Critical challenges facing Europe

Since the terrorist attacks in Paris, Europe has found itself in an open confrontation with new methods of terrorism. 

Europe now faces threats from unconventional terrorism, with very simple operations at the planning level that increase in devastation based on the element of surprise. 

The European lifestyle is under threat because this new mode of terrorism is simply targeting all aspects of civic life. Europe is facing a terrorist strategy based on spreading chaos and frequent attacks on various locations. This is most evident in France, and seems to be spreading to many European countries, such as Germany. 

These frequent attacks do not necessarily require big numbers of terrorist or any sophisticated tools, but they target vital areas — transportation, shopping centers, cafés, music halls and restaurants… etc. 

But this does not necessarily mean that this strategy will be the only tactic applied by terrorists. 

However, this simple operation model poses a very serious threat due to its potential to inflict heavy losses at a relatively low cost on the part of the terrorists; thus increasing pressure on security agencies and depleting energy and resources.

It also simultaneously creates an atmosphere of fear that negatively affects both the social and political structure of society. Challenges in Europe are many. At the internal level, facing the waves of terrorism is essential, along with dealing with the growing strength of far-right groups. These populist groups thrive on the culture of fear and hatred that can be a reaction to the increased terrorist threat.

At the political level, the right and the left seem to be losing credibility as extreme groups take centre stage, signaling a potential reshaping of the political identity of European governments. This might also lead to a phase of political instability.

These transformations could additionally affect security in each country, especially the structure and the efficiency of security agencies. 

The security challenges in Europe are increasing, and closing an eye to “the enemy at home” might lead to severe consequences. 

So far, most of the attacks conducted in Europe have not been sophisticated in terms of weapons and equipment, but what if these operations become more complex? 

What if security apparatuses in Europe prove to be inefficient in facing such an escalation?

European security challenges are many, yet future political challenges might be even more serious if the security situation continues to deteriorate and this new terrorist strategy of spreading chaos goes on unabated.

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