de.euronews.com
EU reports 58 terrorist attacks in 2024, a 50% decrease from 2023
In 2024, 14 EU member states reported 58 terrorist attacks, half the number reported in 2023 (120), with most attributed to jihadist terrorism and targeting civilians, according to Europol.
- What were the most significant impacts of the decrease in terrorist attacks in the EU in 2024?
- While the number of attacks decreased significantly, jihadist attacks increased, resulting in 5 deaths and 18 injuries. Most attacks targeted civilians, with the industrial sector as the second most common target. This highlights a shift in tactics rather than a complete reduction in threat.
- What factors contributed to the increase in jihadist terrorism and the involvement of young people in terrorist activities?
- The rise in jihadist terrorism is linked to increased online propaganda and self-radicalization among young people, often acting alone or in small groups. Psychological vulnerability, social isolation, and digital addiction contribute significantly to this radicalization.
- What are the long-term implications of the trends observed in this Europol report, particularly regarding youth involvement in terrorism?
- The continued rise in youth involvement, especially through online radicalization, presents a persistent long-term threat. The ease of accessing extremist propaganda online and the susceptibility of young people to this content necessitate proactive counter-terrorism strategies focusing on digital platforms and youth outreach programs.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The text presents the information in a relatively neutral manner, focusing on the factual data provided by Europol. There is no overt attempt to frame the information in a way that favors a particular viewpoint. However, the inclusion of the age of the youngest suspect (12 years old) and the emphasis on the rise of online radicalization could be seen as subtly framing the issue around the vulnerability of young people.
Language Bias
The language used is largely objective and neutral, using factual descriptions and statistics. There is no overtly loaded language or emotional appeals. The use of terms like "dschihadistischer Terrorismus" (jihadist terrorism) is factual but could be considered potentially loaded depending on context and audience.
Bias by Omission
The report omits information about the specific nature of the terrorist attacks, the methods used, and the targets beyond general categories (civilians, industry). This limits the depth of understanding about the nature of the threat. Also missing is information on the effectiveness of counter-terrorism measures in the EU.
Gender Bias
The report acknowledges gender disparities in arrests (overwhelmingly male suspects), including a specific statistic on the number of female suspects. While it doesn't delve into deeper analysis of gender roles in terrorism, the inclusion of the data avoids perpetuating stereotypes.
Sustainable Development Goals
The decrease in terrorist attacks in the EU from 120 in 2023 to 58 in 2024 shows progress in strengthening institutions and enhancing security, which is directly related to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The increase in arrests for terrorism-related crimes also indicates improved law enforcement and justice systems. However, the rise in involvement of young people in terrorism is a concerning trend that requires further attention to prevent future incidents and address root causes.