The latest EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report (EU TE-SAT) reveals how online ecosystems are reshaping terrorism. Traditional ideology-driven terrorism dominates the landscape, with jihadism being the most widespread form. However, for a significant number of perpetrators, violence has become a means of gaining identity, recognition, and belonging. This development has created a more fragmented, complex and less predictable threat across Europe.
Terrorism in Europe is entering a new phase. The latest European Union Terrorism Situation and Trend Report (EU TE-SAT) 2026, published today, shows how online ecosystems are fundamentally reshaping the way terrorist threats emerge, evolve online and materialise offline. Traditional ideology-driven terrorism is reported as remaining persistent, with jihadism being the most prevalent form. However, while radicalisation no longer depends solely on direct contact with established terrorist organisations, violent actors increasingly combine extremist ideologies with criminality, conspiracy narratives and nihilistic violence.
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Source: Europol
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