Bartjan Wigtar, the EU's Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, has raised concerns about the rising phenomenon of extremism among teenagers in EU countries, noting that security agencies are dealing with cases involving children as young as 12 years old. In an interview with Euronews, Wigtar explained that this extremism can develop rapidly, often within just a few weeks.
Wigtar pointed out that young people in the age group of 12 to 20 years are the most susceptible to recruitment for criminal purposes, even if they have no prior criminal records in their daily lives. He emphasized that teenagers spend between five and eight hours a day on social media, facilitating their connections with extremist elements without the need for in-person meetings.
Details of the Issue
Wigtar reported that the biggest challenge authorities face is the difficulty in monitoring these activities due to the heavy use of the digital space. He added that European countries need to share best practices and data, alongside the importance of monitoring the digital environment where these activities primarily occur.
He stressed the need for engagement with digital platforms and collaboration with companies in this field to ensure their responsibility in combating content that contributes to youth radicalization. Estimates indicate a noticeable rise in the involvement of minors and young people in behaviors related to terrorism, with reports from the EU Security Center showing that 449 individuals were arrested in 2024 on terrorism-related charges, with nearly a third of them aged between 12 and 20 years.
Background & Context
In recent years, Europe has witnessed a growing trend of extremism, including jihadist extremism. Although the so-called ISIS no longer exists as a cohesive entity after losing the territories it occupied in the Middle East, the organization has adapted to the new circumstances. It has shifted towards new methods focusing on recruiting youth from within European countries, rather than organizing attacks from outside borders.
The situation is not limited to jihadist extremism; there is also a rise in both right-wing and left-wing extremist movements that are increasingly manifesting online, gaining new followers, especially among the youth. Wigtar refers to the concept of "complex terrorism," which involves a mix of elements from various extremist ideologies that are difficult to categorize.
Impact & Consequences
These extremist ideologies fall under what is termed "nihilistic extremism," targeting societies at large and attracting youth who have no prior ideology. This trend reflects a pursuit of social disruption through digital communities that shape these ideologies. Wigtar notes that this phenomenon does not fit neatly into traditional definitions of terrorism, but it encompasses many significant characteristics.
Analyses indicate that the challenges posed by these developments require deeper attention from governments and European societies to ensure an effective response to extremism. Moreover, these phenomena should be viewed as part of a broader landscape that includes diverse and overlapping forms of violence and extremism, calling for new and multidimensional measures.
Regional Significance
The phenomenon of extremism and the increasing recruitment of youth in Europe is an issue that resonates with the Arab world, reflecting the clash of values and identities in the international community. As extremist ideologies spread, Arab countries must be cautious and enhance efforts in education and youth awareness to counteract radical ideas.
Additionally, these phenomena may impact migration and the understanding of extremism issues within Arab societies, highlighting the necessity for international cooperation to combat these new patterns of violence.