The threat of terrorist attacks in the European Union has increased due to the conflict in Iran, according to the EU law enforcement agency Europol, adding that Iran-directed proxies may also engage in destabilising activities in the EU.
“The terrorist and violent extremist threat level on EU soil is assessed to be heightened. This may manifest itself through homegrown radicalisation by lone-actors or small, self-initiated cells,” said Jan Op Gen Oorth, a Europol spokesman.
He added that rapid dissemination of online content may speed up short-term radicalisation among EU-based diaspora and other individuals.
The European Commission’s Security College decided earlier this week to step up collaboration with Europol amid fears of Iranian retaliation following the killing of Ali Khamenei, the former supreme leader of Iran, during an Israeli-led strike.
Europol said it was also concerned that Iran-directed proxies will be activated.
“These actors include the so-called ‘Axis of Resistance’ and criminal networks assessed to act under the direction of Iranian security institutions,” the Europol official noted.
He added that their operations could include terrorist attacks, intimidation campaigns and terrorism financing, as well as cyber-attacks, disinformation or online fraud schemes.
The risk for cyberattacks targeting Western infrastructure and business may increase further in case the conflict persists, Europol estimates.
“The conflict will generate a parallel dynamic in the online domain. Criminal and terrorist networks will exploit the heightened information environment through AI-enabled fraud and disinformation,” said Op Gen Oorth.
Asked about Cyprus and reports about thousands of pro-regime Iranians in the territory occupied by Turkey, the Europol official replied: “As a matter of principle, Europol maintains constant and structured exchanges with the competent law enforcement authorities in Cyprus and stands ready to support Cyprus whenever such support is requested by the Cypriot authorities.”
