconnect with "established jihadist movements" and a limited understanding of the jihadist ideology among new followers, many of whom are in social isolation.
Finally, the report highlights how the Gaza conflict was exploited throughout 2024 "with the aim of inciting attacks and increasing violence, particularly against Israeli and Jewish targets." Specifically, Europol points out a campaign titled "Kill them wherever you find them" launched on social media by the Islamic State.