The hybrid dimension of contemporary terrorism and critical infrastructure. Analysis of Europol’s TE-SAT reports from 2021–2024

On the basis of Europol TE-SAT reports from 2021-2024, the author analyses contemporary manifestations of terrorism in the European Union, paying particular attention to its hybrid nature and its impact on the security of critical infrastructure (CI). The starting point of the considerations is the characterisation of the new – according to David Rapoport’s typology – fifth wave of terrorism. It is characterised by, among other things, combining traditional and modern methods of operation, links between terrorists and organised crime and the special services of hostile states, as well as activity in the digital space. Analysis of TE-SAT reports reveals the changing dynamics of attacks and arrests in the EU, the different ideological motivations of the perpetrators (jihadist, separatist, right-wing, left-anarchist) and the rise of so-called “lone wolves”. The author points to the growing role of countries such as Russia, Belarus and Iran in the use of proxy and cyber terrorist instrumentation and emphasises the need to redefine the EU’s counter-terrorism policy, extend Europol’s mandate (including state terrorism), intensify cooperation with NATO and develop the EU’s multidimensional defence capabilities, including enhanced protection of European CI.