What's happened
Europol's latest report highlights a surge in politically motivated cyber-attacks and organized crime in the EU, particularly linked to state actors like Russia. The report outlines various tactics used by criminal networks, including cyber-attacks and migrant smuggling, posing significant threats to EU stability.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- Hybrid Threats: The report identifies a 'shadow alliance' between state actors and organized crime, suggesting that criminal networks are increasingly acting as proxies for geopolitical agendas.
- AI's Role: AI is enhancing the sophistication of cyber-attacks, making them more precise and harder to detect. This evolution is described as a 'digital arms race' targeting various sectors.
- Impact on Society: The report warns that these criminal activities undermine the rule of law and societal stability, with implications for public trust in institutions.
- Future Outlook: As Europol prepares to double its staff and enhance security measures, the urgency for EU nations to address these threats is paramount. The integration of AI in crime will likely escalate, necessitating a proactive approach from law enforcement.
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Europol's report emphasizes that 'hybrid threat actors engage in ongoing, seemingly minor actions that collectively erode stability.' This aligns with AP News's assertion that 'cybercrime is evolving into a digital arms race targeting governments, businesses, and individuals.' Both sources highlight the increasing intertwining of state-sponsored and traditional cybercriminal activities, with The Independent noting that 'some attacks show a combination of motives of profit and destabilization.' This convergence of interests underscores the complexity of modern cyber threats and the need for coordinated responses across the EU.
How we got here
The report, released on March 18, 2025, is part of Europol's four-year assessment of organized crime, reflecting the evolving landscape of cybercrime and its intersection with state-sponsored activities. Recent geopolitical tensions have intensified these threats.
Go deeper
- What specific threats are highlighted in the report?
- How is AI impacting cybercrime?
- What actions are EU nations taking in response?
Common question
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What Are the Latest Cyber Threats and Organized Crime Trends in the EU?
As cyber threats continue to evolve, understanding the latest trends in organized crime within the EU is crucial. Recent reports from Europol highlight the increasing involvement of state actors, particularly Russia, in politically motivated cyber-attacks. This page explores the tactics used by criminal networks and the measures being implemented to combat these threats.
More on these topics
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Europol, officially the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation, is the law enforcement agency of the European Union (EU). Established in 1998, it is based in The Hague, Netherlands, and serves as the central hub for coordinating criminal...
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Catherine De Bolle is the executive director of Europol, succeeding Rob Wainwright whose term expired on 1 May 2018. Before that she was the chief commissioner of the Belgian federal police and chief of the police of zone Ninove.