Figures show that 68 people died in the European Union in 2017 due to terrorist attacks. In total, 205 terrorist attacks and foiled attempts were recorded in nine countries during this time period.
Europol believes that the number of terrorist attacks is constantly growing, however the acts become less sophisticated. The officials claim that 137 attacks were motivated by ethnic-nationalistic or separatist movements. The jihadists are responsible for the most casualties, 62 from the total number of 68.
According to the report, Europe is still the target of terrorism, the situation in the Middle East and ISIS are representing a threat to the security of the Union. Internet is playing an important role in the radicalization of potential terrorists. In comparison in 2016, Europol recorded 142 failed, foiled and unsuccessful terrorist attempts.
What’s more, 67 percent of the total attempts were organized in the United Kingdom, 42 in France and 7 in Spain, the number of jihadist-motivated attempts increased from 13 in 2016 to 33 in 2017.
Europol identified three models of terrorist attacks: the attacks focused on the highest number of victims, the attacks on the symbols of Western lifestyle and the terrorism concentrated on the authorities.
Terrorism is less visible in cyberspace, but online propaganda is playing a more important role in recruiting prospects. In total, 975 people were taken into custody in connection with terrorism.
