Ylva Johansson, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, stated on Tuesday that the European Union is currently facing an increased terrorism threat due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
Speaking upon her arrival in Brussels, Belgium, to participate in a meeting with EU interior ministers, Johansson highlighted, “Amidst the war between Israel and Hamas and the polarization it causes in our society, coupled with the upcoming holiday season, there is a significant risk of terrorist attacks in the European Union.”
Johansson referred to last Saturday’s knife attack in Paris, where a German tourist was killed and two others were injured, and mentioned previous incidents. The Commissioner announced the provision of an additional 30 million Euros (approximately $32.4 million) for the protection of places of worship, among other measures.
The EU interior ministers are set to discuss security within the bloc against the backdrop of the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. The agenda also includes the Schengen Area for visa-free movement within the EU and progress in reforming the bloc’s asylum and migration procedures.
