The 2013 EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report published by Europol shows that the total number of terrorist attacks and related arrests in the EU significantly increased in 2012, in contrast to previous years. Internet remains a key facilitator for terrorism-related activities.

Europol, the European Union’s law enforcement agency, has published its 2013 EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report which shows how the total number of terrorist attacks and related arrests in the EU significantly increased in 2012, in contrast to previous years. According to the report, terrorism continues to evolve from one posed by structured groups and networks to smaller EU-based groups and solo terrorists, while the Internet remains a key facilitator for terrorism-related activities. In 2011, Europol registered an increase of terrorist attacks made by solo actors in the EU.

Rob Wainwright, Director of Europol, stressed that there is growing concern about the threat posed by these people, given the possibility of their returning to the European Union intent on committing acts of terrorism increasing numbers of radicalised EU citizens travelled to regions of conflict to engage in terrorist activities. In this respect the developments in the Sahel region are of major interest to the security situation of the EU.

The report also highlights that the Internet remains an essential communication platform for terrorist organisations and their sympathisers, enabling increasingly wide-spread access, anonymity and connection to a global audience that can be addressed in a targeted way. Europol also reports that the rapid development of social media on the Internet has provided new opportunities for instant and personalised access to supporters as well as potential recruits for terrorist groups.